Amy Fann- Master Practitioner Portfolio



The Importance of Counseling TheoryAmy FannEDUC660October 14, 2013IntroductionThe counseling relationship is one that will quickly become established with students, especially those with more critical needs. Students look to counselors for advice, support, and most of all trust. The counseling relationships that are established will be long term and serve a great influence on a student’s future. As stated by (Patterson, 1988) “ thus, I often begin my discussion of empathy by telling my students that I am attempting to teach them a new way of getting involved: a way of postponing or delaying judgment- of trying to understand the behavior of another in his or her own phenomenal world.” (page 195-202)Once the relationships are established are even early in development Counselor’s will use theories as a foundation to establish and begin to understand the students own “phenomenal world”. We will continually use and build off these theories as we continue to guide students and make those connections into their own world. As experience grows so will the ability to associate the proper counseling theory according to student’s unique situation for the most effective means for support. “As responses become more automatic, listening improves, and the capacity for the higher order task of empathically understanding the client is developed.” (Miller, 1989, page 350)The strongest statement in this lesson (Shoben, 1962) “theories in counseling are inevitable as necessary tools to being orderliness into the chaotic world of the counseling interchange and to promote the counselor’s understanding of his clients” (Page 618) I do think that counseling theories are valuable to new and experienced counselors and will continue to serve as a strong foundation to help us guide students in a positive path. They will also assist in understanding our ever changing culture and environment that are students will be evolving from as well. When theories are implemented and data is collected as a support to the theory then the school counseling program is more credibly. The prepare the counseling program and the counselor to be more effect the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) developed the School Counselor’s Competencies. As stated in the school counselor’s competencies, “School counselors should possess the knowledge, abilities, skills, and attitudes necessary to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, developmental, results-based school counseling program that aligns with the ASCA National Model.” (ASCA, 2008)Table 1Review of 15 Counseling TheoriesTheoryFounded ByDecade FoundedDetailsExistential TherapySoren Kierkegaard1840’s Individuals facing life transitions or developmental crisis may benefit from the use of existential therapies in both group and individual settings (Corey, 2011). For example, the theory may be applied to Individuals “making choices, dealing with freedom and responsibility, coping with guilt and anxiety, making sense of life, and finding values” (p. 468)Psychoanalysis / Psychoanalytic TherapySigmund Freud1890’sA therapeutic method, originated by Sigmund Freud, for treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the patient's mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind, using techniques such as dream interpretation and free association (Oxford University Press, 2011).According to Corey, “Psychoanalytic therapy is a theory of personality development, a philosophy of human nature …that focuses on unconscious factors that motivate behavior (2009, p. 9).Constructivist TheoryJohn Dewey1890’sConstructivist Theory – Constructivist theory may be considered “as much as a philosophy as a counseling approach” (Rochlen, 252). The philosophy states, “Reality is not an objective entity, but a reflection of observation and experience (Gladding, 2005, p 212). Constructivism may be linked to multiple theories including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy. Linked to cognitive behavioral therapy, constructivist theory emphasizes the development and core beliefs of the individual (Corey, 2009).Analytic PsychologyDr. Carl Gustav Jung1910’sThe psychoanalytical system developed and practiced by Dr. Carl Gustav Jung, the Swiss leader of the school of analytic psychology (also known as Jungian analysis). The theory is concerned with the analysis and origin of ideas. A theory of psychoanalysis (Oxford University Press, 2011).Behavioral TheoryEdward Thorndike1910’sBehavioral Therapy: Behavior may be viewed as a product of learning. Behavioral therapy considers that the individual is both the product of and producer of his or her environment (Corey, 2009). Behavioral therapy focuses on “overt behavior, precision in specifying goals of treatment, development of specific treatment plans and objective evaluation” of therapeutic outcomes” (p. 457).Adlerian PsychologyAlfred Adler1920’sPsychologist Alfred Adler describes a pattern of reactions and behavior that is established in childhood and remains characteristic of an individual. A personal, often unconscious, dissent or attempted dissociation from one's self or circumstances due to feelings of inferiority. A theory of psychoanalysis (Oxford University Press, 2011). Corey defines Adlerian therapy as, “A growth model that stresses assuming responsibility, creating one’s own destiny, and finding meaning and goals to create a purposeful life (2009, p. 9). Contemporary theories include Adler’s views (Corey).Gestalt TherapyFredrick Perls1940’sGestalt Therapy is for individual and group counseling, it supports myriad client issues and diverse populations including but not limited to teaching and learning, children’s behavioral problems, and psychosomatic disorders. Family Systems TheoryDr. Murray Bowen1950’sFamily Systems Theory – Family Systems therapy considers the impact of a family’s emotional systems on the personality of an