Change Agents

Change Agents

            Within the role as a psychologist, there are challenges, both ethical and professional, which will transpire over the course of one’s practice.  Yet as effective change agents, psychologists are required to meet and overcome these challenges in effort to benefit their clients, community, and society-at-large.  In this sense they encourage positive change which is “akin to making people better…something we should all strive for” (Stevenson, 2011).  Two of the most significant challenges change agents encounter are diversity consciousness and sensible value systems.

            First, persuading individuals to enhance their diversity awareness, transcend stereotypes, and alter certain opinions will be difficult.  As a professional, the psychologist will treat people from varying ethnicities, with differing beliefs and personal histories who may possess certain prejudices whether racism, ageism, or sexism.  In addition, people will discriminate against one another based on religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic class (Stevenson, 2011).  However, “in their work-related activities, psychologists do not engage in unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law” (APA, 2002).  Hence, they have an ethical and professional responsibility to promote equality and acceptance in their practice.

                A second challenge for change agents is fostering reasonable value systems.  Although the range of values from person to person may vary, there are common household, community, regional, national, and universal standards which individuals should uphold.  A number of these parameters are set by legislation.  Yet in many instances, each individual has the responsibility or choice as to what they consider acceptable behavior or beliefs.  This becomes an issue when dealing with clients due to the fact that their regard for relative worth, merit, or importance affects their conduct and attitude, and how they consider themselves and interact with others.  While many individuals advocate truth, suitable conduct, love, peace, and non-violence, others defy the like (Stevenson, 2011).  Altering or improving a client’s moral standard will prove to be as challenging as augmenting their cultural awareness.

            In short, in effort to promote change ethically and responsibly within a community, a psychologist-in-training should increasingly educate themselves in effort to be a competent asset to society, volunteer to assist at-risk children youth, attend local town hall meetings and offer their opinions and views, or join a community activist group.  Each of these factors will enable them to assist individuals, foster positive thinking, promote acceptance and awareness, and affect change.  As one person is influenced, they likewise influence another within their family, school, or community.          

References:

American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and

code of conduct: http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/index.aspx.  

Stevenson, D. (2011). What is a Change Agent? Original Thinking.

Retrieved May 12, 2011, from

http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/original-thinking/what-is-a-change-agent-23764.

Assessing Your Competence

 Assessing Your Competence

            In order for a practitioner to be effective and successful, they must maintain a particular level of competency, knowledge, and understanding of their craft.  Although I am becoming increasingly competent as a counselor, one must continuously evolve, adapt, and stay current.  At present, I am an effective communicator, an accurate and active listener, considerate, sensitive, and empathetic to the emotional needs of others, and capable of incorporating beneficial therapeutic strategies as they apply to the subject.  In addition, I enjoy gathering and organizing information and research, analyzing human development and behavior, and exploring personality (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). 

However, over the remainder of this program and beyond, it is imperative to build upon the present foundation.  Hence, various courses of action will be employed.  These include yet are not limited to the following: utilizing relevant texts, journals, articles, and internet research, field interaction and experience, seeking guidance and mentoring from senior clinicians and ministers, prayer.

Yet there are blind spots which exist and must be overcome.  (In my humble opinion, everyone is plagued by them to varying degrees.  Those in denial of this are seemingly unrealistic).  The most evident issues requiring additional attention, assistance, and knowledge are cultural blind spots.  Although I interact with differing individuals and groups, thus increasingly expanding my diversity consciousness, there remain several customs, traditions, and beliefs of varying cultures which must be understood, considered, and applied on a case by case basis.  In order to overcome this challenge ongoing research of varying cultures as they pertain to the client will be utilized as well as continued dialogue with those belonging to the same ethnic or cultural group when possible.  Another blind spot may arise when relating to female clients.  There may be some issues which are more difficult to empathize with from a male versus female perspective.  In effort to conquer this matter I must give consideration to women’s plight, the client's individual history, and confer with female colleagues and senior clinicians.

In addition, when making decisions about competencies certain multicultural and ethical aspects must be considered.  As previously stated, accepting and understanding various ethnicities, cultures, and subcultures is imperative.  People or various gender, ages, sexual preferences, religions, and cultural backgrounds will seek assistance and guidance.  Therefore acquiring a knowledge base and concern of differing people is essential.  Also, proper ethics must be regarded and utilized.  The clinician must be aware of general psychological code of ethics and those within their state and organization.  Disregarding either would be detrimental to effective therapeutic practices.  

References:

Seligman, L. W. & Reichenberg, L. W. (2009). Theories of counseling and

psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, and skills (3rd ed.). Boston: Pearson.