Question 1
As a therapist, there is the need to ensure that consistency in whatever one does is obtained. This is to ensure that all the clients are handled with the best approach depending on the kind of situation that they are in (Crooks & Baur 2017). However, there is the need to realize that as a professional worker and one who is relied upon by society, being prone to fatigue is inevitable. Hence, there is a need to introduce measures of self-care that would ensure the continuity of top performance in executing the duties of a therapist.
As a prospective therapist, there are self-care practices that I will consider in the line of duty to avoid work-related issues that could lead to my not being able to deliver to the expectations of the employer and the clients as well. Taking regular breaks that are scheduled would be the first choice of the two approaches. Regular breaks are recommended not only in the professional life of a therapist but also in other careers. They are meant to relieve the stress that has been accumulated during working hours.
Limiting work hours and caseload would be the next step toward self-care as a professional. This would give me time to take part in other activities that interest me. It is good to note that life does not revolve just around the professional life of an individual. Having hobbies and that help relax the mind by swaying it away from the daily routine of professionalism plays a major role in ensuing self-care.
Question 2
The first meeting usually plays a major role in shaping the therapeutic session that is going to take place. Depending on the perception that the client gets once they get to the office, they either perceive themselves as being in the right place or vice versa becomes true (Killermann, 2017). It is, therefore, important that a welcoming space and environment befitting the office of a therapist is prepared to make a first impression. As a future therapist, there are the things I would wish to consider putting in place at my office, and are discussed below:
First, it is important that the office is modest and free of weird and unnecessary items. Clients want to be met with an environment that need not be intimidating but rather welcoming. The tidiness of the room shall, therefore, be taken with the seriousness it deserves. This gives the client the impression that they are dealing with someone who is able to manage their time and space as well.
The office should also not be too isolated in that it is in total silence and appears to be a ghost office. There is a need to have some nearby offices that have some other businesses running up to make the client feel that they are not isolated. For LGBTQ clients, the best approach would be not to interfere with their social life unless where the need arises and they ask for help with such matters. Treating them like ordinary clients and showing them that nothing is out of the norm would be very advisable.
Question 3
In my opinion, the coursework has been very elaborate in teaching and tackling all the parts of the coursework. Provided readings have also played a great role in clearing up some of the issues that seemed hard to understand. However, the issue of LGBTQ and how they should be handled during therapy should be elaborated further as these are special groups in society who need special treatment, too.
References
Crooks, R. & Baur, K. (2017). Our Sexuality (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Killermann, S. (2017). A Guide to Gender: The Social Justice Advocate’s Handbook (2nd ed.). Austin, TX: Impetus Books.
