The Role of the Counselor in the Initial Stages of Psychopharmacological Interventions
Every counselor must understand the importance of psychopharmacological interventions in the counseling process. Counselors are around clients more often then physicians or psychiatrists, which is why it is essential for clients to understand every aspect of medications and drug therapy. In this paper, I will analyze a case study of Paulette and describe her symptoms of depression. After careful consideration, I will discuss why the use of an SNRI would be most effective treatment. I will conclude with the roles counselors play in psychopharmacological interventions and the challenges that may arise.
Case Study: Paulette Paulette is a 50-year-old …show more content…
Paulette must be educated about her depression and the antidepressant being consumed. Depression and the biological aspects that come along with it need to be discussed, in order for Paulette to understand why she is feeling the way she is (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). It is critical to discuss what to expect from the antidepressant (Preston et al., 2013). Paulette should understand the response time of drug, side effects, and what will occur if treatment is not effective (Preston et al., 2013). Paulette will be monitored and educated throughout the psychopharmacological interventions during …show more content…
One challenge that can occur is clients being reluctant to comply with medication prescribed. It is the duty of the counselor to help clients understand how important medication compliance is, by discussing the factors of compliance (Cramer & Rosenheck, 2006). Clients will have different reasons of why they are not compliant with medication; nonetheless counselors must present medication compliance as an essential part of counseling. For example, if Paulette decided to cease the use of medication because of the side effects, then it is the counselor’s duty to give her other options, other then discontinuing medication completely. Medication compliance is an alarming issue and must be addressed, since there are psychiatric and medical consequences that can occur (Cramer & Rosenheck, 2006). Another challenge for a counselor that can occur is building a therapeutic relationship with a client, even if they have different opinions on medication as a treatment approach. The American Counseling Association (ACA), standard A.4.b, describes counseling without imposing values, beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors onto a client (ACA, 2014). A client should never feel they are being pushed towards medication. It is the counselor’s job to provide the client with the facts about the medication and play a supporting role. A counselor must respect the client’s
Every counselor must understand the importance of psychopharmacological interventions in the counseling process. Counselors are around clients more often then physicians or psychiatrists, which is why it is essential for clients to understand every aspect of medications and drug therapy. In this paper, I will analyze a case study of Paulette and describe her symptoms of depression. After careful consideration, I will discuss why the use of an SNRI would be most effective treatment. I will conclude with the roles counselors play in psychopharmacological interventions and the challenges that may arise.
Case Study: Paulette Paulette is a 50-year-old …show more content…
Paulette must be educated about her depression and the antidepressant being consumed. Depression and the biological aspects that come along with it need to be discussed, in order for Paulette to understand why she is feeling the way she is (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). It is critical to discuss what to expect from the antidepressant (Preston et al., 2013). Paulette should understand the response time of drug, side effects, and what will occur if treatment is not effective (Preston et al., 2013). Paulette will be monitored and educated throughout the psychopharmacological interventions during …show more content…
One challenge that can occur is clients being reluctant to comply with medication prescribed. It is the duty of the counselor to help clients understand how important medication compliance is, by discussing the factors of compliance (Cramer & Rosenheck, 2006). Clients will have different reasons of why they are not compliant with medication; nonetheless counselors must present medication compliance as an essential part of counseling. For example, if Paulette decided to cease the use of medication because of the side effects, then it is the counselor’s duty to give her other options, other then discontinuing medication completely. Medication compliance is an alarming issue and must be addressed, since there are psychiatric and medical consequences that can occur (Cramer & Rosenheck, 2006). Another challenge for a counselor that can occur is building a therapeutic relationship with a client, even if they have different opinions on medication as a treatment approach. The American Counseling Association (ACA), standard A.4.b, describes counseling without imposing values, beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors onto a client (ACA, 2014). A client should never feel they are being pushed towards medication. It is the counselor’s job to provide the client with the facts about the medication and play a supporting role. A counselor must respect the client’s