Sitting With Discomfort as a Counselor in Training

As a counseling student, I have come to understand that self-awareness is an important aspect of effective practice. I am currently working on an assignment that requires me to reflect on my own biases by identifying groups or beliefs that challenge me, create discomfort, or might lead to countertransference. This task has been a humbling and eye-opening experience as it exposes my vulnerabilities and brings a deeper understanding of myself.

The process of identifying these groups has not been as easy as I thought. It has forced me to confront parts of myself that I had perhaps ignored. Naming these groups, even if only to myself (and to the instructor), made me realize how ingrained some of these biases are and how they have been shaped by my life experiences. Reflecting on my past, I could trace how certain experiences and interactions have reinforced these biases over time. It is enlightening to see how societal norms, family values, and personal encounters have all played a role in shaping my worldview.

But becoming aware of my biases is just the first step of the exercise. Another goal of the assignment is to understand their potential impact on my future practice. Biases can cloud judgment, affect the therapeutic relationship, and hinder the ability to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients.

As a counselor in training, I must strive to understand my clients’ perspectives without letting my own prejudices interfere, even when they are the opposite of mine. I must also remain open to self-exploration and be willing to challenge my own assumptions and beliefs, even when that leads to discomfort. For me, this is certainly the most important aspect of this assignment.

Learning to feel discomfort and not avoid it is a crucial aspect of both professional growth and self-knowledge. Embracing discomfort allows for a deeper understanding of personal biases, triggers, and limitations, which helps in developing empathy and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. This ability to sit with discomfort rather than rush to solve problems for clients fosters a more supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. It encourages clients to explore their own issues and find their own solutions, promoting self-efficacy and resilience. By modeling the capacity to tolerate and explore discomfort, we can better guide our clients through their own challenging emotions and situations, ultimately leading to more meaningful therapeutic outcomes.

This assignment has taught me that acknowledging my own biases is a necessary step towards becoming a more empathetic and effective counselor. By confronting these aspects of myself, I am taking a step towards ensuring that I can provide the best possible support to my clients. This activity has also pushed me to sit in discomfort and reflect on the importance of doing so for my personal growth and professional development.

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I will see you next week!