The counselling theories that influence my practice (please click on the highlighted words for links to more information):

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I believe humans have within them the capacity to change, and the pace and path of personal change is determined by the individual. The theoretical frameworks that influence my counselling practice include Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and sometimes Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). As well, my knowledge of the Play Therapy Dimensions Model is emerging because of my practicum focus in working with children. These theories often include a process where the client and counsellor collaborate to develop goals for the therapeutic process (Corey, 2013). Within these approaches, I acknowledge the development of the therapeutic relationship between the counsellor and client as an essential component for a successful outcome to therapy (Meissner, 2007, p. 246).

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I recognize the origin of challenges in a client’s life is as diverse and varied as clients themselves. Aside from the cultural context and system from which a client originates (Corey, 2013), unhelpful thought patterns rooted in negative experiences can lead to present-day problems (Wilson, Bushnell, Rickwood, Caputi, & Thomas, 2011, p. 52). An individual’s negative automatic thoughts and inability to shift to a focus of acceptance or a more positive perspective can result in the persistence of problems (Corey, 2013, p. 303). Additionally, a lack of empathetic listeners and nonjudgmental environments are often deficient in many people’s lives (Myers, 2000, p. 156). Through the CBT, ACT, and PCT lens, I strive to provide an environment for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in a meaningful, holistic way. I believe clients are the experts in their lives, and I am fortunate to be a navigator on their travels to personal change.

 

Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and commitment therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1-25. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2005.06.006

Meissner, W. W. (2007). Therapeutic alliance: Themes and variations. Psychoanalytic Psychology, 24(2), 231–254. doi:10.1037/0736-9735.24.2.231

Myers, S. (2000). Empathic listening: Reports on the experience of being heard. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 40(2), 148–173. doi:10.1177/0022167800402004

Wilson, C. J., Bushnell, J. A., Rickwood, D. J., Caputi, P., & Thomas, S. J. (2011). The role of problem orientation and cognitive distortions in depression and anxiety interventions for young adults. Advances in Mental Health, 10(1), 52–61. Retrieved from http://amh.e-contentmanagement.com/