Instruction
As you begin the process of becoming a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, you might be wondering, "Since I can often recognize what I consider to be abnormal behavior, why is it so difficult to define?" As you found in this week's assigned reading, some of the issues involved in distinguishing abnormal from normal behavior are complex and fraught with controversy. Additionally, the definition of abnormal behavior can change with time and with context.
To prepare:
Review the concepts related to the definition of abnormal in this week’s readings. Review the Assessment process used to diagnostically describe abnormal behavior.
Analyze how the descriptions of abnormal behaviors align, overlap, or differ.
Reflect on how perceptions of abnormal behavior might have changed your ideas of what constitutes abnormal behavior.
Reflect on how your current ideas about abnormal behavior will help and hinder your development as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
Post by Day 4 a comparison of normal and abnormal behavior, drawing from your original definition of abnormal behavior, and the definitions put forth in you readings. Include how abnormal behavior is reported. Point out any challenges you might see in using these definitions to guide the assessment of your clients.
Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references from your readings and other relevant scholarly literature. Citations and references must be in APA format. See the grading rubric for more information.
Peer Response: In order to meet minimum requirements, respond to at least 2 peers with substantive responses and support these responses with references. Peer responses must occur on at least two separate days. See the grading rubric for more information.
Read a sampling of your colleagues' postings. Consider how your colleagues' postings match or differ from your own perceptions or analysis. Consider how abnormal behavior is diagnosed.
Respond by Day 6 to at least two postings. In your response, compare your understanding of abnormal behavior with your peers. Respond with your thoughts related to the difference between an untrained person’s perspective (often called a lay assessment) and a Clinical Mental Health Counselor’s professional assessment. What are your ethical obligations related to mental health and stigma as a professional counselor?