The Indivisible Self presented by Jane Myers and Thomas Sweeney builds a visible and interconnected understanding of wellness. After studying many theories and processing in the many classes offered in the WFU Masters in Counseling Program, this article, The Indivisible Self: An Evidence-Based Model of Wellness, helped me visualize and internalize my objectives for counseling. First of all, it presents a “unifying theme for organization” that enabled me to build a clear understanding of the objectives of counseling (Myers and Sweeney, 2004). Secondly, the Adlerian base for the theory supported my thoughts about control of choice and actions influencing the view of self and the interdependent relationship of the many parts of “self” to make a whole. Sweeney and Myers write about the Essential Self (spirituality, self-care, gender identity, cultural identity), Creative Self (thinking, emotions, control, positive humor and work), Coping Self (realistic beliefs, stress management, self-worth, and leisure), Social Self (friendship and love) and finally, the Physical Self (exercise and nutrition) and that an improvement in any of these selves, positively influences the total and increases wellbeing. A third strength in the Wellness model presented in this article is that it is cross cultural and can be used effectively while working with cultures that are not your own. Yet another aspect of the model that spoke to me is that this can apply to a wide range of presenting issues and paired with Motivational Interviewing can serve clients from acute problems to those looking to get unstuck. Finally, the tools of the Indivisible Self Wheel offers ownership to the client to navigate the improvement of wellness. It is person-centered letting the client decide what areas of the Indivisible Self are their strengths and what are their weaknesses and allows the counselor to come along side the client and not be the expert. I find the connections between emotions, perceptions, creative, spiritual and physical health is so strong and significant. Approaching solutions holistically makes sense to me.
|
TED Talks
Viktor Frankl's TED Talk - Why Believe in Others
- This has been an influential video on my counseling and worldview.
Click here to watch
Mihaly Csikszemtmihaly's TED Talk - Flow: The Secret of Happiness
- This TED talk is idea worth spreading, discussing the optimal challenge to cause happiness.
Click here to watch
Viktor Frankl's TED Talk - Why Believe in Others
- This has been an influential video on my counseling and worldview.
Click here to watch
Mihaly Csikszemtmihaly's TED Talk - Flow: The Secret of Happiness
- This TED talk is idea worth spreading, discussing the optimal challenge to cause happiness.
Click here to watch