Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
Personal Theory Counseling Paper
Tabitha L. Rue
Liberty University
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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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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Running head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING PAPER
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
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Covey, Stephen. (2014, March 11). Proactive vs. Reactive Behavior You Choose.
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Dedić, G. (2012). Model of psychotherapeutic crisis intervention following suicide
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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
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Hylander , I. (2012). Conceptual change through consultee-centered consultation: A
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Muehlenkamp , J. J. Marrone , S. Gray , J. S. Brown , D. L. (2009). A college suicide
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Paprocki, C. M. (2014). When Personal and Professional Values Conflict: Trainee
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LGBT Clients. Ethics & Behavior, 24(4), 279-292.
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