Understanding the Role of a Mental Health Counsellor

Amanda Bracaj July 22, 2024

The True Standard of Quality Healing & Commitment to Craft

A mental health counsellor is much more than those three mere words could possibly ever depict. To be a healer is an incredibly large responsibility to our collective, just as much as it is to ourselves. This role calls us to continue shining as brilliantly as we can, serving as a reliable guiding light of maximum empathy in inspiration.
In this sacred realm, I continually strive to perfect my craft, sharpening my skills and deepening my grasp of the delicate dance between human experience and the world we inhabit. Driven by a boundless curiosity and a relentless passion for growth, I remain attuned to the ever-changing tides of the mind-body-energy wellness I carry, alongside that of others.
Mental health counsellors are the lifeline for those grappling with emotional heaviness, gifting indispensable pillars and teachings in times of great need.
They sermon a spectrum of difficulties that arise when one’s health is imbalanced—such as anxiety, depression, stress, low self-core beliefs instilled in childhood due to harmful projections, etc. Empowering individuals to forge resilience and mastery to gain over their struggles starts by leaving room for purity, forgiveness, and hope.
Our impact as counsellors goes far beyond mere symptom management; they plow personal growth and fertilize self-awareness to gain great heights from each present moment, needed for nurturing the immense sense of well-being each client deserves. It goes beyond textbook knowledge—asking us to heal ourselves universally, as that is the true measure of what deems a mental health counsellor to be exemplary. We must work on our own paths to enlightenment as a mirrored marker in which exemplifies what our clients should embody in this course.
Let's Talk About CBT & DBT

Mental health counsellors employ a variety of therapeutic modalities to address the diverse needs of their clients. Traditionally, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) had been hailed as the "golden standard," still extremely influential in modern day treatment. However, recent debate has sparked in recognizing the lack of re-correction from its origin, critiqued for being an outdated norm. Mental health leaders all over the world have highlighted the limitations they have observed, particularly for clients outside of the generalized profile it was based off of when established: White/Caucasian, cisgender, heterosexual, male-at-birth-and-on (MAB+) profiles.
Further, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is also widely recognized and utilized in therapeutic settings globally. However, like CBT, DBT has faced criticism for its limited applicability to the broader spectrum of the global population. Traditionally designed to address issues such as emotional dysregulation and self-harm, DBT was initially developed with a focus on specific demographic profiles, including predominantly White/Caucasian, cisgender, heterosexual, and female-at-birth (FAB+) clients. I’ll let that speak for itself.

Analyzing Global Demographics

With the Earth’s human population exceeding 8 billion as of 2024 and an overall population density of 50 people per 2 km (130 per sq. mile), the percentage of the global population that is within this generalized profile, commonly is estimated to range around 10-15%. This estimate reflects higher concentrations in regions like Europe and North America but is less prevalent in other parts of the world. This number sparked my curiosity, prompting further investigation through subjective and objective research, as the exact percentage can vary based on definitions and demographic changes.
Initially, I found that that the global sex ratio is relatively balanced, with a slight male predominance. The global ratio is approximately 102 males for every 100 females. Applying this ratio to the estimated 10-15% of the global population that is White/Caucasian, it is estimated that about 51-52% of the White population is male (MAB+) in comparison to female (FAB+). Consequently, if the generalized profile constitutes 10-15% of the global population, approximately 5-8% of the total world population benefits from these therapies based on this ratio—does that surprise anyone?

Incorporating Diverse Identities

Now, let’s make sure to emphasize that we have not forgotten how this traditional ratio does not account for the diverse spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations represented by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Current estimates suggest that about 1% of the global population identifies as non-binary or genderqueer, and between 2-10% identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

That 1% and 2-10% seems falsely and alarmingly low to many, especially due to historical injustices, lives lost, as well as those who still fear of coming out in the face of social wrath and misinformed bigotry. Contemporary research holds a huge responsibility to better and further include 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, as I would predict the percentage to be a bit/much higher.

These figures are often considered underestimates due to significant uncollected or incomplete data, variations in visibility, and differing levels of acceptance across regions.
To better understand the therapeutic impact on the broader population, it’s essential to adjust the previous ratios to include the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, in hopes we can provide a more nuanced breakdown, in which still holds falsifiability due to our objective limitations here:

The generalized traditional profile includes White/Caucasian individuals, estimated to be 10-15% of the global population, with MAB+ individuals making up approximately 51-52% of this group. Considering this, the effective percentage of White/Caucasian MAB+ individuals who benefit from traditional therapies is estimated to be 5-8% of the total world population.

When adjusting for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, if we assume that this demographic is more evenly distributed across White/Caucasian profiles, the effective percentage of White/Caucasian MAB+ individuals who are not represented within traditional therapies would be slightly reduced.

