Examples, case studies, exercises
Example
The personal project should be used with the following counselling prototypes:
- Inert client, hesitant regarding action, for one of the reasons:
Passivity (does nothing, accepts without objection goals and proposals of
others, paralysed initiative, violent). In this case, inactivity or postponement
with regard to petty things can accumulate as irretrievable loss of favourable
opportunity (Schiff, 1975).
“Learned helplessness”, concept used by Seligman (1975) in the context of
the depression syndrome, with various levels of intensity (from light
helplessness when the person does not feel up to something in particular, to
the feeling of complete helplessness associated with deep depression). Bennet
and Bennet (1984) have detected the positive side of helplessness by
observing that if one cannot control a certain situation, there is not point in
creating him/her any illusions about the contrary, assigning responsibilities
and causing exaggerated expectations. What is important is to teach the client
to distinguish between what it can or cannot be controlled, view helplessness
from another angle, and set reasonable goals.
Disarming monologue. On occasion it is the client who seeks arguments to
persuade himself/herself on why cannot or should not do a certain thing: “I
am not ready”, “I do not fit the requirements”, “it is too hard ”, “it can’t
work”. Discouraging conversations with the self are well known to
undermine the plan from the very beginning and cancel any chance of
activity.
Circular argument. A person who did not get what has wished for may fall
victim to guilt, which generates other negative behaviours and attracts failure
(Pyszczynski; Greenberg, 1987).
Disorganization. A certain disorganization in minor aspects of life is given as
justification for not getting involved in real challenges (Ferguson, 1987). - Client with entropic tendencies. Entropy is a natural tendency that is educated
mainly through practice and autonomous will, and also with the aid of
significant people. Since it cannot be changed on request, the client and the
counsellor must not waste time by dwelling on the reason, but find ways to
attain a result under the given circumstances. Many plans that start out with
enthusiasm are abandoned in the face of obstacles or other priorities.
Brownell et al. (1986) draw attention to the fine difference between