Personal Theory of Counseling. Marie DiCarlo. Seattle University

Transcription

1 Personal Theory of Counseling 1 Running Head: PERSONAL THEORY OF COUNSELING Personal Theory of Counseling Marie DiCarlo Seattle University

2 Personal Theory of Counseling 2 I remember the first day of class; looking over the list of assignments that needed to be done by the end of the quarter and feeling extremely overwhelmed when seeing Personal Theory of Counseling Paper. After doing the math in my head, I realized that throughout the quarter we were going to study roughly 20 theories, and I would have to choose one to call my own. Now as I sit here in the library beginning my paper I find it so easy to choose a theory. It is the one I get most excited about, have the most questions about, and I constantly find myself wanting to know more. My Chosen Theory Reality therapy is my chosen theory for my Personal Theory of Counseling Paper. It is important to recognize that reality therapy is the method in which the bigger idea of choice theory is delivered (Wubbolding, 2000). According to Hoglund (2004), a major premise of Choice Theory is that all of our behavior is chosen and the only person we can control is ourselves (p. 47). Reality therapy is more specific, it is a therapy that focuses on the present and encourages people to change their thoughts and actions so that they realize they re in control of their lives, and as a result, they ll be happier (Reichenberg & Seligman, 2010). The reason I have chosen to focus on reality therapy is because I find it to be very inspiring and empowering, but also very natural. To come to the realization that I am in control of my own life really makes me step back and view it more optimistically. It makes me feel like I can do anything I want, and overall it just makes me feel good. This theory really fits me because with the realization of control also comes responsibility. Having responsibility for my own behavior as well as the inability to blame others for my faults or issues, I believe will make me a better person. Martin (2003) states that we can only control our own behavior and a change in

3 Personal Theory of Counseling 3 our own behavior generally makes a change to the entire situation (p. 41). Overall, all I can do is be responsible for my own thoughts, behaviors, and getting my needs met in a healthy manner. Theory Basics Health and dysfunction. An underlying component in reality therapy is that people are constantly trying to satisfy one or more of the five basic needs ; they include love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival. In order for one s needs to be met, they must have good relationships, which makes love and belonging the most important need because it is key in satisfying the other four needs. Healthy individuals are those who are considered to be getting all of their needs met, have loving relationships, and are in control of their own world (Glasser, 2000). On the other end of the spectrum from a healthy individual is someone who is dysfunctional. This occurs when people are unable to responsibly and effectively meet their needs. They may be overemphasizing some needs, neglecting others, or overmedicating in order to feel as though all of their needs are being met when they really aren t (Seligan & Reichenberg, 2010). I feel as though the idea of five basic needs, health, and dysfunction are applicable to some but I can t comfortably say that they are multicultural. Wubbolding et al. (2004) explains this when he says, They are multicultural in that all human behavior is driven by them. Yet, they do not constitute specific and unique desires (p. 220). Overall, reality therapy has the framework of what drives all human beings, the five basic needs, but it doesn t pay respect to specific cultural values or beliefs. Set goals and make changes. Reality therapists believe that the root of dysfunction is an underlying problem of a dysfunctional relationship, either with themselves or others. The most important aspect throughout the change process, after recognizing a dysfunctional relationship, is changing what

4 Personal Theory of Counseling 4 you can control, your own behavior (Wubbolding, 2000). Next, is coming up with a good change plan. According to Wubbolding (2000) qualities of a good change plan are flexibility, repetitiveness, carrying out the plan as soon as possible, and making sure it has positive results. I definitely agree with the view reality therapy has on the process of change. What I find most important in this process is that whatever change is made, it should have a positive impact on the client s life. They shouldn t have negative feelings, but they should be excited and anxious to see how their choice to make changes will have a positive effect on their life. In order to begin the process of change, clear goals need to be established from the beginning. Each client has their own personal goals, which coincides with what they believe to be in their quality world. According to Glasser and Glasser (2007), This world is created from our most pleasurable experiences, it s made up of pictures of the people we most enjoy, the images of the things we get great pleasure from, and the systems of belief that govern our lives (p. 44). Although each client has their own personal goals, there are also goals that apply to all clients as they enter into reality therapy; these include staying in the present, learning about choice theory, and establishing a connection with the counselor. It is important to have both personal goals and these more general goals to guide the counseling process because without both of them, clients are more apt to slip back into their old ways and pessimistic view of life (Glasser, 2000). Therapeutic alliance, roles, and techniques. The therapeutic alliance in reality therapy is looked at as a mentoring and learning process. The client and counselor should be viewed as a team, with one not any better than the other. It is a very positive and real relationship, with both client and counselor having specific roles and responsibilities (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). According to Wubbolding (2000)

