...Final Paper: Personal Theory of Counseling or Psychotherapy Student: Student ID # COUN 6722 Program: MS in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling Specialization: Trauma and Crisis Intervention Walden University May 18, 2012 The final paper for this course will demonstrate my ability to understand, integrate and apply theories of counseling and psychotherapy based on teachings from the course. My personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy will be presented by examining my basic view of human nature and the key factors I strongly believe account for changes in behavior. The nature of the therapist-client relationship and its relative importance will be explained as well as the key functions and role of the therapist. Key goals of therapy will be described and the particular techniques and procedures specific to my preferred therapeutic approach will be noted. Lastly, the populations and/or client issues best suited and least suited for the named approach will be discussed. View of Human Nature My basic view of human nature is similar to the ideals of Thomas Hobbes. He perceived humans as individuals who are driven by specific desires which motivate their behaviors. Exhibiting certain behaviors will satisfy the desires (Malcolm, 2002). Hobbes’ theory coincides with my own that humans have the ability to decide whether to alter their behaviors to ultimately fulfill their desires (trial and error) or to relinquish their original desires in exchange for more...
Words: 1626 - Pages: 7
...Throughout my understanding and the more that I know, I begin to realize the difficulties that can arise when working in a helping profession, such as being a counselor or therapist. With anything there are challenges that one must overcome. By recognizing those challenges, it will help with both my personal and professional life. In the book, Theories and Practices of counseling and Psychotherapy it addresses issues faced by beginning therapists. It gives the understanding of how to recognize the issues and how to handle them in a constructive manor, one that will help both my client and myself. When working with individuals no matter what the job, it can be very stressful in the beginning. Learning new things and the stresses of doing...
Words: 884 - Pages: 4
...and victims psychotherapy and/or counseling may be a good choice. Counseling and psychotherapy can be possible methods of responding to a broad range of human needs. Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and psychologist (American Psychological Institute, 2012). Based on dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who does not know you personally. There are many approaches to psychotherapy which includes cognitive and behavioral interpersonal and other kinds of talk therapy. Because of the negative misconceptions towards psychotherapy many individuals delay on getting treatment. The saying that “only crazy people go to psychotherapy” is a myth, people may choose to see a psychotherapist for many different reasons. Anyone can benefit from psychotherapy to become a better problem solver. Counseling is a provision or guidance in decision making, particularly in emotionally significant situations (Burks, Stefflre, Dryden, & Feltham, 2002). A common factor most counseling situations is that the client is demoralized, distressed or otherwise in a negative state of mind about something. Counseling can be recommended for one or more persons but the majority of the time couples or families would benefit from this type of treatment. Counseling is mostly an optional activity whereby clients must agree to change and collaborate on his or her own free will. Through counseling there can...
Words: 863 - Pages: 4
...Journal of Counseling Psychology Vol. 5, No. 3, 1958 The Place of Values in Counseling and Psychotherapy1 C. H. Patterson University of Illinois fact, ethics might be considered as an expression of a group's values, an attempt to represent or express them in a systematized form. This is no doubt why Sutich (28) became involved in values in his discussion of ethics. Bixler and Seeman (3) state that "ethics are principles of action based on a commonly accepted system of values," thus relating professional ethics to social values. The APA code of ethics (1, p. 49) states that a cardinal obligation of the psychologist "is to respect the integrity and protect the welfare of the person with whom he is working." This is clearly an expression of the value of the individual in our society, as is recognized in Principle 1.13: "The psychologist should express in his professional behavior a firm commitment to those values which lie at the foundation of a democratic society, such as freedom of speech, freedom of research, and respect for the integrity of the individual" (1, p. 10). Philosophy of Counseling. From ethics and values to philosophy is only a short step. A philosophy is an integration of values, usually resulting in statements of postulates and assumptions, or principles. It is only natural, and to be expected, that philosophies of counseling and psychotherapy should reflect the philosophies How Values Affect Counseling of the societies in which these activities and Psychotherapy...
