Personal Narrative: My Counseling Journey

Today, the majority of counselors and therapists operate from an integrative standpoint; that is, they are open to “various ways of integrating diverse theories and techniques” (Corey, 2009b, p. 449). In fact, a survey in Psychotherapy Networker (2007) found that over 95% of respondents proclaimed to practice an integrative approach (cited in Corey, 2009b, p. 449). Corey (2009a; 2009b) explains that no one theory is comprehensive enough to attend to all aspects of the human – thought, feeling, and behavior. Therefore, in order to work with clients on all three of these levels, which Corey (2009b) asserts is necessary for the

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 last thing I heard where the sirens. And the last thing I saw where a kaleidoscope of blue and red. And then everything went black, every ounce of air had escaped my lungs and had reached the surface of the lake in the form of little bubbles.” I told Louis Green, possibly the most boring person on earth. I don’t think he wanted to be my therapist anymore then I wanted to be in therapy.

“How can I be good again? I just lost my wife and son in a car accident. There's nothing in life that can cheer me up. I have become an alcoholic who is now jobless.” I said. My Therapist, Dr. Newman, told me “Trust me, Mr. Smith. Only time can heal your wounds if you allow it to. Well, that's the end of the session, and I want to recall the accident that occurred so we can talk about it tomorrow.”

Week three in clinical was difficult for me, I had a great experience overall but I hated seeing and holding a baby that had passed away at 21 weeks. To know what the family could possibly be going through was heartbreaking. I wouldn’t exactly know what to do if I was with the patient and her family exactly. I do know that I did place her in the room when she was admitted to triage. I do feel good about seeing the scenario play out, while being a student rather than being in the field alone. Other than that I was able to see the beginning stage of labor as well as a C-section. Everyone was so bent out of shape on making sure I eat and that I don’t faint, but it seriously wasn’t bad. As a matter of fact I was too intrigued with the mother rather

Has your world ever been flipped upside down overnight? Well, mine has when my Uncle had a bad stroke that causes him to lose the left side of his brain. This event changed my life forever it was like I was blind to being able to see for the very first time. Those horrible days truly made me rethink my life, and it taught me how precious life is and how quickly life can be taken away. The biggest thing that came out of this was the improvement in my work ethic, giving it my all 100% of the time, and not procrastinating on anything in my life. Having my world flipped upside was probably the greatest thing that could have happened and here's why.

When i decided to pursue a career in counseling a concern of mine was how was I going to remember so many theories and be effective in helping my clients as a counselor. It was this course that i was introduced to the development of my therapeutic orientation, and am relieved to know that the process is one that will most likely never stop changing. As I continue to develop my theories orientation, my own values, beliefs, perceptions, and ideas will continue to factor into my choices. I have noticed a common theme in the tenets of the theories that I am drawn to, such as empowerment, self-actualization, self awareness, the past, spirituality, gender role socialization and others. What i have noticed is that i am drawn to theories such as Cognitive Behavior therapy, Person-Centered Approach, the Feminist Theory, Rational Emotive Therapy, as well as Transpersonal Therapy.

Sometimes, I feel like I am experiencing a double therapy. One that I am leading with my therapist, and another one, more passive, in class. School can inadvertently speed up a process for which you are not necessarily ready. It can stir your past and your emotions arise. In that case, there is an assignment that I am postponing and trying in every way possible to avoid or twist differently. The material evoked in class was hard to process and I did not expect it. Ironically, I now think about it all the time. I know that I need to go to the bottom of it one way or another, but homeostasis is compromised and I do not like it. I try to look at it like gym. It is not pleasant but it is good for your health. The problem with that paper is that

Still till this day he hasn't got arrested or the detectives have not gave me updates . RIght now am doing very good i still go to therapy if didn't i think i would be a big mess.it has helped me alot i have become a better person it made see things different. I do sometimes have my bad days and weeks but i go thru them . it's hard for me to come to school every year since i told my parents . if we have a 3 day weekend it hard for me to come back to school and get used to the people .

The end of the semester has arrived and this research paper is designed to give insight into my own personal theoretical orientation in the counseling field. The problem is that I am still undecided in that respect. I thought that I had a clear and concise choice; however, there are bits and pieces of almost every theory that might provide a resolution to client’s situation. It was Carl Rogers’s person centered therapy which I found was the theoretical approach for me. When the midterm exam was administered there was a question which asked “Which of the theories covered so far is the one that you lean towards.” I was quick and did not even think twice when I answered Carl Rogers’ person centered therapy was my choice theoretical orientation.

My two preferred counseling setting are inpatient medical setting and child and adolescent. I feel that inpatient setting because it is a closed network of counseling for the client. During inpatient treatment client are able total focus on getting better to live a normal life. The client had the right to commit their self for help. It is an intensive treatment that provided a safe and secure surround for individual who are experiences problem. Inpatient client work along with mult-discilliary team to provide a full comprehensive plan. The mult-disipllnary team will come up with best possibility plan that are best for the client. Inpatient services provide a stabilization, evaluation, and intensive monitoring based on medical assessment conducted

I remember my last day of therapy almost perfectly, but it is probably because that was the day I really thought about what I wanted to spend my life doing.

Do you believe that your role as a therapist will end at the end of the day or will it be present in your personal life also?

Theres always going to be a time where someone needs help, courage, and support in

Thank you! I have worked in a therapeutic environment for a number of years, and I must credit my work environment for such a wonderful learning experience. Now, please remember, I have not always viewed things the way I do now. I once had a hard time accepting things I did not want to change; however, I learned the personal growth begins with change. This MSW program has also allowed additional personal growth in my life. I am very grateful for learning opportunities because I feel I will never be too old to learn something new.