Theoretical Orientation Case Study

Both of the selected theories place high importance on the relationship between the counselor and client. Given that research indicates

There are several different types of theoretical orientations that a student may choose to identify him or herself with. Although students may choose a specific theoretical orientation they may change their orientation later on in their academic career depending on their perspective of the field. Each orientation is equal, neither orientation is better than the other. Just because a person picks a certain orientation doesn’t mean that their psychological assessment will be any longer or shorter. Its important that a student identifies what they what orientation they want to identify with because they should spend their time as a student becoming an expert in that orientation, because when they graduate they are considered experts and is expected to have a certain level of competency. As of right now I mostly identify with eclectic. I see that there is so much value in each orientation, but for the purpose of this paper I am going to choose cognitive behavioral therapy. The reason that I mostly identify with CBT is because I currently use it now and I’m very familiar with it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012).

My personal theoretical orientation to counseling is Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy helps the client to uncover and alter distortions of thought or perceptions which may be causing or prolonging psychological distress. The theoretical foundations of CBT are essentially those of the behavioral and cognitive approaches. CBT leads to a clear, persuasive, and evidence-based description of how normal and abnormal behavior develops and changes (Kramer 293). The term “cognitive-behavioral therapy” or CBT is a term for therapies with many similarities. CBT is not used as a cure and often times used to help with anxiety or depression the most, and may be single or in group settings. There

Establishing a theoretical orientation in counseling is vital to mental health profession, without a basis of knowledge on how to respond will often lead to the thinking that the counselor in incompetent in the field. Development of a theoretical orientation is often initiated and enhanced through

It is my job as a professional to put all those differences aside and view my client as just that. A client of mine that has enlisted my help with an issue they are facing and my focus should remain on helping my client and not judging them for their lifestyle. Lastly, clients have the right to quality care. The NAADAC (2011) states, “The addiction professional espouses objectivity and integrity and maintains the highest standards in the services provided.” As a professional counselor I will be an advocate for my clients. I will stay up to date with the latest research and counseling techniques. In an article by Eberstein (1977) he states “ Don’t use new styles or fads for treatment when they have not yet been accepted or approved by your professional body.” Although we may use these new techniques we should be properly trained on how to use them properly first. Clients deserve to be provided with the best we have to offer which means updated assessments and quick results. I will keep my personal opinions to myself and will not attempt to force them onto my clients. I will remain professional at all times.

Despite the many differences there are some main similarities between client- centered and psychodynamic therapy in that they are both approaches to counseling helping clients overcome obstacles to personal growth and to bring a better quality of life for the client. Also both are focused on the problems/issues that may or have already hindered the client from successful relationships. They are both based on empathy, acceptance and understanding providing ways of responding to a wide range of human needs and providing opportunities for those seeking help to work towards ways of living in more satisfying and resourceful ways.

As a counselor, being aware of the theoretical approaches and which ones best suit your perspective on human nature, complications, and change for an individual is vital. Not only is understanding the approaches important, but the counselor’s own values and personal philosophy are equally fundamental for the counselor to do their job efficiently.

A study ‘Experiences of childbirth by mothers at the tertiary hospital in Limpopo Province’ was conducted (Maputle & Nolte 2008), and experiences of the mothers during childbirth revealed the major concept ‘woman-centered care’. ‘Woman-centered care’ emerged as a

Research has shown that a strong therapeutic alliance is necessary for establishing a beneficial contact between the therapist and the client. If the therapist does not encourage the creation of a reliable therapeutic alliance from the beginning of the treatment, it will be hard to develop a constructive relationship with the client later. Establishing the therapeutic alliance will increase the chances of achieving the goal of the treatment because the clients will be willing to cooperate if they trust and respect the therapist. Clients are not likely to cooperate with therapists who impose their authority aggressively. Instead of imposing their authority on the patient, therapists should develop work with their patients by

The role of the therapist – regardless of their theoretical orientation - is to convey to their clients that they are there to

When a client has a disorder, and goes to a therapist for help, would it make sense to help them using only one school of thought or many? In the past, and even some today, therapist were trained in one school of thought and so they only used techniques from that one school to treat their clients. Substance abuse does not just affect one category of people, and if we treat everyone as a 30 year old white upper class male/ female there are a lot of people we would be leaving out. Our country is rich in different cultures and ethnicities, with so many it is virtually impossible to treat them all with one set treatment method or technique. Some therapist realized a need for more diverse treatment methods and went on to get further training in other techniques, this led to what we now call eclectic and integrative psychotherapy. In these forms of therapy, the psychologist borrows from different approaches to therapy to better help a particular person.

When creating an orientation program or assessing the competencies of a nursing instructor and assuming the roles as an adjunct and full time faculty in a nursing program. In this paper the eight NLNCC will be described and a critique of myself will be done to see if I have reached each of the eight core competencies. Also if not reached what the plan is to work on the weakness and the action plan to overcome the identified weakness. As nurse educators it is critical that we are able to reflect on our role as educators and develop a keen sense of awareness of the strengths and weakness through the design of a personal action plan to lead the way to my career

Among the three main approaches to insight therapy (psychoanalysis, client-centered, or group therapy), the one that l believe has the most reasonable way to deal with psychological problems, is client-centered therapy. Client-centered therapy is an insight therapy that emphasizes providing a supportive emotional climate for clients, who play a major role in determining the pace and direction of their therapy (pg. 459). According to Carl Rogers, the man who devised client-centered therapy, three elements were necessary to promote positive changes in therapy: Genuineness (honest communication), Unconditional positive regard (therapist remains supportive, non-judgmental) and Empathy (therapist understands issues from client’s point of view) (pg. 460). In following these three elements, client and therapist were working together equally and helped client become more aware of themselves and even feel more comfortable with their therapist and the idea of therapy. Some people don’t seek help because they feel therapy might be too intimidating for them or it’s a step that they fear having to take. I can agree with this, because from my personal experience, l had pushed off therapy for so long because l was afraid to admit that l needed it.

The main goal of therapy should not be to change the client, or even give them all the answers, the goal should be giving clients tools they can use in therapy, and in the future. Therapists should use a combination of the relationship with the client and their training/tools to help clients come to answers that work best for them. Therapists have tremendous power in therapy session, but this does not mean that therapist should weld this power like it is a divine gift – therapists need to be mindful of this power, but they should not let it stop them from building a strong relationship with their client. The relationship between the client and the therapist is one of these most important parts of therapy, so the clients should be comfortable in therapy, not overwhelmed with the therapists’ power; in an ideal setting, both people would feel like they had equal power and control. The stigma around therapy is great enough to make anyone uncomfortable – clients do not need feel any extra tension or stress in the office. The second most important factor in therapy is the tools therapists give their clients.

I view my role as a counselor as the person who is there to help but I do not know everything. I have the skills and knowledge to structure the sessions and guide the client in the process of bettering themselves but I cannot explain to the client their personal logic. I cannot speak for how they feel because they have their own cognitive processes. Before beginning therapy, I would meet with the client to explain to them my personal beliefs and my role for therapy. Using the approach of REBT, I will be direct and confrontational but I want to ensure the client that we will be working collaboratively. Yes I will correct them and tell them what to do, but it will be planned and communicated with client. They can say no at any time and disagree with me. I am not an authoritarian figure. I also want to assure the client that I am not perfect. I am human and it is human nature to make mistakes, it is okay to make mistakes for they serve as learning and means of bettering ourselves.