Integrative Theoretical Approach And Strength-Based Model

Both of the selected theories place high importance on the relationship between the counselor and client. Given that research indicates

There are several different types of theoretical orientations that a student may choose to identify him or herself with. Although students may choose a specific theoretical orientation they may change their orientation later on in their academic career depending on their perspective of the field. Each orientation is equal, neither orientation is better than the other. Just because a person picks a certain orientation doesn’t mean that their psychological assessment will be any longer or shorter. Its important that a student identifies what they what orientation they want to identify with because they should spend their time as a student becoming an expert in that orientation, because when they graduate they are considered experts and is expected to have a certain level of competency. As of right now I mostly identify with eclectic. I see that there is so much value in each orientation, but for the purpose of this paper I am going to choose cognitive behavioral therapy. The reason that I mostly identify with CBT is because I currently use it now and I’m very familiar with it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012).

My beliefs about human life are intricate. We are complex individuals that are shaped not only by our genes, but also by our environments, our experiences and interactions with others. Surely, the way that people behave can be due to psychological disorders that we are not at fault for, however, I also believe that issues involving anxiety, stress and depression are often perpetuated by our own thinking processes and how we feel about ourselves in comparison to the beliefs of others. Often times, I feel that having someone to listen, validate, empathize and care for us is what it takes for change to take place. As social beings, I believe that through interactions with a person who we care about and a person that cares about us, improvements can be made. In this paper, I will discuss how my philosophy of life relates to that of person-centered therapy, as described by Sharf (2016).

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 are several approaches to this

Establishing a theoretical orientation in counseling is vital to mental health profession, without a basis of knowledge on how to respond will often lead to the thinking that the counselor in incompetent in the field. Development of a theoretical orientation is often initiated and enhanced through

A theoretical orientation is the model used to describe a client’s behavior, tendencies and personality. Therapists can’t approach and find explanations of behavior or personality in the same manner due to the difference in client issues, diagnoses, and symptoms. Although different in nature each theoretical orientation consists of the general themes that can be seen and utilized universally. As a counselor, it is important to develop and have sense of which theoretical orientation works best for you and the type of clientele that you will be servicing. While it may be a challenge to pick one theoretical orientation and stick to it due to the vast variety, it is important that you incorporate your background, values, religious beliefs, as well as a host of other factors into your decision to ensure that that orientation can be utilized properly.

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.

My top five theories are Gestalt, Reality, Person Centered, Existential and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Within these five theories my top five aspects that I would like to incorporate into my own personal model of counseling is as follows: 1.) From Gestalt therapy I would incorporate staying with the feeling and use experiments along with internal dialogue exercises (Corey, 2013). The aspect of getting to the root of unfinished business in regards to impasse is appealing in regards to this theory as well as the idea that it moves the client to a place where they are more confident asking for help (Corey, 2013) 2.) From the Reality Therapy approach I would incorporate the WDEP technique (Corey, 2013). I feel that it is of the most importance to recognize what one wants from his or her life and to be able to verbalize and have an action based, planned path that moves one towards the goal (Corey, 2013). 3.) From the Person Centered Approach I would incorporate genuineness, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding (Corey, 2013). In regards to the therapeutic process when working with people in crisis I believe this model is most effective (Corey, 2013). 4.) From an Existential Therapy approach I would incorporate the aspect of guiding the client to a place of awareness. I believe being aware of why one is not living their life fully is very important to moving a person toward making choices that will get them to a life that is more authentic to who

The way the concept theoretical orientation relates to me being a student studying Social Work I have been introduced to theories that offer understandings to help to assist clients with their problems. Theories are basic guiding tools to help practitioners to interact with our clients and to help shape our professional identity. The approach that I am most interested in is the Decisional model, Loge therapy, and person centered Counseling. Decisional Counseling process makes decisions by assisting the client by defining problem, Generating alternative problems and assisting the client with taking action .Loge Therapy is the process that assists the client with finding their purpose this will assist clients to be able to undergo any hardships that they may encounter. Person Centered Counseling is the process that the client is in control of what they want to do as a practitioner we facilitate the process. The way I will start to build my competence using the uses of theories are inside of my practicum. My field placement is at The Boys& Girls Club I believe that the Decisional Counseling approach will be useful because of the services the Boys & Girls Club provide for the youth so that can be successful. There has numerous situations when students received consequences because of their negative behavior. Using this method I could try to get

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

Ms. Peters explained that strength-based therapy is used to help clients build positive qualities (C. Peters, personal communication, February 3, 2016). In application, the therapist helps the patient become aware of hidden strengths. The strength-based cognitive behavioral therapy (SBCBT) model can be used to develop positive human qualities like resilience, patience, . . . Patient-generated imagery and metaphors serve as powerful tools to remind the patient to employ the newly developed positive quality. Thus, it gives the patient the ability to cope and deploy their developed quality without referencing a problematic disorder like depression, anxiety, or anger issues. Therefore, it instills the strength to adapt and bounce back by using

Theoretical orientations provide a type of framework for counselors to understand a client’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings and help counselors work through a client’s journey from their diagnosis to their treatment. Theoretical approaches are an important part of the counseling process, but with so many different theories and techniques out there, it’s challenging to figure and decide which counseling approach works best. In this paper, I will discuss the theories that I have learned throughout the course and the ones that I most closely identify with, along with the ones that I least identify with. This paper will also include the use and role of theoretical orientations.

All counselors have the ability to bring new perspectives and research into the field. It is an expectation that new counselors will continue to improve mental health counseling. “Some emergent theories were developed for specific purposes. For example, motiva-tional interviewing is an approach designed to work with individuals struggling with chem-ical dependency. Brief and solution- focused counseling provides a framework for working in a time- limited, perhaps managed care, counseling environment” (Erford, 2010). I would first review the data behind a new theory. Careful review of a theory would allow me to understand its purpose in my practice. I would also ensure that the new theory would benefit my client without creating further distress in his or her life. My goal would be to keep my client informed and involved in their therapy. While new theories are important a counselor has to closely evaluate the effectiveness of that theory.

Very interesting question. Meaning therapy and Strength-based therapy overlaps with each other that they both place emphasis on the positive aspects of clients’ lives (Jones-Smith, 2014; Wong, 2010, 2012). Focusing on their positive attributes leads to empowering clients (Jones-Smith, 2014). I believe that ability to engage in the meaning-making process is strength.

The study will adopt two theories that are interrelated in explaining adolescent pregnancy. It will use the strength perspective and resilience theory.