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Facing the powerlessness of visitors, do you question your own competence?

psychological counseling psychotherapy overcoming powerlessness alleviating emptiness client improvement control
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Facing the powerlessness of visitors, do you question your own competence? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I would like to ask those who are engaged in psychological counseling or psychotherapy: how do you overcome or alleviate the feelings of powerlessness and emptiness that arise when dealing with clients whose lives are difficult to improve or control, and who are getting worse and worse as a result? The frustration of knowing that your efforts are just a drop in the bucket, and the questioning of whether you are qualified for this job. (I am a student, so please bear with me if my description is imprecise.)

Amelia Brooke Carter Amelia Brooke Carter A total of 6978 people have been helped

From the text, it is evident that you possess a profound emotional capacity, a discerning and perceptive disposition, and a notable degree of empathy. You are capable of empathizing with the multifaceted circumstances of your visitors, of striving to assist them in transformation, and of experiencing ambivalence about your own capabilities. You perceive that you are unable to resolve the challenges your visitors face and that you lack the agency to effect change, leading to feelings of powerlessness and self-doubt. This illustrates that you are a person with a profound sense of responsibility and commitment.

The issue can be resolved by refocusing the emphasis.

For the client, the problem is not a transient phenomenon, but rather the culmination of a prolonged process. It is not feasible for any individual to resolve the issue instantaneously. The capacity to address the problem lies solely within the individual themselves, yet they are often uncertain about the means to do so. This phenomenon is known as the "bias of the authorities" and the "clear-sightedness of the bystander."

It is essential to analyse the problem from an objective standpoint and comprehend the emotional state of the visitor (here, you excel, given your high level of empathy). However, it is crucial not to become overly absorbed in the emotional state of the visitor and engage in self-reflection.

This empathetic emotion allows us to understand the psychology of the visitor and provide suitable and effective solutions. It is not about solving problems all at once; rather, it is about changing the current situation first. In order to solve problems, we must be flexible. However, this flexibility cannot be achieved without change.

Should the visitor demonstrate a willingness to change, this represents a significant advance. You have performed admirably in reaching this juncture, and the subsequent step is to proceed accordingly. Each process has its own inherent timeline, and the generation of a problem and the implementation of an empathetic solution entail distinct processes.

Consider the rationale behind your decision to assume your current role. In the event of self-doubt, would you be required to undergo a personal transformation to maintain your position?

We provide visitors with the emotional value, care, and understanding they require, as well as effective solutions.

In conclusion, it is my hope that you will find some assistance in this and that it will help you resolve your current dilemma and regain your confidence, as you also possess your own strengths. Do not allow the difficulties you have encountered in your growth to negate your own value. Life is meant to be experienced, and you are always in control of your own destiny. I encourage you to persevere.

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Victoria King Victoria King A total of 7637 people have been helped

Hello, and thank you so much for meeting here.

First of all, I just want to give you a big, supportive hug! I think the issues you've mentioned can probably be sorted into four categories:

Question 1: I'm really struggling with how to respond when I'm dealing with a client whose condition is getting worse.

Response 1: You mentioned that you are currently a student, so you are still in the stage of learning and growth, which is totally normal! During the process of receiving the visit, you discovered that the visitor's living conditions were difficult to improve and regulate, and the state of the visit did not get better, but rather got worse.

You're really on to something here! You're aware of the other person's state, and you've also realized that your current competence isn't enough to handle the visit. It's great that you're seeking supervision or a referral! This will give you specific analysis and guidance for your case, or it might even lead to another counselor taking the visit. Either way, it'll be good for both of you.

Question 2: How can I get over or make better the feelings of powerlessness and emptiness that come up when I have visitors?

Response 2: It's totally normal to feel a bit powerless and empty when you're in the middle of welcoming visitors. We've all been there! You might even have noticed that these feelings have led to some not-so-great experiences. When did you first notice these feelings?

When do you think it might happen? Is it just because you're struggling to cope with the visitors, or is there something else going on?

