Instruction
You should respond to at least 1 other classmates’ posts. You must also consult and use at least one outside source and list the reference in the discussion and use it to support your answer to one or more of the questions. When asserting opinions, you must provide evidence from the text or another source as the basis for your opinion.
The two personal characteristics of effective counselors that would be most helpful in this situation is Effective therapists have a sincere interest in the welfare of others. This is one because “This concern is based on respect, care, trust, and a real valuing of others” (Corey, p.20). In this case Melinda needs guidance on why she can’t go through with the abortion even though she knows they can’t afford another child right now. She is trusting me with her concerns on her situation and trying to find “what is wrong with her”. I have to respect her final decision she makes after finishing her sessions and conclude what she wants to do. Effective therapists possess effective interpersonal skills is the second one because “They are capable of entering the world of others without getting lost in this world, and they strive to create collaborative relationships with others. They readily entertain another person’s perspective and can work together towards consensual goals.” (Corey, p.20). I have to see Melinda’s perspective on why she can’t go through with the abortion. What is stopping her from making an appointment even though this is the best solution she sees in her situation.
The issues faced by beginning therapists I might face in this specific case is Dealing with demands from clients “Some clients may expect you to continually demonstrate how much you care or demand that you tell them what to do and how to solve a problem.” (Corey, p.30). Another one is Declining to give advice “They want more than direction; they want a wise counselor to make a decision or resolve a problem for them.” (Corey, p.32). Melinda might just want someone else to make a decision for her instead of her making a bad/good decision because of being afraid of the aftermath of the decision to abort or not. “Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) found no evidence that women begin to regret their decisions as years passed.” (UC San Francisco). “While women did not report regretting their decision, many did struggle initially to make it.” (UC San Francisco). Melinda may be struggle at the moment but with guidance, she can better comprehend on what is stopping her from scheduling the appointment. Leading her to making the decision that is best for her, her family, and her future.
The counseling ethical issues I need to consider in this specific case is Ethical decision making because “The more subtle the ethical dilemma, the more complex and demanding the decision-making process.” (Corey, P.40). I may not be able to guide Melinda in her decision about the abortion due to not knowing how the husband feels about the abortion; if he is letting her decide on her own because it’s her body and her choice, or if she even told her husband yet about the pregnancy or abortion. Ethical issues in the assessment process are another issue because “The therapy sessions provide useful clues about the nature of the client’s problem.” (Corey, p.46). In this case we may or may not know on why Melinda isn’t able to make an appointment. Maybe she wouldn’t like her discovering along the way and avoid further sessions.
