Mental Health Issue Depression and the use of herbacology (counsellors Assignment

Mental Health Issue Depression and the use of herbacology (counsellors role) - Assignment Example Medicating an individual for depression can sometimes get in the way of the individual performing normal, everyday duties. Often times, people report that it takes a few weeks at least to get used to their medication, whether herbal or traditional. The counselor must prepare the client for this prior to allowing him or her to take the medication. Preparation should help the patient know what lies ahead (Reynolds, 2001; Edzard, 2004). Therefore, it is important to prepare the patient for this (Firshein, 1997), and to allow the patient to feel comfortable enough to open up and explain his or her struggle while going through this problem. Effective listening should help to give the patient the support he or she needs to get through this stage. The counselor, therefore, needs to check in on the statement and lend an open ear during this time periods (Beckham, 1995; Forsell, 2007). Talking and more importantly, listening are an integral part of good communication skills. Paying attention, understanding verbal and non-verbal cues, being sensitive, and giving constructive feedback all form part of effective listening. This in turn helps form healthy interpersonal and social relationships. In our busy lives today, we may realize this, but seldom have the time and patience to allow the focus to move from our own selves.