A Discussion of Worry With Suggestions for Counselors

✍ Scribed by WILLIAM E. KELLY; MARK J. MILLER

• Book ID: 102872694
• Publisher: American Counseling Association
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 761 KB
• Volume: 44
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0160-7960
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007x.1999.tb00152.x

✦ Synopsis

A common client concern is worry. However, an organized description of worry and how to treat it remains relatively unaddressed. This article provides 2 theoretical perspectives of worry and a brief review of the literature on worry. A n operational definition of worry is o#ered, along with suggestions for counselors on how to better assist the worrisome client.

Worry is typically an uncomfortable emotional state that almost everyone experiences. Similar to most f e e h g states, worry can be placed on a continuum from chronic and intrusive to mild and constructive. The point is this: Worrying is a ubiquitous reaction, often unavoidable, and for some it may present a formidable obstacle to happiness.

Given the widespread nature of worrying, it is hghly likely that an important number of d e n t s will enter into counsehg with the expressed concern of worrying too much. This article, consequently, attempts to provide busy practitioners with valuable information on worrying. Specifically, this article (a) defines worry, (b) identifies personal characteristics that d ~st i n p s h worriers from nonworriers, (c) provides two theoretical frameworks for understanding worry, (d) provides a relevant review of the literature on worry, and (e) outlines specific intervention strategies for counselors to use with worrisome clients.