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To The Bone Theory

Decent Essays

Everybody has their own opinion of why people encounter personal problems, shaping their belief of what makes therapy helpful. My theory posits that a combination of individual and systemic factors produces personal problems. Therefore, to effectively address the multiple sources of a problem, my theory of helping involves both behavioral and cognitive techniques. Although every theory has limitations, helping professionals nevertheless develop their preferred approach over time. Since theory is foundation to clinical social work, it is imperative for me to consider and further develop my knowledge of theory. Individuals experience suffering for various reasons. My theory assumes that a combination of individual and systemic factors causes …show more content…

The main character, Ellen, suffers from anorexia which originated from a combination of individual and systemic factors. For example, Ellen had internalized negative sexual experiences, a dynamic individual factor contributing to her anorexia. Two systemic factors affecting Ellen are her toxic family environment and the negative influence of society through magazines and social media. Along with other external and internal factors, these were the sources of Ellen’s anorexia. In the movie, Ellen lived in a group home that used both behavioral and cognitive treatment methods. Behaviorally, the group home practiced operant conditioning, using a reward system to encourage the residents to maintain weight and develop healthy lifestyles. Cognitively, Ellen participated in therapy with a few individuals who encouraged her to find new perspectives and restructure her cognitive distortions of beauty. The residents also participated in group therapy, discussing struggles, victories, goals, and maladaptive thoughts. Throughout the movie, when therapeutic relationships were not present, helping attempts were significantly less successful. This movie illustrates the effectiveness of my theory of understanding problems and creating …show more content…

When I realized the multiple sources of my own problems and considered the many causes of others’ problems, I cultivated a belief in the multi-perspective model. The importance of a therapeutic relationship became evident during my own counselling experience. I did not sense this relationship with my counsellor, and therefore, our sessions were ineffective. Additionally, I find logic in cognitive and behavioral approaches. It is essential to change behaviorally; however, if one does not also address underlying cognitive distortions, change is incomplete. Observing and experiencing the power of both cognitive and behavioral treatments helped me to form this theory of

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