Theoretical Orientation Paper

INSTRUCTIONS

Theoretical Orientation Paper

Your 5-8 page theoretical orientation paper is designed as a process paper on which to build your personal counseling theory and personal counseling style. Specifically, this paper will provide an opportunity to integrate aspects of the theories learned this semester with your developing theoretical orientation. I will be using Vericite. If your paper shows a high percentage of plagiarism, you will receive a zero for this assignment. An explanation of the specific requirements for the content of the paper is included below.

• Content
  • My Personal Counseling Theory
    • Discuss your personal counseling theory. Next, discuss how your personal approach is informed by the existing theories you explored throughout the semester. In particular, you are asked to name and describe existing theoretical orientations that inform your personal theory (e.g., Client-centered, Existential, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Reality, Gestalt, REBT, etc.).
    • Be specific about what elements of the existing theoretical orientations relate to your personal theory. You may select one or two theories; however, all elements must be supported and adequately referenced. As this is the beginning of your counseling journey, focus on one or two theories that resonate with you.
  • How Client Problems Originate
    • From your theoretical position, describe how client problems originate. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your perspective.
    • For example, do problems stem from client beliefs? The way people think? Feelings? Unconscious forces? Chemical imbalances in the brain? Issues related to family of origin? The way people view themselves, others, their lives? In terms of the BETA model used in your textbook— does one’s Background, Emotions, Thoughts, and/or Actions cause client problems? Be specific in your description and discussion.
  • How Clients Are Best Helped
    • Describe your view of how clients are best helped in the counseling process. This must be related to your personal perspective (e.g., “This is how I would approach working with clients . . .” “I would . . .” etc.).
    • Be specific with techniques and interventions and justify your rationale. Use brief examples to illustrate your position. Specifically, you are asked to discuss how your approach is supported (or not) by the existing theories’ techniques and interventions and/or research.