Month: June 2021

I had been helping as a counselor for a few months when I met Drake. However, he had been volunteering with the humanitarian group with his parents since he was 15 years old. His parents were not satisfied with merely giving money to a charity; they wanted to put a lot of effort into helping others. At least, that’s what my friends in the new group had told me.

Background And Introduction To My Journey

I vowed to do counseling. I also clarified that I could not be the conventional type. Here, the focus will be on what entails counseling and how the counselor helps.

The thing was, Drake was alone that day. The reason was that there was a fire on the side of the mountain where they lived, and his mom and dad could not make it. Drake only survived because he was out playing basketball with his friends. In an instant, the sustainability helper needed family mental health help.

What A Mental Health Expert Does

As a counselor expert, I was not supposed to diagnose mental disorders in a patient because that’s a psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s job. However, I knew what grief and a sense of loss looked like, and that’s what I saw in Drake. I knew the next best thing for him was to have the right counselor who could provide family therapy for the recent unfortunate incident. So I approached him during one of our short breaks and offered to set up future counseling for him.

“Hey, Drake,” I started. “I don’t think that we have officially met, but I am technically the resident treatment expert in our little humanitarian group.

Professional Counselors Guide: Mental Health Group Sessions To People Who Need Them – How I Do It

I could offer mental health services to the people with whom we build houses and help them accept and get over the reason why they needed a licensed professional counselor in the first place so that they could start anew.

“Yes, I know you. My parents thought you were doing great, considering you never ask for money, even if it tends to cost a lot in the outside world,” Drake replied.

Counseling is a type of professional therapy that provides support, guidance, and expertise to individuals or groups on their various concerns. Counselors or any licensed clinical social workers offer advice and guidance on topics such as relationships, finances, work-related issues, self-esteem issues, divorce, or marriage problems.

I smiled. “Still, my services do not need to end there. In truth, I can offer the counselor’s service to you and the other volunteers here whenever you need counseling.”

I was mildly surprised when Drake bent his head down and began sobbing in our session. As a counselor, I immediately felt terrible about this young advocate prioritizing sustainability. I asked him to visit me in my office the next day so we could talk away from the concerned yet prying eyes of the other members.

Addiction counseling is a professional relationship between an individual and a mental health expert, such as a certified counselor. The American Counseling Association (ACA) empowers diverse individuals to accomplish their mental health tasks and foster personal growth. Through this, individuals can gain the necessary coping skills to overcome any life challenges they may face.

Substance abuse counseling is one of the most common specialties, as it helps people struggling with substance use and dependency disorders. Family members and spouses can also be included in the treatment plan to help ensure that long-term recovery solutions are achievable.

Military counseling practice focuses on helping those in the military with their mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. It also provides support to family members, as they may be dealing with the changes in lifestyle and environment caused by military service. Through counseling, veterans can manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In addition, counseling is an important resource for individuals and families seeking to improve their overall wellness and overcome life challenges. Through counseling and education, clients can explore career goals, build self-esteem, and address depression, anxiety, and other challenges related to relationships. Professional counselors are trained in a variety of disciplines such as education, psychology, and social work, and are able to offer individualized advice.

That was the beginning of Drake’s counseling journey. It took him some time to get over his parents’ sudden death; he had even been diagnosed with depression not too long after he started counseling. But the kid eventually learned how to handle all the emotions hitting him at once through counseling.

On one occasion, Drake’s grandparents joined our humanitarian project, and they made a point of thanking me for my counseling work with their grandson. I merely replied that my counselor’s doors were always open if they needed counselor assistance. That’s especially true since the world needed more kids like Drake, who could care for others and the world in general.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Counseling

What does counseling mean?

Counseling refers to the professional guidance and support provided by trained counselors, often in various fields such as mental health, education, or online platforms. It involves the process of addressing individuals’ emotional, psychological, and educational needs to promote their overall well-being and personal growth, with a focus on maintaining or improving their mental health and general quality of life. Counselors are qualified professionals who offer expert assistance to individuals seeking help with their emotional and psychological health, as well as educational and personal development.

What is the difference between counseling and therapy?

Counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions between them. Both are essential for addressing mental health concerns, and professionals in these fields typically engage in continuing education to stay updated on best practices. The American Counseling Association is a prominent organization that supports counselors, while therapy may encompass a broader range of mental health treatment methods. Ultimately, the choice between counseling and therapy depends on individual needs and preferences, but both play crucial roles in promoting mental well-being.

What is the importance of counseling?

The importance of counseling, as emphasized by the American Counseling Association and other health service organizations, cannot be overstated. Professional counselors serve as essential health professionals who provide a range of services, from individual therapy to group counseling. They play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, manage mental health issues, and find a counselor who can offer personalized support and guidance. Counseling is a vital resource for improving emotional well-being and addressing various psychological concerns, ultimately contributing to better overall health and quality of life.

What are the 3 types of counseling?

What is the best counseling technique?

What is the best form of counseling?

What do you talk about in counseling sessions?

Is counseling a talking therapy?

What are the techniques of counseling?

What are the common problems in counseling?

Introduction To Sustainability

One thing you should know about me is that I come from a family of mental health professionals. Here’s my story.

Most of my family are in the mental health field, so when it was time for me to choose my career, I became the family’s first counselor. Besides the fact that the world needs more counselors as a preference, my family has already established a small mental health hospital. People from other cities flock to our facility for sustainable mental health treatments. Medical hospitals would also recommend patients to us continuously.

Since the primary facility was a little outdated, it incurred much damage when a terrible hurricane came. First came the flood, which went up to our thighs. We thought that that was it primarily, but then the roof caved in, and the windows shattered. After some discussion with my parents, we thought it was high time for a significant innovation for more viability. It would be easier to set up tents outside of it than to accommodate our primary patients in a broken-down facility.

“Green buildings can not only reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment, by using less water, energy or natural resources, but they can – in many cases – have a positive impact on the environment (at the building or city scales) by generating their own energy or increasing biodiversity.”

First Securing Viability Before Any Renovation Begins

Despite being successful in their fields, my parents remained as frugal as they could be. The first thing they told me before the renovation even happened was to focus on finding the cheapest contractor. “We just need a new roof and some new windows, and that’s it,” they said. However, I begged to disagree primarily.

In today’s world, businesses of all sizes are recognizing the importance of focusing on sustainable goals. The number one priority in this shift is a focus on reducing carbon emissions across the entire value chain and making sure that as many parts of the business organization as possible have carbon neutrality. This commitment to initiatives has been adopted by established companies, start-ups, et cetera, and is backed by an increasing number of consumers who are demanding change. Gen Z, in particular, has been instrumental in this shift, as their willingness to speak out against companies that do not give importance to viability and durability has made a difference.

Some older people may not see that buildings in the past were not built with sustainability efforts in mind. For example, we still used a lot of electricity because everything was closed in, and it was so hot in every room. The floors were not sealed and waterproofed either, so the tiled floors went beyond repair when the water rushed into the facility. It was a long discussion, but I finally got my parents to find a contractor who prioritized sustainability during the embedded renovation processes and considered the world economy, consumer goods industry, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint emissions, global climate change, and other environmental and societal issues when they look for sustainable products or sustainable materials to meet the consumer demand.

Construction Based On Viability And Durability

Sustainable construction business organization strategies mean working with a supply chain of inexhaustible/renewable and recyclable assets and materials beneficial for the recyclers’ positive mental health. During sustainability building and creating projects progress, care should be taken to lessen waste and renewable energy efficiency utilization where conceivable secure the natural habitat around the site, and always do sustainable shopping from consumer goods companies. The outcome of a sustainable development project services should be harmless to the ecosystem.

There is an insight that sustainable construction is costly, which can cause it to appear to be the less appealing choice. However, the World Green Building Council’s 2018 report shows that even though cost remains a worry, green building proprietors report that cash is saved through decreased working costs on account of the sustainable brand materials utilized.

Let’s Look For A Resilient Building Contractor

I could tell you how challenging it was to find a contractor who advocates for sustainability. Of course, although more and more people want to have eco-friendly homes and buildings, many still want to save on construction expenses, so that’s who they cater to. But when I finally found one who is prioritizing sustainability, I was over the moon about everything they wanted to do with our facility.

