We have studied many theories during this term. I have learned that one of the most difficult decisions I will ever make as a practicing counselor is the theory (or theories) in which to use in my practice. In deciding what theory to use, first and foremost, I must consider the needs of the client. My own beliefs, bias, and values will need to be examined when selecting a counseling theory. Also of utmost importance will depend on the issues affecting my clients as to what theory to use. I believe that knowledge in all the theories will be vastly important because in certain circumstances more than one theory can be used. This paper will assist me in examining the following elements and developing a personal theory to use in future practice. The Nature of People The theory that stands out from all others when examining the nature of people is Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy. This therapy centers on the belief that people are quite capable of growing and changing while pursuing their full potential. I wholeheartedly agree with Corey (2013) who said that people are “essentially trustworthy, that they have a vast potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems without direct intervention on the therapist’s part, and that they are capable of self-directed growth.” Utilizing this theory in practice, the client is the expert. I would use client-centered therapy when a client begins to have problems distinguishing between “the ideal self
Both of the selected theories place high importance on the relationship between the counselor and client. Given that research indicates
3. What is a theoretical orientation in counseling? What value does following a theoretical orientation bring to counseling?
In the very early years of the person-centred approach, the direction and goals of the therapy were very much determined by the client, with the therapist’s role being to assist the client in clarifying their feelings. This approach of non-directive therapy was associated with a greater self-exploration, increased understanding, and improved self-concept. Further development of person centred therapy has seen a shift in concentration toward the core conditions assumed to be both necessary and sufficient for successful therapy (Cox, Bachkirova & Clutterbuck, 2010)
My theoretical orientation gravitates strongly toward a humanistic and goal oriented theory of counseling. I agree with the Freudian psycho-analysis approach in that development happens within the first six years of life and these experiences are what influence our present behavior, however, it is my belief that human behavior is motivated through our conscious and all behavior is goal-oriented and has a desired result. Our social environment and past experiences are what strongly enhances our behavior and the decisions that we make. With this is mind, it is understood that we are in control of our actions,
Throughout this essay I will illustrate the similarities and differences between the three core theories by looking at the theory behind each concept, the nature of the client/counsellor relationship and the techniques used. The three core theories to be considered here are Humanistic,
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
It is very important to build a strong theoretical orientation when dealing with different clients, due to the fact they are all different. Many different cultural norms, and different reasons for being there. The professional must bear in mind the different boundaries of others, and their own boundaries are essentials. Depending on who is the counselor many theoretical influences would be different in handling their clients, and whatever is comfortable for the professional, and what the client’s situation is would bear on how the treatment solution plan would be devised (Psychcentral, 2016). You probably could find many types of theoretical orientations that professional use today. Establishing theoretical orientation will help you to provide
These correct conditions which are required within person centred therapy in order that the client can achieve self actualisation and personality change were outlined by Carl Rogers and he believed that if this 6 conditions were met, it would facilitate change within the client: Two persons are in psychological contact- both client and counsellor are present physically and psychologically. The client is in a state of incongruence, (which will be discussed in more detail) the communication of the counsellor’s empathetic understanding and unconditional positive regard is met at a minimal level. The last condition mentioned involves 3 other conditions, which are essential attitudes and qualities necessary for the counsellor to posses for successful therapy; empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard and congruence. (Rogers C, 1957).
Research has shown that a strong therapeutic alliance is necessary for establishing a beneficial contact between the therapist and the client. If the therapist does not encourage the creation of a reliable therapeutic alliance from the beginning of the treatment, it will be hard to develop a constructive relationship with the client later. Establishing the therapeutic alliance will increase the chances of achieving the goal of the treatment because the clients will be willing to cooperate if they trust and respect the therapist. Clients are not likely to cooperate with therapists who impose their authority aggressively. Instead of imposing their authority on the patient, therapists should develop work with their patients by
Erford, 2010 states that a good theory is: “clear and easily understood, comprehensive, explicit and heuristic, generating further research, specifically geared to help clients reach their desired outcomes, and be useful to practitioners”. A counselor should always look for these important characteristics when reviewing a new theory. New theories have to continually be tested in order to be considered safe and effective for clients. The emergence of a new theory does not automatically mean that it will work or fit
My view of human nature borrows from person-centered therapy in that people are trustworthy, can solve their own problems and have potential for growth (Corey, 2013a). It also borrows from the Rogerian view of human nature that is similar to Adler’s beliefs that a person is responsible for oneself and capable of growth, wellness and moving from a discouraged state to an encouraged state (Corey, 2013a). I also believe that people think and feel the way they do because of their experiences. This includes past experiences in as much as the experiences influences the present and need to be looked at to reveal truths for the individual. I
In the counseling profession, having knowledge of the theoretical approaches and which ones will be essential based on your standpoint of human nature, problems, and changes for an individual is important. Having a clear understanding of the approaches is key, but the counselor’s knowledge of his or her own principles, life experiences and viewpoints will define how the counselor will effectively perform their job.
By creating a therapeutic environment in which the client feel safe to be entirely honest and open about their thoughts and feelings we can enable the client to be
The person-centered theory is also referred to as the client-centered theory. It is presently a popular theory for therapy and counseling. Rogers believed in clients helping themselves so that they could empower themselves with a self-actualizing motive to improve their lives. He did not believe in the concept of treating people as patients that had mental issues and needed to be diagnosed. His ideas continue to be relevant in modern psychology (Cervone & Pervin, 2010).