Essential Skills in Addictions Counseling
Considering the fact that “the amount of shame, guilt, embarrassment, and terror that drug-abusing and addicted clients feel can be beyond description”, the role of a substance abuse counselor can be both intricate and delicate (Brooks & MCHenry, 2015, p. 2). This paper will discuss ten specific competencies that are critical for an addiction counselor to possess along with the traits and mindset involved in developing them. The competencies focused on here can be grouped into three categories: background knowledge and assessment; developing a trusting atmosphere and effective treatment; and counselor and client education. Each competency is a foundational aspect of effective counseling for substance …show more content…
This is a key step in the counseling process as “a comprehensive assessment can help create an effective treatment protocol” Brooks & McHenry, 2015, p. 90). Part of assessment is understanding where in the cycle of abuse the client is and determining their level of readiness to change. This can be critical because treatment must vary based upon the client’s current needs and mindset. One important facet of this is that sometimes unexpected occurrences such as crisis can be a catalyst for change. “Tailoring strategies based on client’s stage of dependence, change, and recovery” is simply paramount (SAMHSA, …show more content…
It is important from an ethical standpoint to “inform clients of confidentiality rights, program procedures, safeguards, and exceptions” (SAMHSA, 2015). Additionally, clients do not always understand how much their problem impacts their life. A counselor should be poised to help them make the connection between the messiness of their life and substance abuse. This will put the client in a position of openness and provides perspective that can help with treatment planning.
The roles and competencies of a substance abuse counselor can be wide-ranging and often complicated. The layers of complexity involved in assessment and treatment are staggering; it is easy to be overwhelmed. All in all, a counselor who is prepared, ready to examine all possibilities, thoughtful about resources and referrals, and eager to provide education for clients and themselves will be poised for
Considering the fact that “the amount of shame, guilt, embarrassment, and terror that drug-abusing and addicted clients feel can be beyond description”, the role of a substance abuse counselor can be both intricate and delicate (Brooks & MCHenry, 2015, p. 2). This paper will discuss ten specific competencies that are critical for an addiction counselor to possess along with the traits and mindset involved in developing them. The competencies focused on here can be grouped into three categories: background knowledge and assessment; developing a trusting atmosphere and effective treatment; and counselor and client education. Each competency is a foundational aspect of effective counseling for substance …show more content…
This is a key step in the counseling process as “a comprehensive assessment can help create an effective treatment protocol” Brooks & McHenry, 2015, p. 90). Part of assessment is understanding where in the cycle of abuse the client is and determining their level of readiness to change. This can be critical because treatment must vary based upon the client’s current needs and mindset. One important facet of this is that sometimes unexpected occurrences such as crisis can be a catalyst for change. “Tailoring strategies based on client’s stage of dependence, change, and recovery” is simply paramount (SAMHSA, …show more content…
It is important from an ethical standpoint to “inform clients of confidentiality rights, program procedures, safeguards, and exceptions” (SAMHSA, 2015). Additionally, clients do not always understand how much their problem impacts their life. A counselor should be poised to help them make the connection between the messiness of their life and substance abuse. This will put the client in a position of openness and provides perspective that can help with treatment planning.
The roles and competencies of a substance abuse counselor can be wide-ranging and often complicated. The layers of complexity involved in assessment and treatment are staggering; it is easy to be overwhelmed. All in all, a counselor who is prepared, ready to examine all possibilities, thoughtful about resources and referrals, and eager to provide education for clients and themselves will be poised for