For one, the contractor wanted to replace the ceramic tiles on the floor with solid wood. They knew a place that sold reclaimed solid wood panels, so it would be like recycling better materials, which I loved. We just needed to decide on the colors in times of war, and that was it.

Another thing that the contractor mentioned was using bigger windows. The old design of our facility barely had any windows because mental health was technically taboo for decades. However, since society accepts the subject more now than ever, it may be ideal to add more windows to allow light into every room. Of course, they would still be one-way windows to follow our confidentiality promise to our clients, but it might help more than bother them if they could see the outside world.

The contractor and I also discussed using solar panels for the entire building. I found this ideal sustainability, considering we did not need electricity in the facility 24/7. My parents tried to say no to this because those were technically expensive, but we would not need to pay another dime to an electric company in the long run. The latter thankfully won them over, so we got solar panels.

Trending In The Industry

Sustainability initiatives are a growing trend, and businesses are increasingly focusing on the importance of understanding and incorporating its principles into their operations. Research has shown that there are many aspects to sustainability and that the challenges involved in making it a priority can be significant. However, when companies prioritize this aspect, they can unlock numerous solutions while also gaining an interesting competitive advantage.

Businesses that focus on and are involved in sustainability are likely to find that investing in green practices can overcome challenges. Partnering with suppliers, vendors, and other businesses that place similar emphasis on viable resources in construction can help your company create a comprehensive approach to improving the environment around you.

Focusing On What’s Priority

The unique idea that my contractor presented was a garden roof. Instead of the regular galvanized iron, they would fill the entire roof with grass and plants. Everyone could go up and relax there while waiting for their turn. More importantly, it could provide enough fresh air and shade, so we might not need air conditioners too much.

Final Thoughts And Takeaway

With all the renovations happening at once, I was surprised when the contractor pointed out that four months had already passed since the hurricane devastated our business model facility. I honestly forgot that that was why my parents agreed to renovate our small mental health hospital anyway. The process fascinated me so much that it felt like we were doing it as an improvement, not a necessity.

In the global market, focusing on sustainable and renewable energy is at an all-time high in terms of importance. Countries are increasingly pushing for transparency and safety standards to be met by retailers and manufacturers. It is no longer enough to just have a corporate social responsibility policy; companies must now continue to lead the way when it comes to sustainability concerns and answers.

Well, I would have to backtrack on the latter statement. Given how much our climate changed over the years, it’s necessary to prioritize making sustainable homes and facilities. For instance, we would not be burning as much fossil fuel with solar panels installed as before. We could even plant fruits and vegetables on the garden roof to avoid buying plastic-covered fresh produce in the markets. Also, we would no longer need to rely on air conditioning units too much because the facility would be well-ventilated.

It was a win, for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The 3 Ps Of Sustainability?

The 3 Ps of sustainability are often referred to as the triple bottom line framework, which involves prioritizing three key aspects: social sustainability, environmental sustainability, and economic sustainability. This approach emphasizes the new way of thinking about business and its impact on society and the planet.

What Are The 5 Principles Of Viability?

The five principles of viability in a sustainable business model prioritize sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly products within the supply chain. A robust sustainability strategy should encompass long-term considerations, focusing on both environmental and social aspects, as well as economic viability. This holistic approach ensures that the business sustainability initiatives align with the company’s bottom line while promoting the adoption of eco-friendly products and practices throughout the supply chain.

What Are The Four Factors Of Viability?

The four factors of viability, especially when considering sustainability, often revolve around being eco-friendly and having a long-term perspective. These factors emphasize the importance of environmental consciousness and a commitment to sustainable practices that endure over time.

What Is The Viability Strategy?

What Is A Good Example Of Giving Importance To Viability?

Why Is Prioritizing Sustainability Important To The Environment? What Are Its Benefits?

How do you promote viability?

What is viability, and why is it so important?

What is the purpose of viability?

Why should we care about viability?

Why is viability important to the environment?

How do you achieve this?

What is the most important thing about sustainability?

Why is sustainability a key to success?

What is it really, and why is it important for the Earth?