If 2% of the global population identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ and this demographic is proportionally distributed, then approximately 2% of the 5-8% of the White/Caucasian MAB+ population would also fall under the 2SLGBTQIA+ umbrella. Thus, the estimated calculation could stand for and/or be estimated to be: 2% of the 5-8% of the White/Caucasian MAB+ population.

2% of 5% = 0.1% 2% of 8% = 0.16%

Thus, the refined estimate considering the 2SLGBTQIA+ overlap would be approximately 0.1-0.16% of the total global population, accounting for the specific White/Caucasian, MAB+ individuals who also identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Even still, this is a conservative estimate. To get a broader perspective, we should consider the range of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals within the White/Caucasian population and not just the specific MAB+ profile.

Given the complexity and intersectionality, the total adjusted range couldn’t possibly be certainly accurate, but could be estimated to sum around: 5% to 8% (White/Caucasian MAB+) minus 0.1% to 0.16% (2SLGBTQIA+ overlap) = 4.9% to 7.9%.

Enormous Need for Evolved Therapies

Given that DBT was created with a relatively narrow client focus on females solely, harmfully assuming that they are the sole clients in which would require “emotional regulation,” it too struggles to fully address the needs of diverse populations. As the global landscape of mental health grows increasingly diverse, the conventional application of DBT—though beneficial for some—has been criticized for its lack of adaptability to the varied cultural, gender, and individual experiences present today. With the global population encompassing a vast array of backgrounds and experiences, DBT must evolve to be more inclusive and effective across different demographics as well.

Thus, traditional CBT and DBT, while historically effective for a specific demographic, face significant limitations in their applicability to the diverse global population. Refined estimates highlight the need to evolve these modalities and to address the broad spectrum of identities and needs present today. Adapting these practices is crucial for ensuring they remain relevant and impactful across all demographics, embracing the rich diversity of our world, as it becomes evident in observing this processed calculation just how difficult it can be to perceive the broad perspective in everyone’s subjective, environmental experiences.

As mental health practices continue to evolve, it is essential to adapt and enhance these therapies to ensure they are inclusive and effective for the full spectrum of identities and experiences we encounter today. As professionals, we are called towards this exemplary movement in enhancing the relevance and impact of our therapeutic practices across all demographics.

How Can We Better Our Approaches

Trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches must be embedded to reveal a modern day effective version of CBT, DBT, and all others necessary, in order to enhance their efficacy in which everyone deserves. They must be sculpted with sensitivity to varied cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and each individual's different life experiences, those that belong to solely them and their own eyes. Integrating these practices with a nuanced understanding of intersectionality and individual context, therapists can offer more inclusive and impactful care that resonates with and supports the warm quilt of human diversity.

This is why I personally utilize and constantly modify my multi-dimensional approaches surrounding these generalized therapies, leveraging the endless additional possibilities that arise for any client. Specifically, I label them TI-CC-CBT and TI-CC-DBT, showing efforts in this revision. When we incorporate this while focusing on identifying and altering negative thought patterns and behaviours, we can further leverage modalities like Psychodynamic Therapy (PT), which explores the crucial unconscious processes we must awaken to, including past experiences. This helps us to understand and better grasp our current behaviours and emotional states so that we can ever-nurture in our growth.

Incorporating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is highly relevant here, as it helps clients process and integrate traumatic memories, complementing the multi-dimensional approaches of TI-CC-CBT and TI-CC-DBT, addressing past experiences and facilitating mind-body-energy healing. Especially with Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), all approaches should incorporate this, centred on creating a non-judgmental and empathetic environment that encourages clients to explore their own thoughts and feelings, showcasing all that has been shared in the broad scheme of things, as well as carrying this modality as one of its own to be an effective tool.

The Importance of Healers & Shaping a Happy, Balanced Society

In essence, mental health counsellors are significant in sculpting a much more balanced, sweet-toned society in great euphoric resonance—for each individual as well as the collective overall. In guiding individuals towards the future that awaits them—one of illustrious emotional equilibrium and appreciated fulfillment, you will feel the roots sprout in your core. These will come from seeds that you place, especially when realizing your power in capably being able to do so. A healer’s impact goes beyond mere symptom management; they plow personal growth and fertilize self-awareness to gain great heights from each present moment, needed for nurturing the immense sense of well-being you deserve.

In mothering mind-body-energy wellness, counsellors not only avert the escalation of severe issues but also augment the ultimate perspective of quality in the lives of each client. Through passionate, life-forced efforts and diligent dedication, we help build the full-bodied flavoursome foundation that you explicitly and distinctively need to further grow while enduring your all-round dimensional health and reaching stability.

