This was another one of my favorite classes, although it didn’t come without a ton of vulnerability. Once again I was able to learn a ton of new skills as a counsellor, and a lot about myself too. Although I didn’t quite realize the name of it at the time, I began to understand the power of common humanity. I knew how much pain I was in at the time, having now had our second miscarriage along with the realization that there could be more to our pregnancy losses than just bad luck. I was fortunate to be taking this class with a group of people that had come to know, respect, and even lean on through some of these hard times. These relationships only became stronger as we came to know each other better while learning and practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy together.
My most meaningful assignment in this course was our practice group session, although it would be accompanied by some difficult lessons. I led my group through an activity that evoked way more feelings than I had anticipated, which at the time left me feeling horribly uncomfortable. I was so angry with myself for having worried so much about being prepared and not worrying enough about the difficult memories that the exercises could bring up with my group. It was easy to see in this moment both the power of group therapy and the care that needed to be taken when sitting in the counsellor’s chair. My classmates were incredible and supportive- as they were in every class that we took together- but this remains one of the most vulnerable memories that I have while I was completing my degree. (And one of the most important!)
Our professor taught us not only what was outlined in our course syllabus, but also to pay close attention to the systems that are a part of our everyday world. Before this class, I had not considered the degree in which these systems favored certain groups of people or institutions themselves. Up until this class, I understood myself as privileged when it comes to many things including the color of my skin, my socio-economic status, and my opportunities growing up, just to name a few. This class made me realize that I was also privileged in that I learned best in mainstream classrooms and had now built my entire career in buildings that were filled with them. I appreciate that this professor challenged us to be mindful and pay more attention to the norms and how they may or may not be working for everyone. When it comes to my counselling career, it has helped make me aware of the different ideals that my students may be coming into my office with, which I believe has helped me to become a more empathetic counsellor.
Favorite Resources:
This is a proposal for a middle years group to learn about and work on cultivating self-compassion. It was written with the intent to give it to a principal under whose school you would like to run the group. Majority of these lessons are based on Kristin Neff’s work, whose resources are most definitely worth checking out if you are interested in this topic!
Micki Banks
Latest posts by Micki Banks (see all)
- Masters Portfolio - October 15, 2024
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