Importance Of The Counseling Theory And Practice

The Counseling Theory and Practice course has exposed me to various theories and approaches counselors’ use. Learning about the different goals, key concepts, relationships, and techniques has given me insight into the various ways counselors work with students. Furthermore, it has encouraged me to begin to think about my own theoretical framework and which theories resonate with me. As a counselor it is important that I select theories that are in line with both my values and beliefs so that I can more effectively support my students needs. As I progress as a school counselor I will likely develop an integrated theoretical approach to counseling. There are many parts and pieces that I can pull from different counseling theories to tailor an approach well suited for myself. In this paper I discuss three theories with research and how I plan to implement the techniques as a counselor.

Adlerian Theory

Alfred Adler’s childhood had an impact on the formation of his theoretical approach. Adler had a tough childhood between losing his younger brother and becoming deathly ill at a young age. However, he did not let these events effect or determine the outcome of his future. Adler attended school at The University of Vienna with focuses on neurology and psychiatry where he later became one of the three major contributors to the psychodynamic approach to therapy. He eventually formed his own theoretical approach called “Individual Psychology” based on a holistic view of the person. According to Adlerian Therapy, “Where we have come from is not as important as where we are striving to go.” (Page 103). Even though our childhood is a large part of human development we are both the creators and creations of our own lives and are n...

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...ther to realize that our earliest memory turned out okay.

In classroom guidance I will facilitate an activity that is encouraging to students to help them to recognize their strengths and feel valued. According to our text, Theory and Practice of Counseling (2013) encouragement gives students a sense of hope and helps them to see the possibilities their lives hold. I begin the activity by instructing my students to outline one of their hands on a sheet of paper using a marker and label it with their name. Each student would begin to pass their drawn hand around the classroom for each student to list a positive attribute about the student or to provide words of encouragement. Once the student reads his/her hand at the end of the activity their personal strengths will be illuminated and they will have this hand to hold onto to look at when they feel discouraged.