Counselors use a variety of therapeutic techniques and strategies to help clients achieve their goals. Therapists and counselors provide a different type of therapy than speech-language pathologist (SLPs), but we can incorporate some of what they do in our sessions. Why? Because people with communication disorders can have big feelings about their struggles with communication.
What We Can Learn from Therapists
Therapists provide Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal is to have individuals recognize, challenge, and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another popular strategy for clients facing difficulties with emotion regulation. Motivational interviewing is often used to encourage clients to identify and pursue changes in their lives. Further, art and play therapies can be especially beneficial for younger clients, while trauma-informed therapies may be used to support those with a history of trauma. In all cases, counselors strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which clients can feel comfortable exploring difficult issues.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. It focuses on helping individuals identify and modify unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, and eitmotions. CBT promotes the idea that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. It seeks to help people understand how their beliefs and experiences shape their current behavior. By recognizing and addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, CBT can help individuals develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, leading to improved psychological well-being.
Overlap Between the Professions
Therapists should encourage their clients to share their thoughts and feelings openly. It helps promote trust and understanding between both parties. Therapists can also create a safe and non-judgmental environment in which their clients can explore their feelings. Active listening and reflective feedback are important tools for therapists to use when responding to their clients’ statements. Additionally, it is often useful for therapists to incorporate activities such as role-playing into the counseling session. This helps clients practice new behaviors and responses in a supportive environment.
What do you say when you have a student that is crying during speech therapy class? What do you say when a student is super frustrated with school and acting out? How can you respond when students are not getting along with each other? In the video I share 8 counseling techniques that you can use with students who are having trouble communicating their feelings.
Learn some more things you can do in your sessions by checking out this blog post and video: 5 Non-Verbal Counseling Techniques for SLPs