Have I recently fell into the the “Expert Trap”?
Expert Trap
In the “expert trap,” counselors fall into providing direction to the client without first helping the client to determine his or her own goals, direction and plans. The problem with this approach is that clients may tend to passively accept the counselor’s suggestions, and may only halfheartedly commit to the difficult work involved in changing. A counselor using the MI approach is not non-directive, that is, he or she will offer change suggestions . However, this is done after the client’s motivation is high, after initial exploration of multiple pathways to change, and only upon client’s request, or when the counselor perceives that the client is in immediate danger if not given advice.
Counselor: ” I recently read what another Counselor wrote that 90 % of people have an issue with alcohol or other substance, the people in our group have chosen to be here. I find that commendable that you are the 10% doing something about your problem”.
Expert Trap?
MI Principle # 4 Support Self Efficacy A persons belief in the possibility of change is an important motivator. The client not the counselor, is responsible for choosing and carrying out change.
The counselors own belief in the persons ability to change becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
Passively accept the counselor’s suggestions, and only halfheartedly commit to the difficult work involved in changing? Or motivated by counselors belief in their ability to change?
I am pondering the question, looking forward to comments, Please write your comments into the blog so that others can benefit from the discussion.
It is a delicate thing to be on the side of advice giving or expert. I am more feeling that some counselors act like experts in a form of the trial attorney, I will dig and pull facts from outside the group room, and then apply them to you and then prove that you fit in the category then after I have done that in my other hand I have the solution. It is not that statistics are bad and on this occasion used for validation of efforts. In the past I have seen approaches that lend me to believe if I can just convince you that you have a problem then I have your medicine over here. It is more for opposition then working with. An MI counselor will ask a question with the intent to explore the patient’s motivation, the former will ask the question with the intent to prove a problem then give a catch all solution. Which counselor are you motivated to be?
Comment by Working with Walter — May 8, 2009 @ 10:38 pm