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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER

Personal Theory Counseling Paper

Tabitha L. Rue

Liberty University

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evolve my own personal counseling style and theoretical

orientation. This paper includes counseling theories that fit best with my own characteristics,

experiences, values, and beliefs. My personal theory should emphasize the growth of a person

and the ability to overcome struggles by looking to improve for the future. After studying the

different theories, there are many that I would like to overlap in own counseling practice. Tough

situations like growing up with two different parenting styles, going through a heart-breaking

relationship, and having both parents go through cancer, has taught me that struggles placed in

life are placed to help people get stronger and to be prepared for anything that comes in the

future. People can learn from mistakes, more forwards with their life. I want my personal

counseling theory to be based on that we cannot change the past, but we can improve the future.

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Personal Theory Paper

Each counseling theory is not considered “right” or “wrong.” Each one has a different

influence on the understanding of human behavior (Corey, 2013). After studying the different

counseling theories, I have concluded that there are aspects of each one that I would like to

include in my own theory. This paper describes the formation of my personal beliefs about

behavior and change, personal theoretical orientation, application of theoretical orientation: crisis

and consultation, and biblical integration through my own characteristics, experiences, values,

and beliefs.

Component # 1: Personal Beliefs About Human Nature

Deterministic vs. free will

Corey stated that the behaviorist’s view that “the person is the producer and the product

of his or her own environment corresponds to my own beliefs” (p.250). I agree with Corey in the

sense that people have a choice in behavior and are responsible for their actions. For example, a

child who grew up with abusive parents may be more likely to become violent, but he or she can

choose not to be. Every child who has grown up in a violent household does not grow up to be

violent. Corey (2013) examples deterministic behavior is always predictable (Corey, 2013). I

believe this is an excuse. For instance, the child who becomes violent may blame the parents,

and not take responsibility for their actions.

Unconscious (unaware) vs. conscious (aware)

Although I have stated my personal belief that life is what we make it, I also think there

are unconscious aspects we are unaware of that do influence our behavior. Freud suggests that

the unconscious is the root of behaviors (Corey, 2013). This means that childhood experiences,

dreams, wishes, memories, and other uncontrollable unconscious features help form personality

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and behavior. I do agree with Freud that there are suppressed characteristics that influence

behaviors. However, I do not completely agree that the “cure” is uncovering the cause of

behavior (Corey, 2013). The past is gone; I think the focus should be on where to go from here.

Because I want my personal counseling style to more focused on the here and now and work

towards future, I do have to say that I want my theory to be more conscious. People can learn

from mistakes and more forwards with life. I want my personal counseling theory to be based on

that we cannot change the past, but we can improve the future.

Reactive vs. Proactive

According to Covey, reactive behavior is when our feelings depend on the results of the

external events that we have no control over (Covey, 2014). This explains that reactive people let

events happen. In order words, for my own counseling theory, I think teaching clients to be

proactive is a great technique. This can be very useful when helping clients think about the

future. Being proactive is when “we only concern ourselves with things that are inside our

sphere of influence, rather than worrying about things we can not do anything about” (Covey,

2014). I agree with Covey that being prepared and setting goals can help clients reinforce control

over their own life.

Subjective vs. objective

Subjective information is information that is proceeding from the client’s mind rather

than in the real world (Hunt, 2014). Corey (2013) defines empathy as “ deep understanding of

the client with the client” (p.199). I believe this is a characteristic that every therapist should

have. There is subjective empathy, which is to help the counselor experience what it is like to be

in the client’s shoes. There is also objective empathy, which is relies on knowledge sources

outside of a client’s frame of reference (Corey, 2013). In my personal theory, I think both are

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important, but they can be applied at different times. For example, I want to be objective in

assessment, and then subjective in the interpretation. Everyone thinks differently, and having

different insights on the information can help the client reach their full potential.

Negative human nature vs. positive human nature

Positive psychology is the “movement that shares many concepts on the healthy side of

human existence with the humanistic approach (Corey, 2014, p.177). Also in Roger’s person-

centered therapy, the client and therapist relationship is considered collaboration rather than the

therapist as the expert. This can be related to positive human nature in the sense that the session

focuses on what is right for the client rather than what is wrong. For my personal counseling

style, I would like to emphasis the importance the positive aspects in life. In order to grow as a

person, people must not dwell on the negative.

Helpless vs. responsible

Reality therapists say that people should live in the future and plan for the future (Corey,

2013). Like I have mentioned before, the focus of my personal theory is to learn from mistakes,

grow as a person, and improve for the future. In human nature, everyone experience the feeling

of helpless, however, responsibility is key. For example, the child who becomes violent may feel

helpless, but in order to overcome this he or she will need to take responsible for their actions.

