The Effects Of Counseling On Suicide And Depression

The origins of clinical mental health counseling are best explained through an understanding of the counseling profession as a whole. From its start, counseling was interdisciplinary, evolving from such disciplines “including but not limited to anthropology, education, ethics, history, law, medical sciences, philosophy, psychology, and sociology” (Gladding, 2013, p. 3) . As people began to experience adverse effects to their lives due to the circumstances of the Industrial Revolution, it was apparent that help was needed, sparking humanitarian work and the beginnings of counseling. By the early 1900s people began to take notice of the counseling profession in the form of the progressive guidance

Thus far, I have learned about the pros and cons to using medication in treatment with clients. In addition, I have seen first hand the benefits of implementing medications in client’s treatment plan. From my understanding, Depression is one of the most prevalent illnesses in the world. Because of this fact it is important that we understand and explore all the implications surrounding the use and efficacy for treatment. In order to treat our clients with the best care possible, we as therapist should be educated on the types of medications for depression, the impact they have on the body, and their efficacy of improving symptoms and overall functioning. In this paper I will explore three articles about antidepressants and their efficacy for treating clients with depression. In addition, I will provide my overall reaction to the studies and the material provided for the efficacy of antidepressants for treating depression.

123). The role of a mental health counselor is critical when communicating with any prescribing professional since it "maximizes client outcomes where integrative therapies are involved" (Dickinson & Kaut, 2009 p. 218). Because the psychotherapist is in contact with the patient, he or she has the opportunity to join forces with others in the medical profession and be their eyes and ears to the appropriate professionals. As the treatment continues the mental health counselor re-assesses both the effects of treatment. Overall, the focus is on the client’s best interest (Anderson & King, 2004).

When selecting an antidepressant to be involved with counseling many factors that have been considered such: previous medication responses, family history to medication, and the client’s symptoms and comorbidity (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2013). Clients might choose to discontinue the use of medications when feelings of pessimism and hopelessness occur so selecting an antidepressant with minimal side effects is very crucial (Preston & et al, 2013). During the medication trail make sure to give an adequate amount time before abandoning around four weeks to considered the medication non-sucessful (Preston & et al, 2013).

Overall, there is an agreement that patients with minor depressive symptoms should be prescribed a form of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is shown to be favorable over the other types of psychotherapies for depression treatment. However, some bias may exist due to cognitive behavioral therapy being the most studied form of psychotherapy. The evidence shows that cognitive behavioral therapy should be prescribed as a first line treatment. However, the large number of antidepressants prescribed by primary providers demonstrates a disconnect between evidence and practice. After reviewing the most up to date literature and APA guidelines (2013) the consensus is that psychotherapy should be prescribed for outpatients with minor depressive symptoms. Sufficient evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy should be prescribed for all patients with minor depressive symptoms.

Suicide has always been looked down upon and people would do just about everything in their willpower to prevent it. There are plenty methods to avert people from committing suicide such as the suicide health prevention hotline, support groups, friends, and family. However, all these methods are not as resourceful when the person is already dying. And, if the one who wants to commit suicide is lying in their death bed enduring an excruciating pain, then do the people who oppose suicide have the right to intervene with the dying person’s last wishes? Physician-assisted suicide is a practice where doctors decide to help end their hopelessly ill patient’s life painlessly even if he or she requests for it (Assisted Suicide). If doctors do follow the patient’s desired death, then are the doctors sending subliminal message saying these patients’ lives are now meaningless. Many believe the doctors treating the patients do not have the right to take lives instead save them, which leads to the religious factor in this situation. They believe the only way someone can be taken from this world is through the hands of God and any other way is simply wrong and immoral. Death is a delicate topic many try to ignore for however long they are able to. Humans have a very difficult time coping with the death of a loved one, so it is much harder for the friends and family to accept than the terminally ill. Although physician-assisted suicide permanently relieves the pain of a dying patient, PAS

The history of counseling is no different than any other history. As the counseling society begins to progress and move forward, theories and approaches must be modified. Sue & Sue (2016), explain how the historical

An issue in mental health counseling that affects the young and old, civilians and criminals alike is suicide. Suicidality can be considered both a legal and ethical issue in counseling depending on how the counselor handles the situations presented to him or her. The news articles I found each discuss different topics relating to suicide, but all have similar messages: not enough is being done through advocacy, education, and awareness. Legally and ethically, when one of these facets are not upheld problems can arise.

As I have gone through the Counseling process I have seen myself grow in both emotional and spiritual levels. I believe counseling is completely biblical. As Christians we are to sharpen one another (Proverbs. 27:17), counseling is a form of “sharpening.” When it comes to psychology, I believe that God has gifted men with the wisdom to integrate his gift of science, nature, and His Word to evaluate the human psyche. Often individuals cringe at the thought of counseling, because maybe there they have a negative connotation towards the need for counseling and going forward with counseling. It stands true though in my life counseling has make an impact counseling on my life.

Reviews of research on psychotherapy versus antidepressants with evidence supported methods were used. WebPages along with the reading of numerous studies

Treatments using anti-depressants is well documented, but there are very few studies documenting only the use of psychotherapy. However, in one study done using the Cognitive–behavioral analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) as a maintenance treatment, the overall findings show that psychotherapy in itself can be successful. “ There were 82 patients who were treated with CBASP long term. Patients were chosen at random to reduce their treatment to monthly or to an observational status. The patients, only treated monthly with CBASP, showed a smaller amount of reoccurring symptoms then the patients in the observational status. These findings support the use of only CBASP as a maintenance treatment for depression.” (Klein, 2004)

Supportive therapy is usually simpler, less ambitious in aim, easier in execution and indicated primarily for clients for whom a more ambitious approach would be impracticable or unproductive. Nevertheless, supportive psychotherapy plays a great part in helping clients who otherwise receive no help whatever from their doctor. Although supportive therapy incorporates many specific techniques from a wide variety of psychotherapy schools, it can be conceptualized as consisting of a more limited number of underlying strategies. The fundamental strategies that underpin effective supportive therapy with mentally ill individuals are described.

Mental health counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote mental health. They are trained to address a wide range of issues, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, issues associated with aging, job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. Mental health counselors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors. (US Department of Labor)

Counseling is a relatively new profession which has transformed over time from treating mental illnesses to providing educational guidance to counseling with a variety of specializations. Pistole summarizes by stating that counselors, now, aim to, “contribute to the vitality and vigor and to the soundness in body, mind, spirit, and social connection that sustains well-being, and so is considered, by our society, to be health” (2001). However, this was not always the case. National events such as the industrial revolution, World War

For some teens, striving for perfection has led to harming their own health and wellbeing such as living with depression and suicide. Teenagers today are relying on what they see in ads, T.V., magazines and on the internet for their input on appearances, the way they think not only comes from media sources, but from family and friends.