Method assessment
Advantages:
- systematisation of the counsellor case load and of the conceptual and
methodological structure meant to articulate the essential elements for the
optimal solution of the case studies; - encouragement to write down flashes of professional experience, which
requires a deeper analysis of the facts and more objectivity than we can
afford when we are in the midst of things happening. At the same time, it
increases the probability that the practitioner accepts the peers’ opinions after
a thorough reflective judgement; - sharing professional practice once the case has been closed or requesting help
in cases of operational impasse; - awareness of counsellor’s concept of professional self, by making evident
certain constants of his/her position, action, interpretation of critical incidents
experienced; - influence on professional behaviour of opinions and judgements expressed by
peers; - making use of the opportunity to express professional dilemmas and
methodological reflection; - enrichment of the personal portfolio with local elements;
- flexibility of presentation, as narrative or schema;
- investigative attitude and perseverance in contact with difficult cases
currently under work or on the waiting list; - use of past experiences and learnt lessons in the view of preparing for present
and future confrontations; - the possibility to mark a symptomatic incident in one’s own case load or
inspiring those that will come into contact with the presentation of the
incident; - the value of critical incidents as illustrations of variety accumulated in time,
even if with a limited prognostic role, is that it brings confirmation to the
counsellor and allows him/her validation of beneficial action; - the possibility to subsequently approach the same type of even in a different
manner, knowing by now where and why a critical point would occur and
how to treat it alternatively.