People are limiting their freedom if they are not accepting that their choices are contributing to

their problems (Corey, 2013). Responsibility can be scary, however, it necessary for

improvement.

Holistic vs. elementalistic

Gestalt therapy defines holism as “a united and coherent whole, and the whole is different

from the sum of its parts” (Corey, 2013, p.214). Adlerian therapy explains personality in a holist

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view, as an individual’s thoughts, feelings, belief, convictions, attitudes character, and actions

are expressions of his or her uniqueness (Corey, 2013). While it is important to look at the whole

picture, I also think elementalism is important to look at the individual parts. There may be

small aspects of the whole that need to discussed in order to move on. In the example of the

violent child, the past experiences with the violent parents need to address, however, this does

not need to be the focus point.

Component # 2: Personal Beliefs About Change

Can personality and behavior change?

In order for change to occur, people have to want to change. Also, people have to have an

idea who they would like to become. If people are willing, change is possible. People understand

that there needs to be a change; they can begin to take further steps to improve their future.

What needs to occur in order for people to change?

Corey (2013) explains the change model as a series of stages that people pass through in

the counseling process. In the percontemplation stage, people have no intention for change. In

the contemplation stage, people are aware of a problem, and considering a change, but have yet

to make a commitment. In the preparation stage, there are small behavior changes. In the action

stage, people are taking steps to modify behavior. Finally, in the maintenance stage, people work

to consolidate their gains and prevent relapse (Corey, 2013). I believe that personality and

behavior can change. It does not happen overnight and it is not an easy process, but it can be

done.

Is knowing what and how to change behavior enough for change to occur?

Adlerian therapy explains that real change happens in the real world, it does not happen

during sessions (Corey, 2013). Talking about change in therapy is not enough. I believe that real

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change occurs when it has been applied to real life. Also, self-understand is a special for of

insight and self-awareness that is the foundation of change (Corey, 2013). Without having

insight, there cannot be change.

Component #3: Personal Theoretical Orientation

What theories best fit your own values and beliefs about human nature, change?

My personal theory should emphasize the growth of a person and the ability to overcome

struggles by looking to improve for the future. After studying the different theories, there are

many that I would like to overlap in own counseling practice. Adler suggested “ choice and

responsibility, meaning in life, and the striving for success, completion, and perfection page

number (p.103). Adlerian therapy stresses the important of encouragement as a useful tool to

help clients. I would also like to use this. For example, the counselor could encourage the child

with abusive parents to make better choices. By not following in their footsteps, the child can

strive for success.

Out of all of the theories, I would have to say that my beliefs and value correspond most

with existential and person-centered therapy. “Humans are in a constant state of transition,

emerging, evolving, and becoming in response to the tensions, contradictions, and conflicts in

our lives” page number (Corey, 2013, p.179). We are constantly questioning ourselves, and

learning from experiences. Like existential, I also reject the determinist view. While people can

choose to have poor behavior, people can also choose to change behavior for the good. The focus

of the person-centered therapy is on the growth of the client (Corey, 2013). There are always

going to be bumps in the road. By learning how to overcome these obstacles, clients can reach

their full potential.

How does your background influence your theoretical preference?

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Whether it is make people stronger or teach a lesson, I believe that everything happens

for a reason. Because of my mother’s drug use, I decided to move in with my father during

sophomore year of high school. My mother had a permissive parenting style, meaning she

required little of me, and she did not see herself holding much responsibly of how I would turn

out (Feldman, 2011). However, my father had an authoritative style, meaning he was relatively

strict, but was with loving and emotional support (Feldman, 2011). Growing up in both parenting

styles have taught me so much about love and communication. Both of these things are necessary

to form healthy relationships.

One past relationship that comes to mind that have influenced me most would be with my

ex-boyfriend Ty. He introduced me to church and Christian radio. Because he followed Christ, I

listened more to the Word. Before I knew it, I began longing to tell anyone who would listen

who Jesus was and what He had done for me without Ty having to be around. However, we have

only dated about three months when I discovered that he had cheated on me with one of my best

friends. While this relationship was heartbreaking, it has helped lead to where I am today, I have

learned the importance of forgiveness.

