Monday 14 October 2013

Disadvantages of Eclectic Counseling

Disadvantages of Eclectic Counseling

1) Some people are of the view that eclectic counseling is vague, opportunistic and superficial.

2) Both directive and non-directive counseling cannot be mixed together.

3) In this, the question arises how much freedom should be given to the client? For this there is non-definite rule.


4) The problem with an eclectic orientation is that counselors often do more harm than good if they have little or no understanding about what is helping the client.

Characteristic of Eclectic Counseling

Characteristic of Eclectic Counseling
 
1) In this, objective and coordinating methods are used.

2) In the beginning of counseling, client-active methods are used and the counselor remains passive.

3) In this, more importance is assigned to the job efficiency and treatment.

4) In this, the principle of low expenditure is emphasized.

5) In such counseling, for the use of all the methods and techniques, the professional efficiency and skill of the counselor are must.

6) Keeping in mind the need of the client, it is decided whether directive method or non-directive methods should be used.

7) Making an opportunity available to the client is insisted so that he may find himself the solution of the problem.

Assumptions of Eclectic Counseling

Assumptions of Eclectic Counseling

1) In general, passive methods should be used whenever possible.

2) Active methods may be used with specific indications.

3) In the early stages when the client is telling his story, passive techniques are usually the methods of choice. This permits emotional release.

4) Until simple methods have failed, complicated methods should not be attempted.

5) All counseling should be client centered.

6) Every client should be given an opportunity to resolve his problems indirectly. Inability of the client to progress through therapy as using passive methods alone is an indication for utilizing more directive methods.

7) Directive methods are usually indicated in situational mal adjustment where a solution cannot be achieved without co-operation from other persons.

Steps in Eclectic counseling

Steps in Eclectic counseling

1) Diagnosis of the cause.

2) Analysis of the problem.

3) Preparation of a tentative plan for modifying factors.

4) Securing effective conditions for counseling.

5) Interviewing and stimulating the client to develop his own resources and to assume its responsibility for trying new modes of adjustment.

6) Proper handling of any related problems which may contribute to adjustment.

Eclectic Approach to Counseling

Eclectic Approach to Counseling

An eclectic counseling is the process of selecting what is applicable to the client from a wide range of theories, methods and practices. An eclectic counselor is one who will select what is applicable to the client from a wide range of theories, methods and practices. Eclectic counseling enhances clients possibilities for greater insights and positive change.

Eclectic counseling is defined as the synthesis and combination of directive and non-directive counseling. It represents a middle status between the two extremes represented by the ‘non-directive’ technique on one hand and the ‘directive’ technique on the other.
In eclectic counseling, the counselor is neither too active as in the directive counseling nor too passive as in the non-directive counseling. He just follows the middle path between these two.

In eclectic counseling, the needs of a person and his personality are studied by the counselor. After this the counselor selects those techniques, which will be useful for the person. The main techniques used are reassurance giving information, case history, testing etc.


In eclectic counseling the counselor first takes into consideration the personality and need of the counselee. He selects the directive or non-directive technique that seems to serve the purpose best. The counselor may start with the directive technique. When the situation demands, he may switch over to the non-directive counseling and vice-versa. An attempt is made to adjust the technique to the requirements of the situation and the individual.

Friday 11 October 2013

Drink Warm Lemon Water in the Morning

10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Warm Lemon Water in the Morning

Instead of getting a cup of coffee, why not replace it with a warm water lemon drink!? Below are the good factors to consider.

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water every day and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.

3. Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.

4. Aids digestion: Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin: The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

10. Helps kick the coffee habit: After taking a glass of warm lemon water, most people suggests of less craving for coffee in the morning.

Why it has to be warm water not cold? Cold water likely provides a shock or stress factor to the body. It takes energy for your body to process cold water.

The recipe is really simple - a cup of warm water (not hot) and the juice from half of a lemon.


World Mental Health Day 
- 10th October 2013 - of Ernakulam Psychiatric Society

The Theme: Mental Health and Older Adults









Wednesday 13 March 2013

Stress and Pregnancy


Stress and Pregnancy

Stress is very much a part of most people's lives.

Stress can be encountered in everyday hassles like bills to pay, long queues or traffic or poor time management.

Stress during pregnancy can be chronic as in situations of domestic abuse. 

Stress during pregnancy can be acute as in the death of a loved one. 

Stress during pregnancy can lead to harmful tendencies such as drinking. 

Too much stress during pregnancy leads to mental and physical ailments.

Stressed out people often get angry quickly and fall sick easily.

