Counselling And Dealing With Addictions


Counselling refers to the process through which common psychological problems are solved by applying comprehensive interactions between a therapist, also known as the counsellor and the client. The process has historically proved to be of great help in assisting individuals cope and deal effectively with psychological and life problems. Addictions are some of the common problems that can be solved through counselling.


Addictions arise from behaviours and habits that in the beginning looks fulfilling and easy to deal with only for them to get out of hand, and the individual loses control. The objective of counselling in the treatment of addiction is twofold. First, counselling helps open up the addicts mind to recognise the problem at hand. This is important because when the impact and the negative effects of an addiction are recognisable. The addict is in a good position to look at life from another angle. Secondly, the counselling session is never complete before the addict is offered a chance to select and pursue better solution. The solutions thus selected should be realistic, and appropriate to solve the problem affecting the addict. When this is not ensured, the addiction does not resolve, and the client experiences only minor relief. The incidence of recurring is increased.


Since addictions are of various forms; from chemical addiction, harmful activities addictions among others; the approach to counselling is different. The type of addiction is, therefore, one of the determinants of the structure of counselling that a counsellor will employ. Despite the differences, it is the responsibility of the counsellor to establish a supportive and comfortable environment for the client to open up adequately. It is only when the client can trust the counsellor that he or she will be prepared to express themselves during the counselling session, a crucial aspect of the process. A comfortable environment must be friendly, engaging, trustworthy, confidential and non-judgemental.


In conclusion, addiction is one of the main problems that have benefited from counselling. As more studies are being done, better approaches to counselling in dealing with addiction are being developed. However, the bottom line remains that the counsellor’s approach to counselling is an important factor to the success of counselling. Finding the underlying problem and hence coming up with a range of solutions depends on the relationship that the therapist establishes with the client and hence the environment. The more friendly the counselling session is, without compromising the professionalism, the better the outcome.

 
 
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