[Episode 61 of the Intentional Clinician Podcast]
Paul Krauss MA LPC interviews two guests, Dr. Noe Vargas and Tyler Guenette, as they discuss mentoring. Both Dr. Vargas and Tyler had mentors in high school, and it was formative to their career interests and life paths. The experiences inspired them to develop a curriculum for both mentors and mentees which will be available soon.
Paul discusses mentoring vs. counseling with his guests, and notes that mentoring is more informal and focused on hands-on, personal interests whereas counseling is professional and focused on goals and solutions. Both mentoring and counseling require some form of boundaries so they can build personal empowerment and skills, but counseling is traditionally more structured.
Tyler mentions social learning theories and how we can paradoxically grow through failure. By making mistakes, we are learning what works and does not, and the process helps solidify our learning outcomes. Dr. Vargas notes that 90% of people who have had mentors want to be mentors themselves. The relationship between mentors and mentees is often very valuable for both parties involved, so it is important to ensure both people are committed. Some other characteristics of a good mentorship relationship include: trustworthiness, willingness to invest time, curiosity, the ability to receive/accept constructive feedback, and a willingness to be challenged. Finding a good mentor can be challenging, but it is worth waiting to find a good fit. Mentorship has proven to be beneficial for professionals from all walks of life, so the curriculum by Dr. Vargas and Tyler will be another tool individuals can use to grow in their personal and professional lives.
Dr. Noé Vargas earned a doctorate degree in behavioral health from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in professional counseling from Ottawa University amongst other graduate and undergraduate degrees. Dr. Vargas has various years of experience providing mentoring, coaching, counseling diverse populations, and providing clinical supervision. He has also taught various undergraduate and graduate courses; as well as leading the development of college programs and curriculum.
Connect with Dr. Noe Vargas here.
Tyler Guenette has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and is completing his teaching credential at Cal State Teach. He has used various roles as opportunities to cultivate mentoring such as while being a Resident Assistant, teaching and training lifeguards, academic tutoring, professional development mentoring, leading many church groups, and being a camp counselor in various camps. He continues seeking out mentors and mentees in different areas of life.
Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, EMDRIA Consultant in Training (CIT), host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress) as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433.
If you are looking for EMDRIA consulting groups, Paul Krauss MA LPC is now hosting weekly online and in-person groups. For details, click here.
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