In order to introduce positive changes within a community, it is critical to get involved in the intricate processes of the given group. One should be aware a counselor needs to view this unit as a client, which will help him or her to utilize the key principles of the profession. In addition, community work must be able to identify the overall needs and address the outlined issues with consideration of mental health settings.
Under the provided circumstances, it is essential to work with agencies to assess community needs, which must be followed by familiarizing oneself with available resources. Consequently, the rational use of the resources helps a person to overcome the psychological barriers that arise on his way and cope with difficult situations. The more developed self-understanding, self-respect, self-regulation, self-confidence, and self-acceptance are, the more effectively a person can use his internal resources. Accordingly, overcoming psychological barriers occurs with the least loss. These actions should be undertaken on a regular basis because they will help in generating a network of sources for referral aid. Occasionally, it is important to enlist people who had a direct influence on the clients’ lives by acquiring their permission and linking these individuals with informal and formal support systems. One should also cooperate with groups who seek integrating change and bring together clients who share common issues (Corey et al., 2018). It needs to be noted that making the network more responsive and providing training are paramount to inducing peer counseling addition, a counselor should occasionally work with politicians and community stakeholders in order to facilitate enhancements.
In the case of mental health-related setting, it is vital to involve people from a client’s environment to the treatment process. Community workers must be willing to take proactive steps to ensure that people are living in politically and socially sound conditions. A mental health professional must focus on both the prevention and treatment aspects of the behavioral and emotional disorders (Corey et al., 2018). No unlicensed worker should be hired and employed as someone who wants to change the community for the better. However, the educating process must always be present as ever-growing movements, where local citizens become more aware of the underlying problems and contribute to their full capacity. Lastly, an ethical practice needs to be prioritized because it ensures that procedures are properly conducted, and resources are used fully.
The need for a theoretical substantiation of psychotherapeutic interventions in the community as a whole is recognized by specialists, although this cannot always be realized in practice. Unfortunately, not all methods of psychotherapy are based on psychological concepts of norm and pathology for such conditions. This situation is problematic because everything that happens in the engagement process is determined by a theoretical paradigm (Ratts et al., 2016). With regard to psychological counseling, the problem of theoretical validity is no less, and maybe even more acute. Professional action is another characteristic of clinical and psychological interventions for communities. This involvement should be carried out within a professional framework and by experts trained in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and psychological counseling.
In conclusion, a counselor’s involvement in community-related work is mandatory to induce positive improvements in the given setting. It is highly essential to note the fact that the community should be viewed as a client on its own with a unique set of problems. The process starts with the identification and utilization of community resources, which are followed by ethical practice through prevention and deliberate help to groups with common issues.
References
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2018). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar-McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R. (2016). Multicultural and social justice counseling competencies: Guidelines for the counseling profession. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 44(1), 28-48. Web.