Please no plagiarism and make sure you are able to access all resources on your own before you bid. You need to have scholarly support for any claim of fact or recommendation regarding treatment. Grammar, Writing, and APA Format: I expect you to write professionally, which means APA format, complete sentences, proper paragraphs, and well-organized and well-documented presentation of ideas. Remember to use scholarly research from peer-reviewed articles that is current. Sources such as Wikipedia, Ask.com, PsychCentral, and similar sites are never acceptable. Each classmate’s post is listed so please respond separately.
Read your classmates’ postings. Respond to your classmates’ postings.
- Respond to all colleagues by discussing the elements of the mini script that you liked, and why. What might you add or have said differently?
1. Classmate (S.G-C)
The terms complementary and alternative have been interchanged when discussing use of non-mainstream therapies with traditional medicines. However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (2018), shows us how incorrect we are when discussing theses options with clients. Complementary means to add non-traditional/mainstream treatments, such as vitamins, yoga, massage, or even meditation, acupuncture, or chiropractic to traditional medications/treatments to treat a client’s complex issues. Alternative means to do the forementioned non-traditional/mainstream treatments in place of traditional medicines/treatments.
Complementary/Alternative Therapies: How Preconceived Ideas Affect Options Given to Client
As a counselor, if I only treat clients with traditional methods and medicines and do not believe that non-traditional methods (such as those mentioned above) have a place in counseling or that they are “hogwash” then I am not a professionally responsible counselor according the ACA (2014). Further, it limits the level of care that can be given to the client as well as the amount of success in treatment outcomes.
Importance of Counselors Being Well Informed About Alternative Treatments
When a counselor is ill-informed or oblivious to treatment options available, we are doing a disservice to the client and creating potential harm. According to the ACA’s code of ethics (2014) counselors avoid bringing harm to clients as well as maintain competence in skills by utilizing continuing education opportunities to stay abreast of the latest and most evidence-based practices. A counselor that is well-informed and knowledgeable about complementary and alternative treatments have many options to present to clients that either have had trouble tolerating traditional treatments, do not wish to take traditional medicines, or need a something more than traditional methods can offer (NCCIH, 2018). The key is to know your client and know the research and present the best options for your client, instead of overwhelming them with twenty different choices that can leave them frustrated and confused.
See ACA, 2014 sections:
A.4.a. Avoiding Harm
Counselors act to avoid harming their clients, trainees, and research participants and to minimize or to remedy unavoidable or unanticipated harm.
C.2.f. Continuing Education
Counselors recognize the need for continuing education to acquire and maintain a reasonable level of awareness of current scientific and professional information in their fields of activity. Counselors maintain their competence in the skills they use, are open to new procedures, and remain informed regarding best practices for working with diverse populations.
Expanding Awareness of Alternative Therapies
Expanding awareness of complementary and alternative therapies through continuing education and personal research to learn more about the latest treatment options, clients will get an exceptional level of care that will promote their mental well-being as well as their physical well-being. By joining professional associations such and the ACA and other reputable psychotherapy associations, counselors can be kept well-informed of the latest technology, research, treatments, and therapies that continue to evolve yearly.
Reference
American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2014-code-of-ethics-finaladdress.pdf
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (2018). Complementary, alternative or integrative health: What’s in a name? Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health
2. Classmate (T. Dav)
How can your own preconceived ideas about complementary and alternative therapies affect the options that you suggest to a client?
Bias can be bad for any business but as a counselor we have to always have to be unbiased. We have to keep our own opinions and ideas to our self. I know that I don’t believe in taking medications but would never push my views on medication use to my clients. I believe that each individual has their own views on the use of medication and if my client has a positive experience with medication use I will not try to persuade them not to use. I think that under certain circumstances medication use with certain diagnosis is required.
How important is it that counselors be well informed about alternative treatments?
I think that in order for a counselor to be able to effectively work with clients they have to be knowledgeable about the different alternatives that a client may need. Often times counselors may see clients who may be concerned about the side effects of a medication and it will be up to the counselor to be able to discuss the medication with the client. The counselor would also need to be able to discuss side effects and or any other information that the client would like to know about the medication.
How can you expand your awareness of alternative therapies?
I will utilize the information that I have learned from my studies along with doing additional research on my own to gain knowledge of alternative therapies. I also plan to take additional classes to stay up to date with different therapies that will be beneficial to the population that I plan to serve in the future. This class have given me insight on a variety of therapies and I plan to enhance on what I have already learned.
3. Classmate (C.D-B)
Introduction
Today there are evolving alternative therapies and medication to treat various medical mental heath and pain conditions. Often counselors will see a clients who have concerns regarding treatment and the side effect associated with it. Counselors are quickly learning other alternative than will lessening the risk.
Preconceived ideas about complementary and alternative therapies
The field in which counselor practice is fast approaching new alternatives to the traditional medical treatment. The terms “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative” are continually evolving, along with the field. The terms “complementary,” “alternative,” and “integrative” are continually evolving, along with the field, In my professional opinion I would not base my preconceived ideas regarding alternative therapies. People have the right to choose an option that would reduce pain or symptoms and proven to affective. According to Sinacola, Peter-Strickland & Wyner (2020). states” unexplained or multiple somatic symptoms are the leading cause of outpatient medical visits and the predominant reason patients with common mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, initially present themselves in primary care (p.119). People have multiple conditions are referred as multimorbidity. I would recommend thorough research and reviews to the alternative medication for the mind and body. Therefore, if the therapy would reduce pain or decrease symptoms. I would agree. However, years ago many people would not take medications but would herbs and home remedies to treat themselves. (Sinacola et.al, 2020) states biobehavioral factors that show robust associations with markers of inflammation include variables such as diet, smoking, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption, exercise, and sleep disruption.
The importance of informed alternative treatments?
Counselor’s should be educated and trained in the field to adequately advise or suggest the therapies. Counselor must always stay informed with any information or update made available for the general interest of the public. However, years ago many people would not take medications but would herbs and home remedies to treat themselves. (Sinacola et.al, 2020) states biobehavioral factors that show robust associations with markers of inflammation include variables such as diet, smoking, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption, exercise, and sleep disruption. The natural products to consider includes a variety of products, such as herbs (also known as botanicals), vitamins and minerals, and probiotics (NCCIH, 2018) They are widely marketed, readily available to consumers, and often sold as dietary supplements (NCCIH et.al, 2018) Other options are The mind and body practices consist of acupuncture, relaxation techniques (such as breathing exercises, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation), tai chi, qi gong, hypnotherapy.
Expanding awareness of alternative therapies
Counselor’s will continue to educate, train and advocate for positive change. It is extremely important to maintain a level of education, stay informed of procedures and process of different alternatives evolving as medications, treatment therapies consistently changing. Regarding the client’s mother discuss the options that has been considered. Provide information that will back the facts.
References
Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2018). Complementary, alternative or integrative health: What’s in a name? Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health.
Required Resources
Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.
· Chapter 14, “Treatment of Comorbidity and Other Disorders”
Optional Resources
Borenstein, J. (2018, April 2). How chronic stress affects neural circuitry [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-and-behavior/201804/how-chronic-stress-affects-neural-circuitry
Docter, P., & del Carmen, R. (Directors). (2015). Inside out [Motion picture]. United States. Pixar Animation Studios
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2018). Complementary, alternative or integrative health: What’s in a name? Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health
.
