Self Concept in Counselling
In counselling, one of the foundational concepts we encounter is the notion of self-concept—the perception an individual holds about themselves, shaped by their experiences, beliefs, and the validation they receive from others. A robust self-concept often contributes to psychological well-being; however, it can lead to significant emotional distress when challenged. For counselling students, understanding the dynamics of self-concept is crucial for effectively supporting clients grappling with issues related to their identity and self-perception.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding self-concept: Gain insights into how individuals develop and defend their self-concept.
- Empathy in practice: Learn to apply empathy by seeing the world through the eyes of others, a fundamental counselling skill.
- Challenges to frame of reference: Recognise the importance of being aware of your own biases and how they might impact your counselling practice.
Consider the example of a high-achieving student whose self-concept is heavily anchored in academic success. From an early age, this individual might have received praise and recognition for their intellectual capabilities, reinforcing a self-concept of being an "academic" or a "high achiever." This belief becomes a core part of their identity, guiding their actions and decisions. As long as their achievements align with this self-concept, their world remains stable and their self-esteem intact.
However, what happens when this high achiever encounters failure? Perhaps they face an unexpected challenge they cannot overcome despite their best efforts. The discrepancy between their self-concept ("I am a high achiever") and their current reality (failure) can be jarring, leading to a sense of disorientation and psychological pain. This is where the role of a counsellor becomes pivotal.
Empathy: Seeing the world through another's eyes
Carl Rogers, a key figure in humanistic psychology, emphasised that being empathic means seeing the world through the eyes of another—not merely reflecting your own world in theirs. As a counsellor, it’s essential to understand that your clients come to you with their unique frame of reference, shaped by their self-concept and life experiences.
Empathy is not about agreeing with or validating the client's self-concept but rather about understanding how it functions and how challenges can cause distress. For instance, the high achiever mentioned earlier might feel devastated by failure, not because the failure itself is catastrophic, but because it disrupts their deeply held self-concept. The role of the counsellor is to help the client navigate this disruption, offering support as they reconstruct their identity in the face of new realities.
Challenging your own frame of reference
A critical aspect of counselling practice involves recognising and challenging your own frame of reference—the lens through which you view the world. This is not an easy task. We all hold truths about the world that we cling to, often out of fear of the uncertainty that might arise if these truths were to crumble. However, as a counsellor, being aware of your biases and how they might influence your interactions with clients is vital.
For example, when faced with a client whose values or experiences contrast with your own, it’s natural to feel discomfort. Perhaps their worldview challenges your own deeply held beliefs. The key is to manage this internal conflict without allowing it to affect your empathy and understanding. This might involve reflective practices such as journaling, where you process your reactions and explore ways to remain open to the client's perspective.
Conclusion
In summary, a deep understanding of self-concept and empathy, combined with an awareness of your own frame of reference, forms the bedrock of effective counselling. By recognising the potential for conflict between your beliefs and those of your clients and by remaining committed to seeing the world through their eyes, you can provide the support they need to navigate their psychological challenges. This approach enriches your practice and fosters a more profound connection with those you seek to help, ultimately leading to more meaningful and impactful counselling outcomes.