CP module kicked off last evening. The first impression Dr R gave me during the Insertion Class last year was a very hazy one. I could not remember a single thing he lectured on. It was with much apprehension when I made my way to TS Building last evening. What if I still could not tune in to him??
The 3rd batch of Master students (March intake) is a welcoming sight, in terms of numbers and faces. I found myself sitting rather near Dr R (hoping to tune in better). It turned out to be a rewarding action. From time to time, he `confronted’ me with challenging & thought-provoking questions and therefore kept me captivated and tuned in major part of the sessions.
CP is a framework/modality using constructivist principles to assess clients and implement interventions such as centering techniques, problem solving, pattern work, meditation and self-care exercises, drama & dream work. The principles used are aimed at transforming emotional experiencing positively.
I managed to read the first 6 chapters of CP by Dr M J Mahoney before class and that helped me somewhat in my grappling with the Constructive process during the class. Dr R presented the module in his own unique style. Only towards end of the whole module, I saw the light - the big picture. But I was happy coz if it were to happen in the process, I might wander off carelessly.
Dr R reminded us that during counseling the Client must increase while the Therapist decreases in prominence. However, sharing of the dark secrets is a monumental task, therefore, the client must be given time to share his/her unique experiences. In the same light, Client must be allowed to cry/weep. Offering the tissue box too soon may result in a foreclosure prematurely.
Dr R challenged us to develop our higher (spiritual) self. The best therapist has been helped in the process of helping others, in a substantial way. The `child’ & `critic’ inside us has to be diffused. As the Therapist shifts from the adult self to the higher self, he is able to help bring the humanness of the darker side into the light.
This weekend we covered the 5 organizing themes (R.O.A.D.S.), the basic therapy principles (R.R.R.P.), constructive assessment/core ordering principles (C.O.Ps) (R.S.V.P.)
We were led into an indepth understanding of the themes R.O.A.D.S. - Relationships, Order, Activity, Development & Self. These themes suggest that a constructive view of human experiencing is one that emphasizes meaningful action by a developing self in relationship.
1. Self-organization is fundamentally shaped by social bonds (human relatedness) and symbolic processes (our form & structure of thinking is itself relational - thru stories – Bruner.) In a counseling relationship, the Therapist is also being shaped as he/she interprets the Client.
2. We actively seek order and create meanings so as to achieve a sense of balance. Ironically, challenges to our order are essential to all learning & development. As a counselor, I will remain a `technician’ if I do not evolve. And in my attempt to change or help Client regain a sense of order, meaning, or balance in life, I have to refrain from being intrusive. I have to help Client recognize the triggers that bring out the default, negative reactions. We long to change, yet there is a powerful momentum to the ways we have come to be.
3. Both Therapist & Client are active agents of choice & change. We choose, often reactive, proactive, at times unreflective, anticipate, pay attention, select, move, lean, fall…
4. Equilibration (balance) reflects our attempts to deal with the contrasts between old and new pattern. We experience opening and closing in development. We literally shut down when the challenge to our ordering capacities is overwhelming. Therapist needs to encourage patience, persistence and instill hope in the client. For the first time, I fully understand the purpose of Centering Skill (finding and regaining balance) as well as exploratory decentering (risking excursions into new possibilities for experiencing).
5. The sense of self is crucial to healthy human development. It is intimately related to the sense of reality. The self relationship will determine the quality of my life – self-concept, body image, self-esteem, self- comfort & self reflection. Counselling can provide a secure base for examining and changing self and interpersonal relationships. I have to be careful foreclosure on the complexity of the self does not set in because this will result in the Client walking away from growth.
The first basic principle of Constructive Practice (R.R.R.P.) addresses the co-created human bond between the Therapist & Client. The therapeutic (compassionate) relationship provides a secure base in which the Client can both explore and experiment with new ways of experiencing. The Therapist is a consistent & trustworthy source of affirmation, encouragement, & hope.
(Collaboration & action) Rationale - When people go through changes in life, they experience a sense of confusion coupled with strong negative emotions. These emotions are natural response & expression of people’s attempts to regain meaning and functionality in life. Clients are expert on their own experiences. Therapist is to honor the `felt experience’ of the Client. Client will attempt to rethink emotionally (revise) his or her life story.
Rituals (affirmation & hope) are an important expression of people’s intention to change and their active participation in that pursuit. Rituals are aimed at developing skills such as self-comforting & emotional regulation. Rituals involving supportive groups or significant others can be powerful in influencing developmental pace.
Processes of Change (Balancing Skills & cycles of experiencing) - The reorganization of life patterns occurs in oscillations of success and failure, and expansion and contraction. The changes in the patterns of experiencing are usually non-linear. Resistance to change is most intense when core ordering processes are involved. Such resistance is an expression of self-protection.
Psychological development is reflected in shifts of attention, changes in perceptions and personal meanings, changes in interpersonal relationships, improved capacities to rebound from setbacks, and changes in self-relationships - increased self-awareness, greater self-acceptance, etc.
Constructive assessment/Core Organizing principles (COPs) R.S.V.P.
Reality - Try to enter Client’s world, momentarily. Listen for the meaning systems by which she is living. Is she seeking more meaningful structure? Real-fake?
Self - Focus on the client’s presentation of herself. Seek to understand her general patterns of self-relationship. Is she skilled in self-comforting? Body-world?
Values - A distorted cognition will affect the values (the emotional judgments) of the Client. Positive-negative?
Power - Is Client overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness? In-out of control?
*COPs are conservative and self-perpetuating and not easy to change.
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