Even though, my mother, father, sister, and brother all dropped out of high school, I was

determined to continue my education. Not only was I the first in my family to graduate high

school, but also I was the first to pursue college. It would have been so easy to follow in my

family’s footsteps, but I wanted more then a minimum wage job. I knew what it was like to grow

up in the lower socioeconomic status; I did not want that for my future. In my freshman year in

college, I found out that my mother was diagnosed with lung caner. A few months later, while

she was in chemo, I also found out that my father also had lung caner. This was a very difficult

time, I did not understand how one parent could go through this, and I had to help support both

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parents at the same time. Months later, my father passed away, and my mother became cancer

free. Even though this was a major event that happened in my life, I was determined to not let

this hold me back. After receiving my acceptance letter to a University, I moved, found an

apartment, found a job, and made a new home in this new town. I feel that these events have

strongly influenced my faith development because they have made me realize that the struggles

placed in my path are there to help me get stronger and to be prepared for anything that comes in

my future. My parent’s personal styles, past and present relationships, early experiences,

environmental factors, and religious beliefs have all led to my desire to help clients by helping

them grow and move forward.

How would you go about establishing a positive therapeutic relationship?

Gestalt therapy says the “therapist needs to be responsible for creating a positive

relationship by knowing themselves, and client (Corey, 2013). A positive therapeutic relationship

relies on trust, commitment and communication. I would establish a positive therapeutic

relationship by having all of these things. I would also like to use many techniques to secure the

clients full potential. I would use motivational interviewing to play a major role in their present

and future success (Corey, 2013). Also, I would use a positive complimentary attitude, showing

the client their strengths, and how they can use their own resources for find solutions.

How would you go about establishing goals in relation to wellness and prevention?

Even though the client themselves may not know how to solve their problem, sessions

need direction. While I want my client to know that I am here to help her, I do not want to seem

like the expert. By helping the client identify problems, we can collaborate to find a solution.

Because I want my personal counseling therapy to focus more on the future than the past, I

would establish goals in relation to wellness and prevention by commuting with client of their

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needs. Once a solution has been identified, we can start to orient goals. Progress takes time and

every client will be different. Session by session and goal by goal will be accomplished until the

final goal is reached.

How would you go about assessing client needs and therapeutic progress?

Assessment is defined as the evaluation of relevant factors in the client’s life to identify

themes, which can be used for further explanation (Corey, 2013). While using assessment tools

and various tests, I also think the best tool to assess the client is the client himself or herself. I

also think it is important to include the client in the therapeutic progress. If clients are involved

in the therapeutic process from the beginning to the end, the chances are increased that therapy

will be successful (Corey, 2013). By using collaboration and cooperation, I will assess the client

needs and therapeutic progress.

Component #4: Application of Theoretical Orientation

The family-based crisis intervention model (FBCI) is an intervention designed to

sufficiently stabilize patients within a single ER visit so that they can return home safely with

their families (Wharff, Ginnis, & Ross, 2012). The model of psychotherapeutic crisis

intervention following suicide attempt is a model that takes place over a number of sessions

(Dedić, 2012). Both models have similarities and differences. While both models handle suicidal

patients, the FBCI specifically handles adolescences patients. Both models emphasize the

importance of a crisis intervention immediately after the attempt; however, because of an

increase suicide attempt rate among adolescence there are longer waiting periods (Wharff,

Ginnis, & Ross, 2012). One main difference between the models is the aim of the intervention.

FBCI focuses on the evaluation and disposition of the patient, but little to no treatment provided

(Wharff, Ginnis, & Ross, 2012). The specific goal of the model of psychotherapeutic crisis

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intervention is to support psychological treatment for patients (Dedić, 2012). Overall, for both

models, the patients are less likely to be hospitalized after the crisis intervention than those who

did not receive an intervention.

While I found these two models to be interesting, I do not think they are compatible to

my personal counseling design. The psychodynamic approach in psychotherapeutic crisis

intervention focuses on why this behavior and to make the unconscious conscious. Even though,

I do think this therapy can be effective, it not the aim of my theory. I would to go more into an

approach where sensitive listening, hearing, and understanding helps ground the patient, calm

them in the midst of turmoil, and enables them to think more clearly (Corey, 2013). Also, unlike

the FBCI, I think the intervention will need more than one session to be intervention. While I

think these models may not be compatible to my therapy, I do agree that it is important to

hospitalize a suicidal patient to protect them from self-harm.

Discuss the role of psychological first aid

An increasingly popular idea for enhancing surge capacity during disaster scenarios is to

develop cadres of potential responders trained in mental and behavioral health management,

including psychological first aid (PFA) (McCabe, Everly, Brown, Wendelboe, Hamid, Tallchief,

& Links, 2012). I think that all therapies should have psychological first aid. This role is very

compatible with my theory. The results of the competency-based training model explained the

need to “reduce the chances of drawing erroneous conclusions about the kind of help the person

wants or needs”(McCabe, Everly, Brown, Wendelboe, Hamid, Tallchief, & Links, 2012). By

having the client think about what they need, they can begin to make a change. Also, PFA

emphasizes the importance of exercise, stress relief, social contact, and hobbies to make sure the

client is healthy and happy.

