Theory Paper Assignment

When a counselor self discloses information to a client it needs to be information that provides a beneficial purpose. Studies show the most common self-disclosure topics are personal theoretical approaches, beliefs about treatment, statements of respect for client, similar emotions, and coping strategies (Ziv-Beiman, 2013). It is important counselors do not disclose too much personal information or irrelevant information to the client. One of the problems that arise when a counselor provides inappropriate information is the reversal of roles. There needs to be set boundaries between the counselor and the client in order for the therapeutic process to be successful.

I have reexamined that making choices that are appropriate and not jeopardize losing my license as a result of not being responsible for my client. Overall, the information learned in this course will forever imprint in my passion as a mental health professional.

Counselors that practice within a CBT framework put responsibility for change on the client, but the counselor actively supports the client in achieving their desired goals. As a future counselor, it is important to me that both the client and the counselor assume roles within the therapeutic relationship. I feel that self-defeating thoughts prevent individuals from living their lives the way they want. These thoughts prevent individuals from living an authentic, happy life. My practice as a counselor will consist of helping clients recognize their thoughts and work towards change.

As social workers we are supposed to be mindful of the differences in people, respect those differences, and not push our beliefs or ideas on them. This article describes how person-centered therapy is applying the same basic principles. We are supposed to be there to support and accept our clients and allow them to make their own decisions without interference. Person-centered therapy focuses greatly on creating an inviting and accepting environment for clients, which is a main focus of social workers as

Tobin and McCurdy (2006) state “Individual Psychology emphasizes a collaboration and interaction between the therapist and client. Success depends on being genuinely interested in the other and realizing a common understanding.” This theory emphasizes counselors and clients’ relationship as a collaborative entity and believes that being authentic with clients fosters understanding. Also, Adlerian therapists look at clients as discouraged instead of sick and emphasize the need to encourage clients so that their outlooks are positive and coincide with their self-defined goals. Corey (2013) states, “The aim of therapy is to assist clients in modifying their lifestyles so that they can more effectively navigate each of the life tasks they face.” Counselors support clients in amending their lifestyles so that they are better equipped to handle

“It states that all people strive towards growth and balance. Gestalt therapy is like person-centered therapy in a way, as well as in its emphasis on the therapist’s use of empathy, understanding, and unconditional acceptance of the client to enhance therapeutic outcomes. According to gestalt therapy, context affects experience, and a person cannot be fully understood without understanding his or her context (GoodTherapy.org.2017)”. Gestalt psychotherapy recognizes that no one can be purely objective including therapists whose experiences and perspectives are also influenced by their own contexts and counselors accept the validity and truth of their client’s experiences. Gestalt therapy also recognizes that forcing a person to change can result in further distress and irritation, rather than changing results from acceptance of what is.

REBT will have the greatest impact when working with clients in my personal theory but I will also take many aspects from other theories as well. Another aspect of my personal theory comes from Carl Rogers and his Person Centered theory. My greatest take away from Rogers is his theory of unconditional positive regard. I am in agreement that an individual in counseling must feel as if they are being accepted and not judged by their therapist. Often individuals who seek counseling are fearful to begin with so as a therapist it is important to make this client feel at ease and understand that they are in a safe environment where they will not be judged.

Reflecting on the Person-Centered Therapy, it is similar to the Existential Therapy because it focuses on the client/therapist relationship, where the therapist needs to be totally genuine, empathetic and non-judgmental toward their clients in order to gain the client’s trust. I like the fact that the Person-Centered Therapy views the client as their best authority on their own experience, and being fully capable of fulfilling their own potential for growth. I also like the fact that the therapist is non-directive, does not give advice and there is no specific technique involved. Person Centered Therapy can basically develop their own technique as their relationship develop with the client. I believe the Person-Centered Therapy focuses on present

For example, Person-Centered therapy influences my belief of how individuals view their world and process events in their life. The concept of the phenomental field states that individual’s perceptions of reality... ... middle of paper ... ...owerful predictor of client success involves the use of empathy (Smith, 2012). Clients need the opportunity to tell their story without judgment in order to work through the problems in their lives. Additionally, Person-centered counseling allows the client to be self-directive in therapy; therefore, allowing the client to “tap-into” their own strengths and coping skills (Smith, 2012). Furthermore, Gestalt therapy aides the client in integrating parts of themselves and resolving unfinished business that could be contributing to current problems (Smith, 2012).

Explaining the client’s personality and behavior to the client and prescribing actions that the client should take, are of little last value. Instead, person-centered therapist should establish a relationship that is helpful to enable the client to discover within himself/herself the capacity. Although there are no specific intervention strategies in person-centered therapy, Carl Rogers hypothesized that client’s capacity to grow and self-actualize will be most facilitated and released when the therapist can create a psychological climate characterized by (a) congruence; (b) unconditional positive regards; and (c) empathic understanding. These not only serve as hypotheses, but also desirable goals as well as counseling manners in person-centered therapy. (a) Congruence The very first thing the person-centered therapist has to do is to build a nonthreatening psychological atmosphere conducive to client’s growth and therapeutic change- the therapist is characterized by congruence in the therapeutic relationship.