Thinking about theory: My perspective on how I can understand the theoretical

foundations of the helping profession

Sarah Grace McCollough

Department of Educational Leadership, Miami University

EDP 672A - Counseling Theories and Issues

Dr. Haley A. Shea

November 4, 2021
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In looking at theories and the way that they affect my counseling perspective, I am

noticing a lot of intersectionality within the approaches, theories, evaluations, and methods for

change. In my own experience with learning this material, I am noticing that I am seeing a lot of

connections that often make it challenging to differentiate between each theory. In my

worldview, I find value in many different perspectives and individuals and I see how this can

translate into creating individualized plans for each client. Altogether, I think that it is important

to start each therapeutic session with the client’s growth as the main goal. I think that one of the

most fascinating aspects of the helping profession is the way that humans are unique and bring

their perspectives with them. My overall goal in the way that I approach supporting someone in a

helping profession is to help them learn how their personality impacts the greater good of

society. Part of my helping philosophy goes back to the aspect of integrating psychotherapy

techniques and a variety of other foundational theories into the helping profession.

With all of the theories that we have discussed in class, I have noticed that I tend to lean

towards the ones that are based on human development, family foundational issues, and cultural

impacts on personal development. This aligns with my worldview and perspective of listening

and valuing other people’s stories and experiences. I think that a lot of my understanding of these

theories is based on my training in human development and student development from a

teacher’s perspective. I see the concept of analyzing personal development and related behaviors

connected to psychoanalytic philosophies, cognitive behavior theories, and family therapies in

the way that we approach solving problems.

In psychoanalytic therapy, I appreciate the way that the core of problems and personal

choices is on the different parts of the unconscious and how different defense mechanisms affect

our actions. As for my etiology, I believe that one cause of problems can be rooted back to the
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culture and the way that someone was raised. These foundational decisions affect people both

physically, internally, and can often be repressed or forgotten (Corey, 2016). In using

psychoanalytic therapy to find and assess problems, I appreciate the way that behaviors are

connected back to human needs and desires. In this perspective, the cause of problems is the

behaviors and aspects that have impacted development and growth. For example, a client that

experiences abuse as a child could have lasting anxiety and trust issues with other adults in their

adulthood. In this example, the root of the problem is the behavior that disrupted the

development of this client’s growth (Corey, 2016). In my perspective, the cause of problems

comes back to the way that we are taught and the behaviors that come from those lessons.

As another way of looking at problems and determining the source of conflict, I think that

cognitive theory provides a unique perspective. I appreciate the way that cognitive theorists

value both thinking and emotional reactions that come from issues and circumstances. I see a lot

of connections between cognitive theory beliefs and the values that we hold as individuals and in

families. While I do not fully agree that cognitive therapy is the best way to find the root of a

problem, I like the way that cognitive therapists use a collaborative approach to solving problems

and using this collaboration as a foundational tool. I admire the way that cognitive theorists look

at testing the beliefs and previous development as a form of solving problems with clients.

As a way to approach change with clients, I value the process of observing and reflecting

on previous behaviors. I think that this relates to cognitive theory and how we can search,

construct, apply, and practice strengthening behaviors and reactions (Corey, 2016). Additionally,

this process of reflection aligns with my values of individualism and promoting others in their

own lives. To me, a healthy therapeutic approach to solving a problem, or enacting change, is

related to the process of creating and establishing a collaborative client-therapist relationship.

This relationship shows the value of the individual and also allows the client and therapist to

form a level of trust.

Based on the way that I view psychoanalytic theory, cognitive theories, and family-based

theories for recognizing the need for change, I recognize that a lot of the techniques that I am

prepared to use will be reflective-based. Specifically, I value the way that family therapy requires

clients to think about the different relationships and how those might affect them personally.

Additionally, I respect the way that psychoanalytic practice is based on projection by using talk

therapy and aspects to promote stronger client self-awareness (Corey, 2016). I can see myself

using the projection approach where I repeat and summarize what the client is saying as a way to

help them process the situation further.

Another approach that I see myself using is the process of using behavior therapy to help

clients process and work through problems and circumstances. I appreciate that this therapy is

designed to have the therapist take an assessment and help the client identify the concrete skills

that are needed for change (Corey, 2016). One specific behaviorist strategy that I can see as very

applicable is the muscle and mental relaxation strategies. I value how this requires the client to

pause, take a moment to process, and then come back to working on a solution. As a whole, I

appreciate that behaviorist therapy requires practice and specific strategies that clients can use

when those issues or conflicts arise.

Overall, I wish that I had more time to dive into each of these theories and look at even

more of the core reasonings for their belief. I think that I am still in the process of understanding

the overall themes and values within each theory. Psychotherapy makes the most sense to me

based on the way that I can connect it to personal development and the different stages of

life(Corey, 2016). With that being said, I see a lot of supportive and positive aspects to the
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various other theories that we have discussed in class. I do not see myself fitting with just one

theory at this point, because I see the need for an integrated approach, especially one that can be

tailored towards individual growth and change. I hope that as I continue to learn more about the

foundation of the helping profession, that I can continue to relate the experiences and reactions

that I have back to the way that I interpret and use theory and strategies.
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References

Corey, G. (2016). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th). Belmont, CA:

Cengage Learning.