Counseling Theories & Needs
Counselors may work with one or more theories. Whether you are seeking counseling for your daily life, as an athlete or former athlete adjusting to normal life, a leader in the community, as a couple, or during a tragic event, it is important for a counselor to strive to find a suitable theory for each person or couple.
Research shows that counselors should seek a balance between the counseling theories they use and what the clients need. Below are the theories that I currently adhere to; however, know that this is an ever-changing facet as I engage in professional development to deepen my understanding of the helping profession.
Individual Psychology (Alderian)
This theory is about the uniqueness of each individual and our conscious and unconscious thoughts/behaviors. It looks at how we develop schemas (ways of thinking and categorizing things/people) that affect our understanding of the world. As your counselor, it is my goal to help you become aware of your prudence and recognize it so they can slowly adapt your private logic toward behaviors that are consistent with your inherent personal goals and the common good.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is not about two individuals, but the singular unit of two individuals, who are in need of a mediator to facilitate conversations, help in processing past trauma that is negatively affecting the relationship, and identify unhealthy patterns of thinking, speaking, and behaving.
Believe it or not, couples counseling can be an important factor for those who are planning to get married, recently separated or divorced, and for those looking to reconcile and/or restore their marriage.
* Therapist currently works with Male-Female couples only.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Being one of the most common models for therapy, the cognitive model describes three levels of cognitions: core beliefs that underlie how we think, feel, and behave; intermediate beliefs, which consist of attitudes, rules and expectations, and assumptions; and automatic thoughts, which result in our behaviors, feelings, and physiological responses (Neukrug, 2018).
The key to the use of this theory is to help clients figure out their various levels of cognition and how it affects their behaviors, thoughts, and actions/reactions. In addition, as your counselor, I help you recognize contradictions and distortions negatively affecting your life.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Some health insurance companies favor this theory. This is a brief therapy that analyzes any current mental health and physical health issues, along with past and present issues that clients have experienced.
Then, work with the client to find solutions to those things. Neukrug (2018) states that this theory is about normalizing clients’ experiences by showing that others have had similar experiences to theirs, however, at the same time different. In this, it is important to have as much information as possible in order to help a client find their solution(s) and reach their"normal." This model usually takes 4 to 8 sessions.
Faith-based Counseling
According to a 2021 Gallup poll, three out of four Americans identify with a specific religious faith. My beliefs don't have to match yours for us to work towards goals based your beliefs or religion. This is about respecting your faith-base by helping you find congruency with your religion or faith and how clients may be behaving, thinking, or feeling. This is about compassion, learning, analyzing, and teamwork to find what makes a person feel at peace with their life and their higher power.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that began with efforts to treat personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts. Originally used to treat borderline personality disorder, evidence suggests that DBT can be useful in treating mood disorders and suicidal ideation as well as for changing behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance use.
DBT works through a carefully navigated 4-stage process guided by your therapist. A client will learn emotion regulation, coping skills, distress tolerance, interpersonal skills, and more. I am currently working through a year-long training in DBT.
What to Expect in Sessions
A client should expect to, first, complete intake paperwork and an interview with the therapist to get an understanding of their primary issues and needs.
Next, would be a space for you to be open to talk without judgment, reprimand, or expectations from the counselor. A space to be free to say what you need and want.
My job is to listen to understand, guide the conversation toward client goals, help you recognize inconsistencies and or distortions, and administer psychoeducation in helping you learn improved ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, according to your goals, personality, values, and beliefs.
Although these various theories are mentioned, I assert to an eclectic style of counseling - using whatever evidence-based method or strategy that is needed to help clients reach their desired results.