individual (Gladdings, 2005). Eight basic concepts are employed: Triangles, Differentiation of Self, Nuclear Family Emotional System, Family Projection Process, Multigenerational Transmission Process, Emotional Cutoff, Sibling Position, and Societal Emotional Process (2005).Rational Emotive TherapyAlbert Ellis1950’sRational-Emotive Therapy: Founded by Albert Ellis, the goal of RET is to assist clients in the identification of rational and appropriate emotion in response to a challenging situation or issue (Capuzzi & Gross, 2011; Rochlen, 2007). “Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is one of the first cognitive behavior therapies … The basic assumption of REBT is that cognitions, emotions, and behaviors interact significantly and have a reciprocal cause-and-effect relationship” (Corey, 2009, p. 275).Client/Person Centered TherapyCarl Rogers1950’sPerson centered therapy has “wide applicability to individual and group counseling” (2009, p. 468). The therapy is uniquely suited for crisis counseling. The approach is helpful for “teaching, parent-child relations, and working with groups of people from diverse cultural backgrounds” (p. 468).Cognitive TherapyDr. Aaron T. Beck1960’sCognitive Therapy: As cognitions generally determine how individuals feel and act. Individuals may integrate faulty thinking which may lead to emotional or behavioral disturbance (Corey, 2009). Cognitive therapy is “oriented toward cognition and behavior, and it stresses the role of thinking, deciding, questioning, doing, and redeciding” (p. 455). The theory combines both behavioral and cognitive principals (Corey).FeministNo single individual1960’sFeminist Counseling Theory – The goal of Feminist therapy is for the client to become aware of her or his gender-role socialization and the accompanying internalized messages, replacing inhibiting messages with functional messages (Gladding, 2005). Corey posits, “A central concept in feminist therapy is the importance of understanding and acknowledging the psychology oppression of women and the constraints imposed by the socio political status to which women have been relegated” (2009, p. 341).Reality TheoryWilliam Glasser1960’sReality Theory – The focus of reality therapy is the present. Clients deal with the “here and now” and take responsibility for actions and behavior. The counselor/client relationship is active, direct, and practical (Gladding, 2005). Reality theory considers human learning to be a life-long process (2005). Reality therapy “provides a delivery system for helping individuals take more effective control of their lives” (Corey, 2009, p. 317).COUNSELING THEORY. August –December 2013 Page 6 of 15Choice TheoryWilliam Glasser1980’sChoice Theory – Choice theory is a “tenant” of reality therapy. It is a “new psychology of personal freedom (Gladding, 2005). Choice theory posits that individuals are born with five primary needs: survival, love and belonging, power or achievement, freedom and independence, and fun (Corey, 2009). Choice theory examines how and why individuals function (2009).Choice Theory After completing the above chart of the theories and placing them in chronological order I find it interesting that the theory I find myself reflecting back to is choice theory which was developed in the 1980’s. Dr. William Glasser developed choice theory after his development of reality theory and they both seem to go hand and hand to me. I am drawn to choice theory because I am a strong believer in you are responsible for your choices and actions. The Ten Axioms of Choice Theory The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.All we can give another person is information.All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.The problem relationship is always part of our present life.What happened in the past has everything to do with what we are today, but we can only satisfy our basic needs right now and plan to continue satisfying them in the future.We can only satisfy our needs by satisfying the pictures in our Quality World.All we do is behave.All behavior is Total Behavior and is made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiologyAll Total Behavior is chosen, but we only have direct control over the acting and thinking components. We can only control our feeling and physiology indirectly through how we choose to act and think.All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and named by the part that is the most recognizable.Choice theory is based on we are internally, not externally motivated. Outside events may cause us to behave in certain predictable ways; they never actually “make” us do something. The Choice theory website states: “What drives our behavior are internally developed notions of what is most important and satisfying to us.” (). Furthermore, we always have a choice about how we behave.Limitations of Choice TheoryThe limitation of choice theory is when the client may have mental or psychological problems that limit the amount of decision making they can be responsible for. As in all theories there are limitations, but this one seems to correlate directly with a school counselor setting as well. Not only would you have to take into consideration students that mentally are not capable of making the right choices, but also the students that have not been in a home environment to rationally recognize wrong from right in all cases. While we are humans have a basic concept of doing the right thing, more and more in today’s society children are not raised in households that exhibit these behaviors and therefore it is not necessarily instilled in them. As a school counselor the relationship you establish in these cases become even more significant because you not only guide the student to recognize they are responsible for their actions, but also teaching them they have the option to do the right thing in the future. Label and stereotypes is also another obstacle to