Philosophy of Teaching

Counseling is not only a vocation, but a mission to walk alongside those who are wounded and dispirited while assisting them in finding better health. The mission field becomes larger every year as mental illnesses are increasing. Educating the new generation of counselors can be a fundamental solution to the growing numbers. My philosophy of counselor education includes an integration of scholarly interests, applied knowledge, and relational experiences. I will outline how each area interconnects during instruction in and out of the classroom.

Throughout the span of my career as a licensed mental health counselor, there have been several subjects within psychology that I have found interesting but none as interesting as mental illness and its origins. Primarily, I am a clinician who serves children and adolescents and have focused my attention on learning how to appropriately treat these populations. From my vita, you can see that I was published on treating grief in children and have taught multiple parenting courses. As most mental health issues begin from childhood adverse experiences, treating the child and adolescent seems to be a preface to well-being in adulthood. Due to the devesting effects on the individual, childhood sexual abuse has become a central focus of my research. Also, through my work with children, I have gained interest in adult attachment disorders stemming from childhood traumas. Viewing relationships issues through the lens of attachment has shaped my treatment of individuals and has healed their early wounds. Consequently, examining anxious and avoidant attachment has led to a concentration in narcissistic personality disorder. Supporting family members who have suffered manipulation and mistreatment from a narcissistic relative has given me a deeper understanding to the diabolical behaviors of this personality type. Using my scholarly interests during lectures is advantageous as I can speak knowledgeably and confidently on these subjects and easily stimulate interest of my students.

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My personal pedagogical framework of instructing the counseling student includes effective lesson planning, goal-oriented techniques, and frequent communication to elicit behavioral, cognitive, and emotional student engagement. A remarkable course with a motivating instructor begins with the building of a strong syllabus with detailed lesson plans. Having a clear understanding of the institution’s course requirements as well as other accreditation necessities should be the guide for the construction of the syllabus and lesson planning. As a I am a firm believer in having goals for each class, flexibility is vital because it allows time for invigorating class discussions, an important aspect of shaping critical thinking. Creating activities and assignments in and out of the classroom enriches education to a more in-depth understanding of the true definition of a counselor. Textbooks deliver significant information but the application of that information in classroom demonstrations and case studies solidifies the lesson. To encourage discussions and critical thinking, I employ new and innovative techniques to engage the modern student. Using technology-based methods during class lecture maintains the student’s attention, while layering the delivery of material. Such methods include a variety of platforms like video productions, slide presentations, friendly competitive web-based games, and in-class internet research. Not only does technology supplement conventional teaching methods, but it is also beneficial in effective communication. Students appreciate frequent communication from their instructor and seem to be more engaged in the course with more regular interactions either through in-person contact or via videoed or written messages.

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In relation to planning and communication, varying assessments should occur throughout a semester as a measurement of student understanding and instructor performance. In my opinion, evaluations are more than exams but include a variety of written and oral exchanges that give testament to both the student and instructor. I use assigned discussion questions frequently to gage students’ comprehension and writing skills. Again, this form of assessment increases critical thinking skills, which is essential for higher education and in successful counsel of others. On the other hand, creative assignments that require artistic expression can inspire emotional engagement in the student. However, standard tests and research papers are a requirement for accredited programs and should be included in the syllabus accordingly. Assessments should be viewed positively as it offers invaluable information regarding the course and instruction.

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Humanistic approach has been the basis for my counseling practice and has become the root of my teaching style. My ultimate purpose as a counselor educator is to prepare my students to aid the wounded in a manner that not only improves the quality of life for the client but eventual change in humanity. Furthermore, role modeling genuine empathy and understanding illustrates true unconditional positive regard. I spend time throughout the semester gaining insight into my students’ lives through engaging classroom discussions, observations, and frequent communications. Through this insight, I learn how to better meet their needs as students but more importantly an instructor-student relationship is formed. This relationship is analogous to the therapist-client relationship in that there is mutual respect, confidence, and shared experiences. Moreover, the therapist must allow the client to make their own choices just as the instructor must do so with the student. As humanists believe that every individual is capable, it is the right of the student to make their own academic choices. The role of instructor is not parental but mentoring and shaping.

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In conclusion, the core of my philosophy of teaching counseling students is inherently who I am as a person. My identity is an integral component of my professional discipline and includes a moral code of truth, kindness, and objectivity. Using this code as my guidepost, I can positively influence future counselors as they complete their academic journey.