If it's just a sense of powerlessness and emptiness caused by a lack of competence due to a lack of strength, you can totally recover by doing things you enjoy, such as exercising, resting, or reading. However, if you feel a sense of powerlessness or emptiness due to other factors in the process of receiving visitors, you may want to consider asking your counselor to help you resolve this part.

Question 3: It can be so frustrating when you feel like your efforts are just a drop in the bucket.

The psychological counseling industry is a new and exciting field, but it does require a lot of time, energy, and financial resources in the early stages. Some qualified teachers charge a lot, but they have also gone through a difficult period before they became successful, just like us. What people see is only the current glory, but there's so much more to it than that! The psychological counseling industry is a helping industry with a certain social responsibility. I must also have a certain "compassion for others" heart.

I totally get where you're coming from with feeling frustrated that your efforts are going unnoticed. It's a really common feeling, and it's okay to feel this way. What matters is how we choose to handle this frustration. Some people choose to face the difficulties head-on, while others choose to find another way. Either way, just follow the choice that comes from your heart.

Question 4: You might be wondering if you're the right fit for the job.

It's totally normal to feel this way after several counseling sessions with a client. It can be really frustrating when a client doesn't improve and starts to doubt themselves. We've all been there! Think about it this way: can a doctor in a hospital guarantee to cure every patient 100% of the time?

Even the best hospitals have patients who cannot be cured. It's the same with counselors. There are lots of different factors that affect how well counseling works, like how well you get on with your client, the counselor's approach, and the relationship. Even the best counselors get referrals. So when you're not sure whether you can do the job, it's a good idea to think about whether it's because of objective factors or just because you're feeling frustrated.

I really hope this helps, and I hope you have a great day!

I love you, world!

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Enid Enid A total of 5455 people have been helped

It is normal to question your own competence when faced with the powerlessness of your clients. As helpers, we shoulder the important responsibility of helping others out of difficult situations, which naturally brings a certain amount of pressure and challenges. However, you must not question your own value and abilities. Here are some suggestions to help you deal with this situation:

First, understand that it is normal for everyone to encounter difficulties and challenges during their growth and learning process. The visitors' sense of powerlessness is likely caused by the problems they are currently facing, and it is our responsibility to understand and help them.

Second, reflect on your professional knowledge and experience, and review your previous successful experiences in dealing with similar situations. This will boost your confidence and help you believe in your ability to help your visitors.

You must also remain humble and open-minded, and continue to learn new knowledge and skills to improve your professional level.

Furthermore, communicate with colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to share your feelings and confusion. They will provide you with advice and support to help you better cope with the powerlessness of your visitors.

Seek their feedback to understand your performance at work. Use it to make continuous improvement and enhancement.

It is crucial to prioritize your emotional and mental health. The emotional demands of helping others can be significant, so it is essential to learn to regulate your emotions and maintain a positive attitude.

When you're feeling stressed, take control by seeking ways to relax and relieve stress, such as exercising, meditating, or meeting with friends.

In short, when faced with a sense of powerlessness towards your visitors, do not question your own competence. Believe in yourself, maintain an attitude of learning and progress, and at the same time pay attention to your own emotional and mental health. You will be able to do this job better.

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Comments

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Devin Davis A forgiving soul is a soul that can see the good in everyone.

It's completely understandable to feel that way, and it's part of the learning curve. We all face these moments where we question our impact and capabilities. Embracing those feelings as part of our growth can help us become more resilient.

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Zephaniah Anderson There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

The key is selfcare. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't effectively take care of others. Establishing a routine that includes relaxation and activities you enjoy can make a big difference in how you handle stress.

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Ricky Anderson It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.

Supervision and peer support are invaluable. Discussing your feelings with experienced colleagues or mentors can provide new perspectives and remind you that you're not alone in facing these challenges.

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Madison Thomas A teacher's self - lessness is a quality that students look up to and learn from.

Remember, change often happens in small steps. Sometimes the progress isn't obvious, but even minor improvements can be significant for clients over time. Celebrate those tiny victories.

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Trent Miller There is no failure except in no longer trying.

Focusing on what you can control might also help. You can't fix everything, but there's usually something within your power that you can address or improve for the client.

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