UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO HELPING RELATIONSHIP
What is helping?
An effective helper does not interrupt with the role and function of a helpee while solving the problems.
The counsellor as a therapeutic person
The dimensions of therapy and the meanings that occur between therapist and helpee as they work together can heal the suffering helpee.
Personal characteristic of effective helper
Have an identity
Respect and appreciate themselves
Open to change
Make choices that are life oriented
Authentic, sincere and honest
Facilitative aspects of helping
Helping can provide support and relief
Benefits for the helper
Helper will feel needed and gain self worth
Increase positive self regards
feels better psychologically
Increase ability to solve own problem
Characteristic of helpher
Positive regard or acceptance of the other person
Patience
Honesty
Humility
Clients can gain insight to understand themselves in new ways
Helping can promote proactive involvement in life
Client can learn skill needed (effective communication, learning to relax, studying more effectively, etc)
Allows a client to experience a healthy, non-damaging and intimate relationship with other people.
Assist individual in dealing with existential concern (who i am?, where am i going?)
Problematic aspects of helping
Sometime helping provide just enough relief
Helping can create dependency if client rely too much on their helper
Helper unduly impose personal or societal value on their clients.
Helper work outside their areas of competence (not having knowledge about that area)
Awareness of self and personal values
Helpers have to understand others' value and non-judgmental in helping others
Helpers need to be aware on their own personal values and belief