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Identify a suicide prevention model and the compatibility with your counseling style

While this prevention model is specifically designed for American Indian college

students, aspects can be used for my counseling style. Like my personal theory, this model of

medicine wheel focuses on communication, culture, spirituality, and educational aspects to

develop skills, and strengthen relationships (Muehlenkamp, Marrone, Gray, & Brown, 2009).

After there has been psychological first aid in the help of a suicide, this prevention model can

help counsel the patient. For example, there can be talking circle to help the client understand

that they are not alone. Also there can be workshops and seminars to help clients develop skills

that can be useful in the future.

Identity a framework/model for practicing consultation

The theoretical model of conceptual change is through client-centered consultation,

which focuses on the change as a turning of the representation of the problem (Hylander, 2012).

Because my theoretical model focuses on overcoming struggles and moving forward, this

framework of consultation will fit my counseling style. By going back and forth from the

original representation and challenging the representation of the problem, the counselor can

completely understand the client and the problem. By using this model, the client- therapist

relationship is collaboration. Also, the therapist is not considered the expert; therefore, both can

work forwards changing behaviors.

Component #5 Ethical

What professional ethical principals need to be considered?

In order to fulfill my personal counseling therapy, I plan to use aspirational ethic to

ensure practice is in the best interest of the client. Confidentiality is an ethical principal that

always needs to be considered. Confidentiality is central to development of trust and safety

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between the therapist and client (Corey, 2013). If there is not this foundation, then no good work

can be done. Multiple relationships are another principle to be considered. It is not guaranteed

that once the client leaves the office, they will only be seen in the office. There may be times

when counselors see clients around town. Not all of these relationships can be harmful. The

solution to handle this situation is to “ manage boundary fluctuations and to deal effectively with

overlapping roles” page number (Corey, 2013). I believe that when people choose a helping

profession, they should always put the clients needs before their own.

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References

Corey, G., & California State University. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and

psychotherapy. Australia: Brooks/Cole / Cengage Learning.

Covey, Stephen. (2014, March 11). Proactive vs. Reactive Behavior You Choose.

Retrieved from URL https://medium.com/life-learning/proactive-vs-reactive-

behaviour-9e1d78676516

Dedić, G. (2012). Model of psychotherapeutic crisis intervention following suicide

attempt. Vojnosanitetski Pregled: Military Medical & Pharmaceutical Journal Of

Serbia & Montenegro, 69(7), 610-615. doi:10.2298/VSP100901003D

Feldman, S.R. (2011). The Development Across the Life Span. (Custom) Upper Saddle

River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9781256915881.

Hunt, Jan. (n.d.). Subjective vs. Objective Retrieved from

http://www.naturalchild.org/jan_hunt/subjective.html

Hylander , I. (2012). Conceptual change through consultee-centered consultation: A

theoretical model. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 64, 29-

45.

McCabe, O., Everly Jr., G. S., Brown, L. M., Wendelboe, A. M., Hamid, N., Tallchief, V.

L., & Links, J. M. (2014). Psychological First Aid: A Consensus-Derived,

Empirically Supported, Competency-Based Training Model. American Journal Of

Public Health, 104(4), 621-628. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301219

Muehlenkamp , J. J. Marrone , S. Gray , J. S. Brown , D. L. (2009). A college suicide

prevention model for American Indian students. Professional Psychology:

Research and Practice, 40, 134-140.

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https://medium.com/life-learning/proactive-vs-reactive-behaviour-9e1d78676516

https://medium.com/life-learning/proactive-vs-reactive-behaviour-9e1d78676516


Paprocki, C. M. (2014). When Personal and Professional Values Conflict: Trainee

Perspectives on Tensions Between Religious Beliefs and Affirming Treatment of

LGBT Clients. Ethics & Behavior, 24(4), 279-292.

doi:10.1080/10508422.2013.860029

Wharff, E. A., Ginnis, K. M., & Ross, A. M. (2012). Family-based Crisis Intervention

with Suicidal Adolescents in the Emergency Room: A Pilot Study. Social Work,

57(2), 133-143. doi:10.1093/sw/sws017

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tabitharue.weebly.comtabitharue.weebly.com/uploads/4/9/5/9/49594303/person… · Web viewBecause he followed Christ, I listened more to the Word. Before I knew it, ... and strengthen