Challenges of Finding Engaging Counseling Videos for Students
Who among us, and by “us,” I refer to clinicians, clinical supervisors and trainees, and counselor educators, have not seen “Three Approaches to Psychotherapy?” Remember that timeless 1960s series of clinical demonstrations between that candid and brave 30-something Gloria and three giants of the world of psychotherapy — Fritz Perls, Albert Ellis, and Carl Rogers?
My guess is that some of you fondly remember watching the series with a sense of wonder and admiration, asking yourself questions like, “Will I ever become a therapist who can work as effortlessly and masterfully as these giants?” I certainly did (and sometimes, still do.) Others among you may have watched them, stored them, and discarded them long ago as you went on to develop your own therapeutic voice.
And then perhaps there are those among you who are more recent arrivals at the shores of psychotherapy, who watch these and say, “Geez, can’t they find examples of therapy sessions that are a little more current, or relevant, or interesting — it is 2023 after all!” From my own firsthand experience in the classroom as a clinical educator, I hear a collective groan when I fire up the LED projector: “OMG, not more clinical demonstrations from the crypt!”
Whether I am teaching a didactic or internship/practicum class, or supervising clinicians, I try to “read the room” by presenting videos of clinical demonstrations that will interest, challenge, and entertain the graduate students and clinical trainees with whom I work. Not always an easy feat in the digital era of YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, where clinical snippets abound. So, I try to offset that by sharing psychotherapy training videos that break this pernicious pattern.
Make no mistake, however, I love the Gloria tapes — they are foundational! But foundations shift, and so have client (and therapist) demographics, societal challenges, and their associated psychosocial impacts. As Psychotherapy.net’s Editor, I have a particular fondness for our offerings, but this long pre-dates my association with the company.
Our videos have contributed to my own professional skill development, and in the context of this discussion, my efficacy in the clinical classroom where students want to see masterfully executed psychotherapy in action. So, since we are in award season, I thought I’d share a few of my top picks.
The Psychotherapy Training Videos I Use in the Classroom
Carl Rogers’ stature in the field of psychotherapy is IMHO the stuff of clinical legend, and certainly, we have plenty of great videos featuring Rogers at work. But I have found other creative ways to highlight core person-centered skills to my trainees and students by showing Sam Steen in session with a pre-adolescent girl who is struggling with issues related to the intersectionality of racial and sexual identity.
And, by harnessing empathy, unconditional regard, and congruence, Darrick Tovar Murray creates a safe space and meaningful connection with three African American men trying to heal from the transgenerational scars of racism.
Albert Ellis was one-of-a-kind — a clinician, innovator, and showman, who inspired generations of clinicians to consider thinking about thinking as they attempted to subdue their cognitive demons. My students appreciate the theoretical clarity of REBT, and the seemingly easy ABCDE method of identifying, challenging, and modifying self-defeating thoughts and other REBT techniques.
Class role plays are usually energized, especially when I show them Dr. Janet Wolf using REBT techniques with a single parent, on whom she turns the tables by demonstrating the client’s own irrational voices. Quite surprised, the client finally gets to see just how counterproductive these voices are in attempts to parent her children. And then there are Drs. Ed Jacobs and Christine Schimmel, who integrate REBT techniques into their group therapy with eight women.
And who can forget that classic clinical provocateur, Fritz Perls, who, with cigarette in hand, confronted Gloria in every possible way on her road to self-awareness. Interestingly, she felt that Dr. Perls was the most helpful to her out of the three clinicians.
One of my favorites from our collection is the work of the legendary Violet Oaklander, who so effortlessly and compassionately showed us how Gestalt therapy techniques work with children in play. My students are usually awed by the Gestalt therapist at work. They also enjoy watching the work of Erving Polster as he uses Gestalt therapy to help Gerald, an unmotivated and resistant client.
***
There are so many more incredible demonstrations in Psychotherapy.net’s collection. However, these are the ones that have resonated with my students and trainees when highlighting the theories and techniques of person-centered psychotherapy, REBT, and Gestalt therapy. The demographic breadth of featured clients and range of their real-life issues provide offerings with which most of my clinical students and trainees can identify. As their clinical educator, I see clearly how my students learn, grow, and feel more effective after watching brilliant examples of therapy sessions on video.