Words: 5273 - Pages: 22
...Russian: History, culture, and psychotherapy. Elms College Maxim M. Arbuzov Spring 2012 Abstract: On March 15, 2012, I landed in Vladivostok, Russia. I was amazed by the diversity and fast growth of the city since my last visit in 2006. Everything has changed the population has quickly grown, and people from around the world are visiting this place that is economically expanding. I seen family, friends, and professionals, which all knew my academic intentions. I talked a lot about social work and counseling, and more specifically: what would they do in times of crisis? Would they seek help? Where? I interviewed a few people of different age brackets, and they all had the same thing to say, for some odd reason; grab a bottle, head over to your best friends house, that is our therapy session. From this I became very interested in one underdeveloped and not heavily researched topic: psychotherapy and counseling in Russia. Introduction It is rather difficult to understand the status of psychotherapy in Russia nowadays, without background information on its history and culture. Russia among other nations has a long history of war and revolutions, which impacted every sphere of life for their populations. Different nations fell under the umbrella of the former “Soviet Union”, which is why Russia is such an interesting country to study because of the vast diversity. Along with diversity the most interesting part researching Russian Psychotherapy is that it is rare and has many...
Words: 1687 - Pages: 7
...conflicts more effectively by facing up to the negatives as well as the positives of their lives, including the tensions of life and death, love and hate, strength and weakness and meaning and absurdity. Best known authors on existential counselling are Irvin Yalom in the USA through his book Existential Psychotherapy (1981) New York: Basic Books and Emmy van Deurzen, who created the British School and who published her bookExistential Counselling and Psychotherapy in 1988 (London: Sage Publications; second edition 2002, third edition 2011). Existential therapy essentially helps deal with the problems of everyday living, such as relationship difficulties (both with Individuals & in Couple Therapy), anxiety/fear, food/body-image issues, addictions, mood disorders, social anxiety, panic, trauma, low self-esteem, unresolved childhood issues, sexual issues and others. It is a clear, direct and honest approach helping clients work on their particular, unique, experiences, problems, dilemmas and issues. It is appropriate for both short and long term therapy. It ideally suits those who wish to examine themselves and their relationship with others and the world. Existential psychotherapy and counselling draws its frame of reference from a philosophical tradition rather than medical or diagnostic principles. Unlike other, more prescriptive...
Words: 1485 - Pages: 6
...in group counseling. This author will define what group ethics is according to the psychological organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the Association of Specialist in Group Work (ASGW). This author will also address what the American Association of Christian Counselor (AACC) has to say about the ethical standards for Christian Counseling. To effectively practice ethically group therapy a counselor needs to internalize the morals, values, and behavioral makeup of each individual within the group. This paper will also look at the comparison between group and individual psychotherapy and why a counselor will choose between the two. The group processes in both individual and group psychotherapy are a positive catalyst for personal growth within the individual psyche. Whereas group therapy tends to address interactional and interpersonal, individual therapy usually looks at the intra-psychic. Group therapy has been proven to have effective treatment benefits in the treatment with various psychological and personal problems. The final section will address the ethical challenges this author may face and her biblical perspective in counseling, her personal leadership qualities and her personal approach to group counseling. Counseling in our society has gone through multiple changes in the recent years. More individuals are looking into receiving support and guidance in the way of group counseling. Due to the increase in counseling theories...
Words: 4546 - Pages: 19
...Philosophy and Psychology Personal Theory of Counseling In: Philosophy and Psychology Personal Theory of Counseling ALTER THIS PAPER....IT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO TURN IT IN....USING IT VERBATIN WILL RESULT IN A 100 MARK AND IDENTIFICATION WITH ANOTHER STUDENT PAPER...IN OTHER WORDS, YOU WILL BE FOUND TO BE COMPLETELY CHEATING AND MAY BE EXPELLED FROM YOUR UNIVERSITY...I WOULD USE IT AS A GUIDE, A LAUNCHING POINT....SOMETHING YOU COULD PARAPHRASE OR BORROW SOME IDEAS... Personal Theory of Counseling or Psychotherapy Personal Theory of Counseling or Psychotherapy Personal Theory of Counseling of Counseling or Psychotherapy Introduction This application paper will discuss my personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy in a number of different areas. Specifically, I will discuss the seven areas of interest. First, I will discuss and describe my basic view of human nature, Second, I will determine key factors that account for changes in behavior. Third, I will describe the nature of the therapist client relationship and its importance. Fourth, I will describe key functions and role of the therapist. Fifth, I will discuss the goals of therapy. Sixth, I will determine the techniques and theories of my approach. Seventh, I will discuss specific client issues best suited for my approach. (Walden University, 2012). In this paper I plan to describe and explain my own personal model for counseling. My personal model of counseling uses Gestalt Therapy, Person Centered Therapy...
