Consulting:Lessons Learned From the In-Residence Component
Consulting:Lessons Learned From the In-Residence Component
Thein-residence component of the course provided me with an opportunityto practice some of the skills that I have learned theoretically. Ilearned two major lessons from my participation in the component.First, the success of the psychotherapists is highly dependent ontheir interpersonal skills. This is because most of thepsychotherapeutic approaches (such as the cognitive behavioraltherapy) are talk-therapies that depend on one’s ability to buildand a strong relationship with the client through communication. Forexample, the therapists should be able to use verbal as well asnon-verbal communication cues to build trust with the client(Glasser, 2002).
Secondly,I learned that success in the field of psychotherapy is achievedthrough collaboration. This means that, even the most educated andexperienced therapists consult with each other. Collaborationfacilitates sharing of knowledge and asking for help, especially whenone is dealing with a unique psychological problem (Brown, Pryzwansky& Schulte, 2011).
Themost valuable aspect of the in-residence component is therelationship that I had with the faculty and peers. This was a uniqueopportunity to interact with peers and professionals in the field ofpsychotherapy at a personal level, but for a scholarly purpose. Therelationship allowed me to interact and consulting with experiencedfaculty and building a strong team of friends with whom I could sharelife experiences outside the work settings. Therefore, thein-residence component was a great opportunity that allowed me toestablish social as well as professional networks.
Iwill use four major steps to continue building on what I learned andexperienced during the in-residence component. First, I will open mymind to meet and interact with new people, since this is anopportunity to get unique skills and experiences that lead to healthyinterpersonal relationships. Secondly, I will respect diversity inorder to socialize and work with people from different backgroundsand academic levels. Third, I will focus on the quality of allrelationships in order to ensure that other people can learn from meas I learn from them. Fourth, I will foster cooperation in any areaof my practice and social interaction. This is because cooperationprovides a platform on which people can share values and ideas(Brown, Pryzwansky & Schulte, 2011).
Inconclusion, the in-residence component allowed me to build onpersonal as well as professional networks and interpersonalrelationships. These networks and relationships can be advanced inthe future by respecting diversity, building quality relationships,and fostering cooperation.
References
Brown,D., Pryzwansky, W. & Schulte, A. C. (2011). Psychologicalconsultation and collaboration: Introduction to theory and practice(7th ed.).Boston, MA: Pearson.
Glasser,J. K. (2002). Factors related to consultant credibility. ConsultingPsychology Journal: Practice and Research,54 (1), 28-42.