File under: Musings and Reflections
Who among us, and by “us,” I refer to clinicians, clinical supervisors and trainees, and counselor educators, have not seen “Three Approaches to Psychotherapy?” Remember that timeless 1960s series of clinical demonstrations between that candid and brave 30-something Gloria and three giants of the world of psychotherapy — Fritz Perls, Albert Ellis, and Carl Rogers?
Like what you are reading? For more stimulating stories, thought-provoking articles and new video announcements, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
My guess is that some of you fondly remember watching the series with a sense of wonder and admiration, asking yourself questions like, “Will I ever become a therapist who can work as effortlessly and masterfully as these giants?” I certainly did (and sometimes, still do.) Others among you may have watched them, stored them, and discarded them long ago as you went on to develop your own therapeutic voice.
And then perhaps there are those among you who are more recent arrivals at the shores of psychotherapy, who watch these and say, “Geez, can’t they find examples of therapy sessions that are a little more current, or relevant, or interesting — it is 2023 after all!” From my own firsthand experience in the classroom as a clinical educator, I hear a collective groan when I fire up the LED projector: “OMG, not more clinical demonstrations from the crypt!”
Whether I am teaching a didactic or internship/practicum class, or supervising clinicians, I try to “read the room” by presenting videos of clinical demonstrations that will interest, challenge, and entertain the graduate students and clinical trainees with whom I work. Not always an easy feat in the digital era of YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, where clinical snippets abound. So, I try to offset that by sharing psychotherapy training videos that break this pernicious pattern.
Make no mistake, however, I love the Gloria tapes — they are foundational! But foundations shift, and so have client (and therapist) demographics, societal challenges, and their associated psychosocial impacts. As Psychotherapy.net’s Editor, I have a particular fondness for our offerings, but this long pre-dates my association with the company.
Our videos have contributed to my own professional skill development, and in the context of this discussion, my efficacy in the clinical classroom where students want to see masterfully executed psychotherapy in action. So, since we are in award season, I thought I’d share a few of my top picks.
The Psychotherapy Training Videos I Use in the Classroom
Carl Rogers’ stature in the field of psychotherapy is IMHO the stuff of clinical legend, and certainly, we have plenty of great videos featuring Rogers at work. But I have found other creative ways to highlight core person-centered skills to my trainees and students by showing Sam Steen in session with a pre-adolescent girl who is struggling with issues related to the intersectionality of racial and sexual identity.
And, by harnessing empathy, unconditional regard, and congruence, Darrick Tovar Murray creates a safe space and meaningful connection with three African American men trying to heal from the transgenerational scars of racism.
Albert Ellis was one-of-a-kind — a clinician, innovator, and showman, who inspired generations of clinicians to consider thinking about thinking as they attempted to subdue their cognitive demons. My students appreciate the theoretical clarity of REBT, and the seemingly easy ABCDE method of identifying, challenging, and modifying self-defeating thoughts and other REBT techniques.
Class role plays are usually energized, especially when I show them Dr. Janet Wolf using REBT techniques with a single parent, on whom she turns the tables by demonstrating the client’s own irrational voices. Quite surprised, the client finally gets to see just how counterproductive these voices are in attempts to parent her children. And then there are Drs. Ed Jacobs and Christine Schimmel, who integrate REBT techniques into their group therapy with eight women.
And who can forget that classic clinical provocateur, Fritz Perls, who, with cigarette in hand, confronted Gloria in every possible way on her road to self-awareness. Interestingly, she felt that Dr. Perls was the most helpful to her out of the three clinicians.
One of my favorites from our collection is the work of the legendary Violet Oaklander, who so effortlessly and compassionately showed us how Gestalt therapy techniques work with children in play. My students are usually awed by the Gestalt therapist at work. They also enjoy watching the work of Erving Polster as he uses Gestalt therapy to help Gerald, an unmotivated and resistant client.
***
There are so many more incredible demonstrations in Psychotherapy.net’s collection. However, these are the ones that have resonated with my students and trainees when highlighting the theories and techniques of person-centered psychotherapy, REBT, and Gestalt therapy. The demographic breadth of featured clients and range of their real-life issues provide offerings with which most of my clinical students and trainees can identify. As their clinical educator, I see clearly how my students learn, grow, and feel more effective after watching brilliant examples of therapy sessions on video.
File under: Musings and Reflections