overcome in choice theory. While the student may be aware of the choices they are making and that they are not the right choices they may also be affected be affected by stereotypical labeling and think I have always been the troublemaker so I must continue to be the troublemaker. The development of relationships with these students is extremely important to be able to show them how they do have control of their choices and there are options available to them to improve and change in the future. ConclusionWhile all the theories presented seem to provide relevance in some cases it comes increasingly important for the counselor to establish a foundation of knowledge that will align with experience over time and help them present the proper theory depending on the situation at hand. At this point in my studies, I tend to lean toward client responsibility and ownership. I currently work in public schools and feel that it is not only our responsibility to help these students deal with their issues currently, but we must prepare them for the future when they are out of school and don’t have a counselor to talk to or come to for advice and answers. I feel that the theories that teach students to become responsible for their actions and teach them to make better decisions will benefit them and prepare them for a more successful future. I also see a large significance in the theories that involve student/clients in the process of goal setting and future behavior. Once again allowing them to learn and become involved will only make them stronger for the future. ReferencesAuthor, (2011). Ethical standards for school counselors. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Retrieved from . (2011). Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from . (2008). School Counselor Competencies. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Retrieved from , D. & Gross, D.R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions EDUC 660: August –December 2013– Lesson 2 Page 8 of 15 (5th edition). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.Gladding, S.T. (2009). Becoming a counselor: The light, the bright, and the serious (2nd ed.).Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association Foundation.Gladdings, S.T. (2005). Counseling theories: Essential concepts and applications. Upper SaddleRiver: NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Author, (2011). Ethical standards for school counselors. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Retrieved from Psychological Association. (2010). APA publication manual of the AmericanPsychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.Author. (2008). School Counselor Competencies. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association. Retrieved from , G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.Linde, L. (2011). Transforming the school counseling profession. In E.T. Bradley (Ed.), Ethical, legal, and professional issues in school counseling (pp. 70-89). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Incapuzzi, D. & Gross, D.R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th edition). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.American Psychological Association. (2010). APA publication manual of the AmericanPsychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.AN INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELING THEORY - August –December 2013 Page 10 of 18Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D.R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th edition). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (9th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.Gladdings, S.T. (2005). Counseling theories: Essential concepts and applications. Upper SaddleRiver: NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.apuzzi, D. & Gross, D.R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th edition). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.American Psychological Association. (2010). APA publication manual of the AmericanPsychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.COUNSELING THEORY. August –December 2013 Page 7 of 15Banks, S. G. (2009). Choice theory: Using choice theory and reality therapy to enhance student achievement and responsibility. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D.R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th edition). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th ed.). Belmont, CA:Cengage Learning.Gladdings, S.T. (2005). Counseling theories: Essential concepts and applications. Upper SaddleRiver: NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Rochlen, A. B. (2007). Applying counseling theories: An online, case-based approach.Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Salem College. (2011). Department of Teacher Education. Retrieved September 11, 2011, from , M. (1989). A Few Thoughts on the Relationship Between Counseling Techniques and Empathy. Journal of Counseling and Development, 67, 350-351Patterson, L. (1988). The Function of Automaticity in Counselor Information Processing. Counselor Education and Supervision, 27, 195-202.Shoben Jr., E. J. (1962). The Counselor's Theory as Personal Trait. Personal and Guidance Journal , 617-619.APA Hint:Replace the word “introduction” with the full title of the paper. The word introduction is not used in APA papers.Check the formatting of the APA reference section.? Check the manner in which I formatted the references related to my weekly lecture i.e. double space.You will want to use consistent font and size of font throughout the paper.Include citations with each section and also in the conclusion to answer the reader’s question “who said?”When creating lists, number each point and also cite the source of the list.All paragraphs should be 3-5 sentences in length.?Please indent paragraphs. ................
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