Often we can't tell if we are suffering from stress. The way you live and your reactions to everyday situations can affect your stress level. Do you sleep well or do you worry about your work and family, health, money and other everyday concerns. If yes you could be stressed.

The signs

• Reduced concentration or focus
• Irritation or feeling hassled easily
• Disturbed eating patterns i.e. loss of appetite or binging 

• Insomnia and fatigue
• Feeling anxious all the time
• Withdrawal
• Body aches and headaches
• Inability to relax
• High blood pressure

The Relax Technique

Once a day for 10 minutes or more, focus on relaxation. Lie back in a chair or on your side on the bed with pillows supporting your neck and shoulders. Take slow deep breaths. 

Think about something pleasant with your eyes shut. Block out your surroundings, the world at large and just focus on pleasantries or your baby. Contract and relax every part of your body.

Focus on how your body feels. Start with your toes first; squeeze your toes and then let go. Feel the tension seep out of your body. Do the same with your calves, thighs, pelvic floor, buttocks and so on until you reach your forehead. Stay in this state, ensuring all your muscles are relaxed and at the same time stay focused on your imagined thought. The aim is to prevent worrying thoughts from entering your mind. Surrender yourself to tranquility.
It may not come easily but learning to relax is beneficial and it is something that requires practice and dedication. Make it a habit to spend quiet time away from everything else.

Sunday 24 February 2013

Circumstance - the Director

Always share your difficulties with a person you trust - who could keep the confidentiality and have a positive attitude - would lead you how to overcome it and indirectly filled you with positive energy.

Our personality in genetic, but the circumstance have the role of a Director.

So be a counsellor to self and direct the thoughts for a good Director. 

Saturday 27 October 2012

Individual Therapy --Counseling


Individual Therapy


Therapy/ Counseling

Therapy is intended to help people make changes. These changes may involve thinking differently, feeling differently, and/or acting differently. Therapy is intended to be a process in which one moves along in their personal development, enhances their relationships with others, and helps them adjust to and face life’s challenges.

How therapy is conducted is determined by the nature of the difficulty one is experiencing. It is also influenced by age and/or stage of development. 

While the particular approach in therapy will be influenced by the special needs of the individual child, adolescent, or adult it is managed in a way which uses well-accepted principles to guide the process of change.  therapist must have the skill to assist her clients' in addressing their challenges and help clients move along toward their personal goals

Wednesday 24 October 2012

How long Therapy take


How long does therapy take?

The length of your therapy depends on your therapeutic goals. In general, the more specific your goals are, the less time the therapy takes. For example, if you seek therapy because you have a specific phobia, such as flying, or test taking, therapy tends to last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

On the other hand, long-term therapy is better suited to addressing more subtle emotional issues, such as long standing dissatisfaction with different areas of your life. Long-term therapy goes deeper into the origins of unwanted feelings and behaviors, and can help you to change undesirable patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. Long-term therapy is less structured than short-term, and it can be very effective in alleviating emotional distress and promoting change.

How Psychotherapy Help


How does psychotherapy help?

Sometimes people who are trying as hard as they can to get through a rough time find that they can’t cope by themselves. They may need help sorting out their feelings, finding solutions to their problems, or just feeling better. That’s when therapy can help.

Therapy is a collaborative effort in which a client(s) and therapist join forces to resolve the persistent problems and underlying patterns of behavior that are interfering with a more satisfying life. Through therapy, people learn to recognize and change their patterns of behavior, thinking, feeling which are related to current life difficulties.

Therapy


What is therapy?

The word "therapy" is most often used to mean psychotherapy - the psychological treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. Psychotherapy looks like talking - but it is really treatment. It's a process that is a lot like learning. Through therapy, people learn about themselves. They discover ways to overcome troubling feelings or behaviors, develop inner strengths or skills, or make changes in themselves or their situations.

A psychotherapist, or therapist, is a person who has been trained to help people work through their emotional problems. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers are the titles of some of the licensed professionals who work as therapists.

Most therapy is a combination of building trust, talking and listening, and receiving support and guidance. Through talking, listening and observing, a therapist can evaluate the problem that needs attention. It is the therapist's job to help a person figure out what's been making him or her so unhappy, and how to change that.

Sunday 20 May 2012

Group Games -6


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games


Human machine:

Ask each of the groups to present a machine how it is assembled or how it works etc.

The group comes and performs the human machine.

Let others guess what the machine is.

Tell the name of it, only if they cannot guess.

…e.g. Motor cycle, jeep, rice mill, tractor, printing press, cooker, grinder...

Group Games -5


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games


Creativity:

Participants are divided into small groups of 4.

