The Practice and Training of Counseling Psychologists Essay

The knowledge gained during the course Human services professionals impacted my understanding of the primary duties and orientations that should guide the work of every human service professional. Striving for the introduction of changes necessary for eliminating the social problems, putting efforts in contributing to the reputation and effectiveness of social services, and advocating for those who suffer from the inequality and injustice can be considered the main commitments I select as the basis for my professional activities.

The commitment to strive for eliminating social problems was encouraged by the understanding of social change I gained during the course. Taking political positions on current social issues and working on finding the solutions to the most urgent social problems faced by the society appear to be “reasonable ideologies” guiding important matters for counselors (Smith, Reynolds, & Rovnak, 2009, p. 483). I think that human services professional should strive for understanding the current social issues, being able to recognize the most important of them, and making appropriate steps towards encouraging other people to engage in making the necessary social change. Social workers can to participate in the discussions of various policies and protect the needs of the population when controversial issues are addressed (Grogan & Gusmano, 2007). I recognize being a person able to raise the society’s consciousness about the most vital problems and influence the willingness of people to search for effective solutions as one of my primary commitments.

Promoting the reputation of my profession and expanding the knowledge about the potential methods that can be used by social workers comprise my second commitment that was mostly stimulated by the understanding of leadership I gained during the course. I am eager to be a leader able to encourage the colleagues to search for continuous mastering of skills and expansion of knowledge. Human services professionals should strive not only for advocating for social changes but also for advocating for their profession. Promotion of public image, interprofessional collaboration, professional pride, etc. are the important components of the work of social workers willing to contribute to the reputation of their profession and effectiveness of their working activities (Myers, Sweeney, & White, 2002). Expanding the professional knowledge through enhancing research capacity and educational opportunities for social workers is also of vital importance (Jenson, 2008). I consider being an active promoter of my profession as my second commitment.

The commitment to advocate for those who are in need and face the injustice has derived from the understanding of advocacy. Social workers have always been recognized as traditional advocates for justice and strived to protect the interest of those groups of the population that face violations of their basic rights (Lynch & Mitchell, 1995). Reacting to the manifestations of injustice and suffering of those who face it is the cornerstone of human services profession. Being able to deal with the social injustices typical for the multicultural society living in our country is especially important for every social worker as the cultural populations of the U.S. continue to become more and more diversified (Constantine, Hage, Kindaichi, & Bryant, 2007). I regard opposing the injustice faced by any person seeking protection and making corresponding efforts to change the situation as one of my main commitments.

The information I learned during the course has helped to identify the most crucial professional commitments I am willing to base my working activities on, and I believe that knowing the primary orientations of your professional work is the key to providing the best services and becoming a well-respected specialist.

References

Constantine, M. G., Hage, S. M., Kindaichi, M. M., & Bryant, R. M. (2007). Social justice and multicultural issues: Implications for the practice and training of counselors and counseling psychologists. Journal of Counseling and Development, 85(1), 24–29.

Grogan, C. M., & Gusmano, M. K. (2007). The voice of advocates in health care policymaking for the poor. Social Work in Public Health, 23(4), 127–156.

Jenson, J. M. (2008).Enhancing research capacity and knowledge through social work doctoral education. Social Work Research, 32(1), 3–5.

Lynch, R. S., & Mitchell, J. (1995). Justice system advocacy: A must for NASW and the social work community. Social Work, 40(1), 9–12.

Myers, J. W., Sweeney, T. J., & White, V. E. (2002). Advocacy for counseling and counselors: A professional imperative. Journal of Counseling and Development, 80(4), 394–402.

Smith, S. D., Reynolds, C. A., & Rovnak, A. (2009). A critical analysis of the social advocacy movement in counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87(4), 483–491.