Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Teams
Juanita Duffy
COUN 5004 Dr. BlaydesAbstract
This paper discusses the importance of collaboration within the different specializations of the counseling field. Two specializations, mental health counseling and addictions counseling are reviewed and are brought together to help a hypothetical 12 year old girl “Ashley” in her own education and problem-solving while in therapy.
Counseling Specializations and Multidisciplinary Teams
The counseling profession and all of its specializations and the related fields that came before, all emerged due to the inabilities for some individuals cope with life stresses. …show more content…
170).
White (2004) asserts the advantages of mental health and addictions counselors who work together:
As mental health professionals, we owe our clients who present with addictions no less in respect, support, or treatment than we would bestow upon any other client. The counseling relationship or therapeutic alliance is perceived to be central to achieving a positive outcome in all mental health counseling (Gelso & Fretz, 1992), and it is especially important that a positive relationship or therapeutic alliance be formed early in addictions counseling before the more difficult or challenging times (e.g., withdrawal symptoms, relapse) occur …show more content…
Fortunately, the family has health insurance and mom is onboard because she has been concerned about Ashley for awhile now and was considering this possibility as well. The first meeting with Ms. Henning and Ashley goes well. Ashley explains that she misses her mom. Her mom is busy all the time. Her step-dad is nice but she misses her “real dad” and her new siblings are “okay” but she gets really jealous sometimes. Ashley is specific and articulate when explaining her depression but says that it gets worse sometimes the day after she does drugs with her friends. Ms. Henning explains to Ashley everything that she knows about drugs and the adolescent brain but suggests that Ashley get more information from an AODA counselor. Ms. Henning also encourages Ashley to inform her mother of the drug use. Ashley agrees reluctantly but states that she would be more comfortable addressing this issue with mom while in session. Ms. Henning agrees to make the