The 2012 AzCA Journal is now available to you! Please download using the link below. Also, look forward to available CEU opportunities coming to AzCA members soon!

Thanks!

AzCA Board

What I am learning from my older adult clients is the importance of living life to the fullest, while recognizing that life is finite. Some of my clients have experienced recent losses, and I believe that counselors must normalize and fully validate the feelings of loss, while helping clients to maximize their potential, and to visualize unrecognized possibilities. I also understand that, like any helping professional, I am not immune to cultural stereotypes about diverse groups of people, including older adults. One of my clients, in her 70′s, is absolutely one of the most productively creative people I have ever encountered. 

In his iconic book “On Being a Therapist,” Kottler states “In the face of incredible emotional arousal–anger, sadness, panic, despondency, conflict–the therapist is expected to maintain the neutrality, detachment, frustration tolerance, empathy, alertness, interest, and impulse control without feeling depleted, deprived, and isolated (p. 80, 3rd Ed.)” What I am experiencing with some of my clients with debilitating medical conditions (who are very close to my age), is my own fear of experiencing similar future illnesses and a loss of quality of life. While I attempt to be fully present with these clients, I outwardly project a positive spirit as I want them to “reframe” their condition. My training and experience tell me that it is critical to help these clients see the possibilities for their lives in spite of the challenges they face. However, I must recognize that my discomfort in projecting myself into these client’s situations may cause me to downplay the real struggles that these clients deal with on a day to day basis. I do believe that we need to be very attuned to the reciprocal influences between clients and counselors, and be honest with ourselves as we recognize that our clients touch us as much or more as we touch them througout the theraputic process.

Jennifer Walker, President, Arizona Counselors Association

The holiday season can be difficult and stressful for many reasons, but particularly for those who have recently lost a loved one, or facing the anniversary of the death of a loved one. One challenge related to holiday depression is that everyone is supposed to be “happy” and “cheerful” this time of year.  As counseling professionals, we are in a position to provide support for clients as they cope with their sadness or loss in the following ways:

1. Counselors can normalize feelings of sadness in clients who have experienced loss,
2. Counselors can encourage clients to set appropriate boundaries and limits with friends and family,
3. Counselors can encourage clients to pamper themselves through a massage, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, taking walks or hikes, or enjoying a bubble bath,
4. Counselors can suggest that clients journal, write, or through expressive arts express their feelings,
5. Counselors can challenge clients to develop new rituals or traditions where their loved one can be memorialized or honored,
6. Counselors can educate clients about how grief and loss is a personal journey individually different for each person, and
7. Counselors can refer clients to grief and loss support groups.

Professional counselors can be a source of encouragement and assist clients experiencing bereavement and holiday depression with better negotiating the stress and myriad of feelings that accompany the Holidays.

1. Volunteer to serve as the chair or member of the Membership, 2012 AzCA Conference, Continuing Education, or Government Relations Committees. For more information please contact President, Dr. Jennifer Walker at walkerjennifer79@yahoo.com or Past President, Gordon Gray at gordongray@me.com

2. Do you have a creative flair? The AzCa will be meeting Friday, January 6, 2012  from 5:30-7:30 pm to design a marketing flyer for the AzCA. Contact President-elect, Mike DeMoss at mdemoss7@cox.net for more information and location.

3. Do you have business skills? The AzCA could use help in preparing a business plan, financials, and review of the AzCA Bylaws for 2012 and 2013. Contact Treasurer, Tony Bratko at tbratko1@gmail.com or Secretary, Tad Gary at tgary7@cox.net for more information.

4. Would you be willing to serve as an Executive Team Member? The AzCA has an opening for President-Elect-Elect who would serve as President during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Contact Past President, Gordon Gray at gordongray@me.com for more information.