Counseling

In my theories class on Monday, the professor asked someone to volunteer to be his client as he showed us an example of a counseling session. It was both inspiring and frightening. Inspiring in that, after the session (about 30 minutes) was over, he allowed us to ask questions and gave explanations on techniques for a better session. Frightening in that it was one of the first times I've had a glimpse into a real-life session and realized just how open and vulnerable my clients are going to be and how much stronger I am going to have to get to be able to help them whole-heartedly. I think I am most afraid of failing them.

Additionally, I've started wondering if I treat some of my relationships with the new techniques I've learned in counseling courses...which is not necessarily a good thing. I've always been a good listener, but now when friends come to me with problems, my mind is always thinking "don't insert your own ideas on them, that's not what they want! they need to come up with solutions on their own". But sometimes, that is what my friends need, a friend who is on their side and can help them with their problems. I need to work on being able to handle the counseling that I'll be doing with clients/students and be able to step away from that and step back into my normal life.