We find we will gain further closeness to the coves we seek, especially when we grow more confident as we count the passing days in our continuous promise to our selves—a dedication to remain true on this light path that never seems to end—the yellow brick continuum of boundless healing. We must remain kind, empathetic, yet firm in our stance throughout this journey, especially when we find ourselves facing the turbulent waters of our subconscious, emotional distress.

The Tract to Becoming an Exemplary Healer: Beyond the Surface of Valued Credentials

To begin walking this meaningful path, one typically acquires a degree in psychology and/or counselling, depending on the region they live in. I myself began by attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAH) and a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology (BSSc.H). Afterwards, I then furthered my credentials by undergoing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction & Mental Health Counselling, alongside an Executive Master of Business Administration (E-MBA)—only because I knew I wanted to grow further down the line and enhance the realm of mental health in ways that require these avenues.

Complemented by specialized training and many certifications as well, I realized something grand: I was just as good at being a healer prior to this all as I was after. Many of the skills and insights came from my inborn gifts and intuitive wisdom; I was and am still aware that I came here for a reason. Conventional standardized testing and traditional assessment models, once considered gold standards, have revealed their shortcomings.

These methods, initially thought to be robust measures, have proven inadequate in capturing the full spectrum of human potential and intelligence. Their limitations have become increasingly apparent, prompting a necessary shift towards more nuanced and comprehensive approaches to evaluation. The existing paradigm has been criticized for:

Oversimplifying complex human abilities (strength- & weakness-picking).

Failing to account for individual differences and contexts (cultural- &/or neuro-divergence).

Perpetuating stereotypes, implicit misinformations, biases, and disparities.

Neglecting essential aspects of human intelligence and creativity.

Neglecting learning challenges sprouting from institutional lack / inability to comprehensively cater to all diverse strengths.

There are many who have carried on to obtain their PhDs, perhaps two or three, wherever they aspire to end in terms of what their own definition of "success" is. Still, it has become quite immediate for me to recognize which professionals simply do not possess the dimensional essence, capability, and/or commitment to truly heal others. There are many dimensions we must assess—modern healthcare standards still do not deem the exemplary emphasis on the mind and energy as much as they should and/or do on the body. A trauma-informed approach and wise acknowledgement is dire in all settings.

Alongside my clients, I am reminded of the wisdom that continuously knocks at my door—begging for growth in the healthiest way. I find that the impact of empathy, compassion, and genuine interconnected understanding is what touches the human heart—what leads to genuine, sustainable change.

Reflecting on the Essence of True Healing & Limitations of Traditional Metrics

I say this with so much love and concern, because I wisely assess various professional contributions and hope to not find that they mirror stagnancy—but they do. It resembles a sort of limbo-like mindset. This usually includes implicit and/or physician biases, all traced back to their own roots needing plucking in their own healing journeys.

Thus, I reiterate: It has become evident that some individuals struggle to prioritize their own self-care and healing, even as mental health professionals in their pursuit of professional growth. This may be attributed to a lack of training or support. Furthermore, some practitioners enter the field with misguided motivations, leading to detrimental consequences. When clients seek authentic care, they may encounter dismissive attitudes, labeling their concerns as 'a waste of time', which can intensify their vulnerability.

This could only possibly arise where certain professionals in the field are unable to meet the needs of their clients in the ways that they require at those times—knowing that the client is never at fault for this. Similar to how a teacher’s role is to teach their students, some are not able, and thus, the quote emerges: A teacher's success should be measured by their ability to foster a supportive learning environment, facilitate meaningful connections, and empower students to reach their full potential, rather than solely by their students' academic achievements.

In negligence of this notion, we risk sculpting professionals through a system that is not capable of calculating one’s core values, beliefs, morals, skills, wisdom, and/or true shaman-like motivation to reliably be deemed as exemplary from all corners of the world. This lack perpetuates hopelessness in healing. Counsellors constantly reflect onto their clients—positively and/or negatively—yet, it’s our sole responsibility to tip this scale to be positive only.

If we do not enhance our calculative systems in this profession, it will remain solely based on one’s scholarly achievements, only to find those able to excel in these ways—re-traumatizing clients and further pushing them away from the path they should be on, especially according to them. We lose so many brilliant professional potentials in the scheme of standardized settings, creating oversights that diminish the capabilities of true healers.

These lapses are genuine mistakes—miscalculated byproducts of our system’s categorical incapacity to recognize the importance and rare qualities required for brilliance in mental health counselling. These miscalculations regress our world from the brink of our collective destiny, encouraging wellness and enhancement. We are challenged to confront these ineffective paradigms and gently guide ourselves toward the other side—where the grass may be just as green but where we can truly appreciate its varied shades.

