Counselling and Psychology: Unexpected Similarities to Geology in Resource Exploration

Author: Jarret Verwimp

Also published on LinkedIn.

When I tell people about my background as a geoscientist who later went on to become a counsellor working in mental health, I am often met with surprised reactions most often along the lines of “wow, those are such different fields!” On the surface it might seem like they have nothing in common, after all, how is digging around in the earth looking for treasure in the earth anything like digging around in someone’s head looking for treasure! It’s the fact that both disciplines require a search for facts and truth and deciphering the noise from the signal and discovering what’s important to understand the situation so that they can be leveraged to discover and effect positive outcomes.

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The Quest for Hidden Resources

I love working in resource exploration because it’s incredibly exciting. Whether you’re looking for oil, gold, or something else of value, the excitement of looking for and finding something of value is one of the biggest thrills in geoscience that I know of!

Similarly, counselling and psychology are about uncovering and addressing the hidden aspects of a person’s psyche. Just as geologists and geophysicists use various tools to map out the subsurface, therapists use different techniques and assessments to explore the depths of their clients’ emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Initial Appraisal and Exploration

For geologists, the exploration phase begins with an initial assessment of the area. This involves studying and understanding all the available data to gain the best understanding we can prior to any expenditure on geological or geophysical acquisitions.

In counselling, the initial assessment phase is somewhat analogous. Therapists start by gathering background information through intake forms, initial interviews, and sometimes psychological assessments. This helps them form a preliminary understanding of the client’s issues and needs. Just as a geologist uses initial data to hypothesize the presence of resources, a therapist uses initial assessments to hypothesize about underlying issues and start to form a case conceptualization for their client.

Drilling Down: Uncovering Depths

Once a geologist has a preliminary understanding, the next step is to gain more information. That might come in the form of further soil sampling, geochemical work, a geophysical acquisition or a drilling campaign. With an initial assessment, we usually need more information to gain a better understanding of what we’re dealing with and the true potential of an area.

In therapy, “drilling down” is like digging deeper into a client’s emotional and psychological layers. Techniques such as deep questioning, exploration of past experiences, and examining core beliefs help therapists uncover the root causes of a client’s issues. Just as geologists look at different depths to understand resource distribution, therapists investigate different aspects of a person’s history and psyche to understand their current state.

Analyzing Data and Forming Theories

Geologists might use the data gathered from all available sources, including geophysical acquisitions, drilling and sampling to create models of the resource distribution. This involves analyzing the composition, location, and concentration of the minerals or oil and using this information to predict where the most promising deposits might be found.

In therapy, analyzing data involves interpreting the information gathered during sessions—such as patterns in behavior, recurring themes in a client’s narrative, or responses to various therapeutic interventions. Therapists need to ask the same questions as geologists and geophysicists about the quality of data – is it reliable? Is it valid? Looking at all of the data, therapists then use this analysis to form hypotheses about the client’s psychological state, form a case conceptualization and to develop treatment plans. Just as geologists use their data to build models, therapists use their insights to develop strategies for helping clients.

Extracting and Utilizing Resources

When a geologist identifies and proves a promising resource deposit, the next step is extraction. This process is meticulously planned and executed to ensure that the resources are obtained efficiently and sustainably.

In the context of counselling, the “extraction” phase involves implementing therapeutic interventions and strategies that aim to help clients address and overcome their mental health or relationship issues. This may include cognitive-behavioral techniques, emotional processing, or psycho education. The goal is to enable clients to utilize their inner resources and strengths to improve their mental health and well-being, much like how extracted resources are used to benefit society.

Ethical Considerations and Sustainability

Both fields have critical ethical considerations. In geology, resource extraction must be managed responsibly to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainability. This involves adhering to regulations, conducting environmental assessments, and striving to reduce harm and ensuring public safety.

In counselling, ethical considerations revolve around respecting client confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and providing care that is in the client’s best interest. Therapists must navigate complex emotional landscapes while ensuring their interventions are appropriate and beneficial for the client’s well-being.

Post-Extraction: Monitoring and Maintenance

After resource extraction, geologists and resource companies often engage in monitoring and maintenance to ensure that the environment is restored and that the extracted resources are utilized effectively. This involves assessing the long-term impacts of resource extraction and implementing remediation measures.

Similarly, in therapy, the post-treatment phase involves monitoring the client’s progress and making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. Follow-up sessions and ongoing support ensure that the client continues to benefit from therapy and maintains their mental health improvements. Just as geologists track the long-term impacts of resource extraction, therapists track the long-term effects of their interventions on clients’ lives.

The Broader Impact

The impact of resource exploration and extraction extends beyond the immediate outcomes. Geologists contribute to economic development and technological advancement, as the resources they extract are essential for various industries and innovations.

In a parallel way, the work of psychologists and counselors has a profound impact on individuals and society. Effective therapy can lead to improved mental health, enhanced relationships, and a better quality of life for clients. The benefits of therapy extend into the broader community, fostering healthier, more resilient individuals and promoting overall societal well-being.

Conclusion

While counselling and psychology and geology in resource exploration operate in very different domains, their methodologies share striking similarities. Both involve a systematic approach to uncovering hidden truths—whether those truths are buried beneath the Earth’s surface or within the human psyche. Both fields rely on careful assessment, analysis, data scrutiny and ethical considerations to achieve positive outcomes.

Understanding these parallels not only highlights the depth and complexity of therapeutic work but also underscores the universal principles of discovery and improvement that transcend disciplines. By drawing these comparisons, we can gain a richer appreciation of how uncovering hidden potential—whether in the Earth or the human mind—can lead to profound and beneficial transformations.

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