Each group is given a set of things.

………………………e.g. an apple, matches, toothpicks, paper clips, rubber bands, cardboard, etc...

Scissors and sketch pens can be made available.

The groups are given 20 minutes to create some object that would be useful in any time.

They are limited in their creation to the use of these items supplied
………..but they do have to use all of them.

If should be explained that created items will be judged on imagination of purpose and efficiency of design.

At the end of 20 or 30 minutes of creativity each group through a representative, must verbally 'sell' the idea to the groups.

Prizes are awarded to the most creative group with a beautiful explanation.

Group Games -4


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games

Blowing the feather:

Divide your guests into teams of equal number.

Give each team a small feather.

As the game gets under way, each team tosses its feather into the air
………………and endeavors to keep it there, by blowing.

Each contestant must keep its feather in the air longest is the winner and the windiest.

Group Games -3


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games



Blowing of the T.T. ball:

 Either 2 or 2 teams are formed.

A TT ball is placed between them on a table or on the ground.

At a given signal they have to blow the ball to their opposite sides respectively, ............while their hands being held behind.

The team which succeeds in blowing is the winner.

Group Games -2


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games


Come along:

 All…but one stands in a circle…players standing three feet apart and facing.

Have each player mark the place where he stands.

Place the extra player on the outside of the circle.

The extra player goes around the circle…..touching one or more player as he passes them.

When he touches a player, he says….come along.

The player at once leaves the circle and follows behind the first player.

In this way those who have been touched follow the first player.

This goes until there are six or eight players following the first.

When he says 'go home' each of the player including the first player then attempts to get any on the circles not necessarily the one he started.

The player who fails to get a place now starts the game.

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Group Games -1


DYNAMIC GAMES – Group Games


Ping pong bang shoot

Divide the participants in groups of 5.

Each group would name themselves after a country.

As soon as the name of their country is called out

           …the first in the group calls…ping; the second…pong; the third…shoot, etc …..and the last in the line calls out the name of another country.

The procedure continues.

If any in the group mispronounces what they ought to say or anticipates before the others in the line or fails to start immediately…………
                                                                       ………………… the whole group is out.

Once one group is out, anybody calling the name of the country which is out of the game will also be out.

GAMES – How to form Groups -4


DYNAMIC GAMES – How to form Groups


Dad, Mum and Junior:

Prior to the game, write surnames on slips of paper, three of each name, and prefix each surname with 'Dad' or 'Mum' or 'Junior'

E.g. Dad smith…. mum smith….. junior smith.

Ensure that the number present will enable each family to be complete.

These slips of paper are scattered on the playing area, and on a given signal each player grabs one slip and tries to find his other two family members around.

Once they find their own family allows them to sit down in a place for further action.

GAMES – How to form Groups -3


DYNAMIC GAMES – How to form Groups


Song groups:

 Take familiar songs…

 ….write them down on slips of paper and distribute.

Ask them to sing and go around………………

…………….till they find the others who are singing different lines of the same song.

GAMES – How to form Groups -2


DYNAMIC GAMES – How to form Groups


Flower vas:

Take six names of flowers….

…..write them one by one on a slip of paper and distribute.

Then place six chairs at a distance with a variety of flower on it.

Then tell the participants to go and find their group.

Exam reaults



If I have obtained a lower grade or failed in the exam, 


..........................it doesnot mean that I am good for nothing. 


                                       It points out that I need to be more alert. 


This is the time I have to select the appropriate stream of study that suits my interest.

Is Your Child Suffering

Is Your Child Suffering From Depression or Anxiety?

Mental Health Professionals identified parental pressure to perform in exams as the prime reason for depression and anxiety in children.

Education system should have a mechanism in place to systematically identify and scientifically deal with such conditions in adolescent children.

They should be teach any life skills, psycho-social competencies. There should have a mechanism to identify multiple intelligences of children.

This would probably prevent parents and teachers from putting pressure on everyone to become an engineer or a doctor.

Young minds should be convince that they are worth much more than their grade sheets.

Right from class one, a child must be encouraged to think creatively, differently and should be emboldened to analyse concepts and situations. This would lay the foundations of a confident, self-assured personality.

Games - How to form Groups -1


DYNAMIC GAMES – How to form Groups


Beauty Parlour:

In a large room arrange tables according to your want of making groups.

Then place on them the catch words of an advertisement of a product from T.V. or magazines.

Then write the name of the products on a slip of paper and distribute at a random.

Then allow the participants to move around and find the table of his product.

E.g. super whitening toothpaste and mouthwash in one (Close-up). A luggage that know it's business, (safari) etc.