Assignment 1: Integrating Theoretical Orientation

According to the Theoretical Evaluation Self-Test created by Dr. Coleman, the theoretical orientation that I scored the highest on was cognitive. Cognitive theory is the belief that understanding the human thought process could help provide reasoning as to why humans behave the way they do. As better explained by Turner (2011), the basis of cognitive theory is the act of “understanding how humans perceive, think, and process various forms of situations and then respond to them" (Turner, 2011, p.103).

It was Eleanor Roosevelt who stated, "A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably” (Roosevelt). There is a great deal of truth in her statement. However, there are at least four additional characteristics that every well-functioning, effective person possesses. 1) An effective individual should demonstrate a life of integrity, committed to the truth despite how much it may hurt; and willing to speak truth into the lives of others even when it is humiliating and difficult. (A lesson learned from a very valued professor of mine.) 2) He is responsible and accountable for his own actions; and without blame, nor excuse, accepts the resulting circumstances and consequences. With humility, he willingly admits it when wrong. 3) An effective person must develop a learner’s attitude; and have a teachable spirit. He is willing to listen and expand his perspective; and able to keep an open mind. A mind that is receptive counsel, and responds to reproof. 4) A well-functioning person is available, open to interruption and accessible to others. He values and cherishes time well spent with people, and sets priorities and strives to maintain them. This is my purpose, my responsibility, my calling and I will strive to carry out all of

My personal theoretical orientation to counseling is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy helps the client to uncover and alter distortions of thought or perceptions which may be causing or prolonging psychological distress. The theoretical foundations of CBT are essentially those of the behavioral and cognitive approaches. CBT leads to a clear, persuasive, and evidence-based description of how normal and abnormal behavior develops and changes (Kramer 293). The term “cognitive-behavioral therapy” or CBT is a term for therapies with many similarities. CBT is not used as a cure and often times used to help with anxiety or depression the most, and may be single or in group settings. There

This can often times cause an individual to not explore obvious ways of dealing with hard personal and emotional issues. Sometimes we can have the answer in the front of us and because of our personality choose to not follow the help given to us by way of counselling assistance. An individuals inner self needs all the positive inspiration it can get and our personality is vital element to accepting what we require for our own good. Accepting that our internal self is a emotion, and instinctive, self also empowers us to work towards pursuing direction to decide disputes and anxieties that have developed and matured.

This How a client perceives a counselor is very important in how they effective they feel they

I believe counseling is a collaborative partnership between client and counselor. Furthermore, this collaborative partnership is built from trust and acceptance of both client and counselor. I hope in conjunction with clients to understand the issues and concerns so to help them tap into their wisdom, creativity, and strengths to meet their current challenges. I believe in a comprehensive perspective through which clients can better comprehend themselves in the framework that our thinking about events can lead to emotional and behavioral upset. Moreover, counselors are to provide a safe environment for clients to explore their challenges and identify ways to move differently in overcoming these challenges.

The five key aspects of theoretical orientation to development include: psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavior and social cognitive, ethological, and ecological. Each one of these happen to contribute an important piece to the life-span development puzzle. Although some of these theories may contradict the others they all work together to make us understand the things that happen throughout life. Together the coincide to let us see the total picture of development and the great things that come along with it.

Edward and Bess (1998), stated that in order to be a successful counselor, the counselor must be aware of who they are in the room with the client (Edwards & Bess, 1998). There are many ways to develop a therapeutic self however; this does vary from counselor to counselor. Some of the most important qualities that lead to a therapeutic self are as follows; empathy to show true understanding, genuineness to understand ones true self, commitment to show dedication, and purpose for understanding why one choose the career path of a counselor (Edwards &Bess, 1998). The counselor must understand where he or she stands in regards to these qualities. Coady and Wolgien (1996) stated that the most important thing brought into the therapy session is the counselor’s true

If the child learns in school to be aware of the own behaviour and the resulting consequences, which can be positive or negative, then the child will pass this knowledge later forward to the next generation, (Bronfenbrenner 1979). However, not everybody may implement this properly or might not be consistent and this can cause a

Theoretical Orientation Reflection Paper Natasha Cartwright Senior Seminar February 8, 2017 Dr. Hill Theoretical Orientation Reflection Paper Introduction In the field of social work it is essential to be aware of theoretical approaches to incorporate into the work and realize which one fits more effectively with your different perspectives of life. With a better understanding of who you are, it becomes more easier to figure out your best way of counseling; figuring out which theories you find least and most appealing helps as well. When you are rooted in a theoretical orientation that aligns with your personal values and beliefs everything aligns up well. Applying your research of theoretical orientations to your actual work creates

As an effective counselor one of the main qualities needed is patience. Go to the next step of explanation only when the patient has clearly understood the content of the information you have provided. Therefore the counselor needs to have enough sufficient time for the patient, and should also be a good listener. Let the patient express everything he/she has to say, and give your inputs once when the patient has finished talking.

1. Use of personality-According to the article (Dewane, 2005). It is important to have an awareness when engaging with clients. The use of own personality, but keeping boundaries, is important to make a connection with our clients. Being aware of how traumatic experiences have impacted in ways to address and find interventions to assist them.

Through interactions with others, individuals learn their values, behaviors, and

Mankind has a dual nature, two sides that are nurtured through observations, experiences, religion, and social influences. Throughout childhood development, the young mind-set adapts to their environment and begins to form habits which causes oneself to behave differently in some situations then in others. Causes that explain why children grow up and begin acting different and unusual are societal pressures that influences people to change in numerous ways. Influences impact mankind by generating fear of being alienated and shunned which causes people to become negligent for what’s truly good for themselves. Society influences the elements that define mankind’s dual nature and manipulates mankind through moral decision-making, personal interests,

may take the form of learned social messages such as "You are a failure if you