Palm Beach State College Week 11 Technique Counselor Discussion

There is a simple formula for endings that can be applied to ending this course: Look back, look forward, then say goodbye. You can look back upon the total experience of this course from the beginning to the end and become aware of what changes, if any, have occurred in your own thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and relationships as a result. Mindful reflection allows you to look forward to choose which gains you will work to maintain and make a plan to do so.

In this closing Discussion, you apply a powerful multisensory counseling technique—the metaphor. The course media offers an example of the use of metaphors in counseling. Metaphors evoke both emotional learning and visual imagery; metaphors decrease defensiveness, as they invite people to shift their thinking to a new perspective. Sharing metaphors with your classmates builds a clearer understanding among you.

To prepare

. Evaluate the impact of this Introductory Skills course on your personal and/or professional interactions.

• Next, find a metaphor which matches your experience. For example, was it like walking on a tightrope? Eating chocolate cake? Walking in a forest at night? Crossing a bridge? Metaphors allow creativity.

Share your reflections in your post. Your post should include:

• How this course has impacted your interpersonal relationship style
• Your plans to address areas of counseling skills strength and areas of challenge that have been revealed in this course
• Ways the content of this course relates to your view of social change
• Your personal metaphor for your course experience