Why Research Based?

Research is important because it can direct us to the most favorable outcomes and provides direction to the clinical process.  As a counselor it is important to find solutions that bring about lasting change.  Quick fixes often lead to a quick return to the old and familiar.  

Lasting change is best directed toward measurable outcomes and improved emotional well being.  Emotional well being can be difficult to measure, and it is different for each person.  Measurable goals however help to provide evidence of change.  This can provide hope and encouragement on the path to an increased sense of contentment and gratitude with increased resilience.   

Speaking of resilience………….

The topic of resilience is well documented in research as highly related (correlated) to success across a broad spectrum of life functions and events.  Those with resilience tend toward an increased level of satisfaction and success in life.  In today’s culture  so many are so easily offended, this is evidence of a lack of resilience to life’s realities and difficulties.

Pop Psychology (as opposed to research based) functions in a way as to only reinforce emotional experience without challenging the emotional experiences validity.  Our perceptions and therefore emotions are susceptible to misunderstanding or outright error.

As an example: People at times believe that since they are angry, someone has done something wrong to them.  Often anger can simply be based on a misunderstanding and only needs clarity to resolve the issue.  Unfortunately, the belief that I am angry therefore you did something wrong to me, can be very misguided.  

Pop Psych simply seeks to validate the feelings.  Good clinical practice informs us that frequently not everything is what it seems to be. Clinical practice seeks insight to clarify perceptions and misperceptions.  Clarity leads to more effective outcomes, not misdirected efforts.

This is a complicated topic.  I will address it further in an upcoming blog post.  Once I do that, I will post it.   Be a wise consumer, ask questions and expect answers.  A good counselor will be willing to discuss their approach and the way in which they see people, how they approach change, and how do they help bring about change.

At BCSI we meet for a session or two.  Then we evaluate the fit between counselor and client.  We are realistic.  Not everyone meshes well.  If it is a good fit as determined by the client we move forward.  If the fit is not good we will make every effort to help a client find a counselor that is more suitable to the client’s needs.

Be Well.  

Jay Bud