Mothering What the True Spirit of Healing Must Be to Meet Effective Standards

A counsellor's toolkit must include open-mindedness, with continuous self-evolvement, empathy, active listening, reflective wisdom, articulate communication, and curiosity for evolution lacking ego. These are all qualities that forge Earth-shaking client-counsellor relationships and outcomes. Moreover, staying attuned to the latest discoveries and innovations in mental health is crucial for providing the most effective care—you should feel urged and excited to do so at this great, electric time we are living in. We are truly approaching the next new renaissance age of all-round health, freedom, and justice.

True healers blend timeless wisdom with contemporary insights, acknowledging they evolve with each sunrise and set. Addressing all immediate struggles and long-term aspirations helps us paint the broader picture for our clients—where we then allow them the freedom to choose whether they’d like to use a paintbrush, or if they’d like to write about it, pick up some chalk, use their voice, etc. Through the unconditional support of healers, we nurture personal growth and enhanced living for all, guiding everyone toward a more balanced, compassionate, and fulfilled life—in turn, raising collective happiness.

Meeting Ourselves to Meet Others

There are many dimensions we must assess—modern healthcare standards still do not deem the exemplary emphasis on the mind and energy as much as they should. A trauma-informed approach should be mandatory, because without, there are immense gaps. In the end, we can only meet others as much as we meet ourselves, which is why I push to exceed all expectations I may have cultivated for myself, alongside those that others carry.

Even when it gets hard.

Each challenge I face adds a stroke to the masterpiece of my existence, revealing a being that carries even deeper hues of understanding and resilience in each daily effort. The more observable the subconscious shades, the greater fortitude I gain in this channelled wisdom. With an open mind, heart, and utmost bravery, extending limitless solace, direction, and support to those who seek it and exactly how they desire gaining it.

In this meaningful role, I have uncovered a purpose that goes beyond mere profession—it genuinely saves my life every single day. It’s the answer I’ve sought since as far as I can remember. Truly, it resonates with the very soul origin of who I am meant to be and what I was always meant to find myself aspiring to become.

I promise to always interlace one’s own individual path into the vast collective vibrancy and narrative we require for all to heal—we are in this tangled, kindled narrative of growth together. Through this exploration of self, I aim to be a source of genuine presence and elegance, helping others discover their own light in inspiration like I once thought to be impossible.

What More Is There to Say?

A healer’s mission is to propound compassionate steering and metamorphic support, helping all souls find their way through their unique dares and challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, low self-core beliefs, etc.). In the most honest way, I am happy to find infinite excitement in this pursuit—never fear. This zestful profession and purposeful way of life involves a blend of keen, continuous assessment; bespoke treatment planning; and heartfelt therapeutic interventions—of course.

All professional credentials and their accompanied key remarks are extremely valuable. However, the other 50% screams for acknowledgement. In this field, I provide a healing route that is just as detailed as the pretty prints carried on each of your fingers. Considering many things, such as: culture, ethnicity, sexuality, identity, subjective experiences, one’s character, one’s mental; emotional; physical; energetic/spiritual state, the whispers of their past, the murmurs of their present; and the dreams that beckon them towards a brighter future—each encounter reveals significant hints that can carry us counsellors in the right direction. Go with your intuition here.

With every encounter, I am humbled by the privilege of bearing witness to the resilience of the human spirit, the beautiful characteristics found apparent and/or hidden within our authentic collective. It is the genuine magic and boundless potential that lies within each person that brings happiness into my life. In the abyssal depths of existence, where black holes reign supreme, I am entranced by the nascent sparks within their cosmic womb—our two 'eyes’—holding the promise of new worlds. Within the void's dark majesty, where gravity's silence reigns, I find the whispered promise of creation's dawn.

Like stardust awaiting ignition, their distinct resonance whispers secrets of the Universe, alongside those we hold within. In this celestial crucible, I am hypnotized and fascinated by the potential for life, for consciousness, and for the unfurling existence that slumbers within. I can not put into words how mesmerized I am by each person’s distinct, shimmering glimpses of manifested desires—what their soul awaits to be enacted upon.

With gratitude and awe, I lift this glass of liquid luminescence—holding the purity of our most crucial element: water. Wallowing in this component, we collectively cheers to our remarkable existence—acknowledging it makes up around 70% of our physical bodies. How beautiful is it that this mirrors the scale of waters in which we find in Earth anatomy. My heart fills with love and fills with maximum hope, wonder, and reverence. I am forever ready to set about on this virtuous ride with you all when you find the time aligns with you.

In your own healing and growth, you are all remarkably boundless. The only limitations that we find are the ones that arise in our attempts to find one in the first place—where we begin to visualize an “ends-meet”. There is no such thing. While you yourself integrate these knowings, your counsellor should just as much, holding this standard in their own core as well. It doesn’t matter where we are, what we do, or whether this is inside our outside the therapeutic space. We as a collective are one, and so, that should be the goal.

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