Tip 4: Ask the expert
Although I have training in a variety of therapeutic modalities, sometimes all I know is not enough and I feel stuck. It may be that the person I am working with is still suffering in the same way, or that their loved ones have expressed their dismay that treatment seems to have stalled.
I do take my cases to supervision and find that it is possible to come away with a different perspective, and a fresh way of working with a problem. However, that is not always available and I have found the following technique, mentioned in Motivational Interviewing (Miller and Rollnick) to be very helpful.
I start by being honest and sharing my sense that what I am doing isn't working, and I ask permission to do something different. I explain what I am going to do, and then the patient sits in another seat.
From that new position, I ask 'I'm feeling a little stuck at the moment working with X, and I'd like your advice. I really want to help, and I can't quite see what would be a good next step. What do you think is going on with X, and what might I try?' And then I thank the 'consultant', when the patient goes back to their chair.
I am always amazed at what is achieved by this exercise. It is a wonderful reminder that people are experts on themselves, and that being an observer to our own experience and describing it in the third person can provide some surprising insights!
I really enjoyed reading this article because it highlights the importance of listening to patients and recognising that they are experts on their own experiences. Asking someone to look at their situation from a different perspective is a simple but powerful technique that can encourage self-awareness and new insights. I believe this approach also shows why communication, empathy, and critical thinking are valuable skills to develop from an early age. Athi River Schools play an important role in creating learning environments where children can build confidence, express themselves, and learn to understand different perspectives. Thank you for sharing this practical and thought-provoking technique!
I really appreciate this approach because it shows how powerful collaboration can be in counseling. I believe that sometimes, people need a different perspective to understand their own challenges and discover possible solutions. Vehicles for sale in Kenya are available at Ace Prestige Motors. Asking patients to become the “expert” in their situation is a creative way to encourage self-reflection, confidence, and personal responsibility. I also admire the therapist’s willingness to acknowledge when progress has stalled rather than continuing with an ineffective approach. This article reminds me that meaningful change often begins when we listen carefully, remain open-minded, and recognize that individuals have valuable knowledge about their own experiences and needs.
Thank you for this practical piece. When study stress gets too high, it is common to feel overwhelmed and wish someone could take my test for me, but articles like this offer true clarity and real tools to handle difficult situations. Wonderful work!
What a fantastic resource! Having expert answers to common counselling and communication questions is extremely helpful for students and practitioners alike. When stress levels rise from handling too many study modules at once, it is completely normal for a tired student to wish they could have someone do my online course for me so they can focus better on real-world practice. Articles like this one offer great encouragement and clarity. Thank you for putting together such a thoughtful and informative post!