Words: 358 - Pages: 2
...Psychotherapy is a treatment between a trained professional and a person or group.Psychotherapy aims to increase the individual's sense of his/her own well-being. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behavior change that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). Psychotherapy may also be performed by practitioners with different qualifications, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical or psychiatric social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, hypnotherapy, play therapy, music therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing and psychoanalysis. Most forms of psychotherapy use spoken conversation. Some also use various other forms of communication such as the written word, artwork, drama, narrative story or music. Psychotherapy with children and their parents often involves play, dramatization (i.e. role-play), and drawing. Psychotherapy occurs within a structured encounter between a trained therapist and client(s). Purposeful, theoretically based psychotherapy began in the 19th century with psychoanalysis; since then, scores of other approaches have been developed and continue to be created. Psychoanalysis was perhaps the first specific school of psychotherapy...
Words: 650 - Pages: 3
...Multiculturalism: The Suppressor of Universality in all Counseling Krystin Warden Indiana University, Bloomington November 12, 2013 Abstract Multiculturalism is a widely-known issue in psychotherapy. Therapists have a hard time counseling culturally diverse clients, especially when they are unaware of their values, beliefs, and perceptions. There is debate on whether or not therapy works equally well for different populations; such as age groups, racial/ethnic groups, sexual minorities, different genders, socioeconomic class, and disabled bodies. Although some therapies might not work as well as they do with certain populations, techniques within those therapies can be taken and worked with multiple populations. Keywords: multiculturalism, psychotherapy Multiculturalism Original and traditional definitions of counseling, therapy, and mental health practice arose from a White-Euro American society; a single culture with specific norms, beliefs, and values (Sue & Sue, 2013). In other words, these long-established definitions excluded other cultures of the world. Our knowledge in such topics stems all the way back to a society that took up 5% of the world’s population, therefore we are not taking into account the other 95% of the world’s beliefs and values that also play a role in therapy (Sue & Sue, 2013). What is considered to be “good therapy” in context is in actuality “good therapy” to only the society whom the context originated from, giving misrepresentation...
Words: 2088 - Pages: 9
...Developing Personal Style of Counseling Abstract Counseling is a profession, a unique relationship in which the counselor’s job is to hold a ‘mirror’ for the client to see himself or herself. The counselor understands that sometimes it takes a while for the client to see what he or she needs especially if there are more subtle things needing recognition. The counselor knows how to hold the ‘mirror’ in such a way that the client can see himself or herself from a caring, supportive and sympathetic perspective. Sometimes counselors may appear to be repeating what the client says or paraphrasing the clients rather than giving answers. When counselors are doing this there is a strategy behind it. Counseling is not about expect fixing problematic people, they just motivate people to pick up the broken pieces in their behaviors that need attention. Because counselors have a lot of experience witnessing human beings in various forms of life challenges, they use techniques or share observations that are more revealing than what friends or family members might say. With these revelations, clients make decisions and with the support of the counselor, clients take action towards positive growth in their lives. This paper is an expression of my current thinking regarding a theoretical approach of individual counseling. The counselor’s approach is unique based on his or her personal belief systems and values. I have adopted and integrated counseling approach to understanding...
Words: 4419 - Pages: 18
...The Heart of Counseling Joe Frazier Liberty University Abstract Ethics and ethical behavior is indispensable in the therapist-client relationship. The professional organizations for psychotherapy professionals have recognized the need to formalize baseline behaviors in codes of ethics that give the minimum standard of practice for therapists. An examination of the aspects of confidentiality, competence, dual roles, sexual intimacies and termination will demonstrate the need for and directed guidelines for ethical behavior. The Bible offers inspiration for the provider of soul care and shows that counseling is an activity that Jesus would endorse as an extension of His hands. Ethics at the Heart of Counseling Introduction The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of ethics in psychotherapy and in the therapeutic relationship. A brief history in the area of ethics will be observed followed by noting the importance of ethics within to psychotherapy. Five aspects of psychotherapy relating to ethics will be discussed with a review of the major codes of ethics. The identity and function of the counselor will be related to maintaining an ethical practice. A biblical view on the need of ethics will shown and the perspective of the writer will be stated. History and Development of Ethics in Psychotherapy A code of ethics is a set of principles of conduct within an organization that guide decision-making and behavior of their membership. All major mental health...
Words: 3880 - Pages: 16
...CNED 602 Counseling Theories 9 October 2012 SUMMARY In the article Does Psychotherapy Help Some Students, Eder and Whitson (2006) provided an overview of 75 studies of outcome research on the effects of psychotherapy on children. Eder and Whitson (2006) discussed the dilemma of students unable to learn because of emotional or behavioral issues while “No Child Left Behind {is} requiring that all children succeed academically” (Eder and Whitson, 2006, pp. 337). While the American School Counselor Association National Model lists the responsibilities of a school counselor as “promoting the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students,” a study reviewed in this article indicated 17% to 22% of school-age youth have developmental, emotional, or behavioral issues (Eder and Whitson, 2006, pp. 337). The authors’ intent was to research the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions on adolescents and youth to determine, for school counselors and school administration, if school counselors should increase these types of interventions in a school setting or refer more students for appropriate treatment. The compilation of data from the research outcome studies typically used a control group and a treatment group of children ranging in age between 3 and 15 years old with a wide range of clinical issues. Eder and Whitson (2006) detailed the multiples studies areas of positive and negative effects with emphasis on client factors, counselor...
Words: 583 - Pages: 3
...Counseling Theory Paper Cherish Stokely Liberty University Abstract This counseling theory paper combines different aspects of various counseling theories and puts them into one unified theory. This new theory takes in account my personal beliefs and worldview. This theory is not permanent, but is put together to allow direction for future counseling sessions. Although each client has a unique situation, this theory can be a basis on how a counselor would start the interaction between herself and the client. This paper outlines philosophical assumptions, which includes how man is inherently evil, but there is still hope for growth. The next section will then discuss the model of personality, which talks about how man develops. This section combines counseling theories such as Gestalt and behavior therapy. The next two sections discuss psychological health and abnormality. This section looks at how a client will be able to set himself free from symptoms that are harming the client. The next section will conclude by talking about psychotherapy and how a counselor should look at the role of the counselor and client while using certain techniques. This paper will conclude with a discussion of the assignment. Overall, this theory could be used in a Christian or secular setting and is based off of personal beliefs. Counseling Theory Paper Each counseling theory includes various strengths that can be used in a counseling session. Since a counselor should make known that each...
Words: 2831 - Pages: 12
...Analyzing Counseling Theories Student Name Walden University Analyzing Counseling Theories Part 1: Chart Theory 1: Name Theory 2: Name Background Theory • Use only bullet points; no sentences—delete this before beginning your one page chart. The boxes will expand to accommodate your points. • Human Nature • • Major Constructs • • Applications • • Evaluations • • Chapter Author, Year Chapter Author, Year Part 2: Reflection I. Describe a specific population of clients with whom you hope to work in the future. Explain why you have chosen this population and what you hope to accomplish with this client base. (Note this point will remain the same on future papers, if you want to keep it. Please delete.) II. Explain which one of the two theories in your chart would be the most effective in working with this client population and explain why. III. Describe at least two interventions from your chosen theory you would suggest using and how these interventions would assist this client population in reaching counseling goals. References Finn, A. (2011). Jungian analytical theory. In D. Capuzzi & D. Gross (Eds.). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions. (5th ed., pp. 77- 94). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. Haley, M. (2011). Gestalt therapy. In D. Capuzzi & D. Gross (Eds.). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions. (5th ed., pp. 167-...
Words: 266 - Pages: 2