5 Personal Theory of Counseling 5 therapists have the responsibility of providing a safe environment so clients feel comfortable to open up and share their feelings. Therapists should be both friendly and firm, confronting yet non-criticizing. They should provide hope for their clients and have the ability to use metaphors as a way to communicate (Glasser, 2000). The role of clients in reality therapy is really to just open up and stay focused on the present. They need to be willing to change their behavior and recognize that they are in control of their life. It is also important for clients to firmly believe that they can t change other people, they can only change their own actions, and as a result people may change the way they treat them (Martin, 2003). Although both client and counselor have responsibilities and specific roles, techniques that are used are at the discretion of the counselor. Wubbolding formulated the acronym WDEP in order to remember the specifics of this technique, which are Wants, Doing and Direction, Evaluation, and Planning (Wubbolding et al., 2004). According to Wubbolding et al. (2004) wants help clients discover their dreams and hopes for the future. Doing and direction requires clients to see how the choices they are making are affecting their life either negatively or positively. Evaluation calls for clients to do some self-evaluation. The last step of WDEP is planning, where clients and counselors collaborate in making a simple, attainable, measurable, and immediate plan of action. Self-evaluation, the third component of WDEP, is a technique all in its own, according to Wubbolding, Brickell, Loi, and Al-Rashidi (2001) who state that people change behavior only after conducting a meaningful, internal, and searching assessment of the current effectiveness of their choice system or control system (p. 36). Hoglund (2004) on the other hand, considers self-

6 Personal Theory of Counseling 6 evaluation without external evaluation to be problematic because counselors can point out details to a client that they are unable to see themselves. Overall, several different techniques can be used, but a positive side of reality therapy is the freedom that counselors have in shaping the therapy sessions as they wish to do so (Seligan & Reichenber, 2010). Application to Multicultural Populations Many believe that reality therapy is only effective for non-minority cultures in North America, but research points out that the effectiveness of reality therapy is applicable to a variety of cultures (Wubbolding et. al, 2004). Okonji (1995) conducted a study, which looked at the satisfaction of African American males who had experienced a variety of counseling theories. Results indicated that there was statistically significant more satisfaction with reality therapy over person-centered. Secondly, Chung (1994) found that as a result of reality therapy, juvenile delinquents in Hong Kong, made improvements in problem solving, communication skills, and punctuality. These two studies go to show that there are strengths in using reality therapy in a multicultural population. An important component in making reality therapy effective is creating a safe and warm environment for the client. According to Wubbolding et al. (2004) when cultural barriers are present, a safe and friendly atmosphere becomes paramount (p. 223). If the idea of counseling is foreign to clients then they can be put at ease when they realize that reality therapists genuinely care about their well being and really want to assist them in changing their life for the better. Although, there is strong evidence of the effectiveness of reality therapy in multicultural populations it also has its drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that because reality therapy is looked at as problem-solving clients may view the counseling sessions as too aggressive and as

7 Personal Theory of Counseling 7 a result they may react with strong resistance. Secondly, clients who are unfamiliar with reality therapy may view the eagerness and benevolence of reality therapists as rudeness or impatience (Wubbolding et al., 2004). There are both strengths and weaknesses in reality therapy when working with a multicultural population. Seligan and Reichenberg (2010) suggest that reality therapists should exercise particular caution and sensitivity with people whose belief system emphasizes a higher power, predestination and predetermination, and the value of an external locus of control (p. 350). Social Justice Advocacy We already know that reality therapy is a theory that is based on making choices and being in control of what happens in your life. I think this is great in theory but it really doesn t take into consideration oppression. Wubbolding et al., (2004) agrees with me and states the fact that treating behavior as if it is a choice does not diminish the fact that choices are limited by our experience and by the environment (p. 221). Reality therapy doesn t consider that many people can t change their life just by the choices they make. People suffering from poverty, discrimination, substance abuse, or mental illness either have a limited range of choices or they aren t able to make healthy ones (Wubbolding et al., 2004). On the other hand Loyd (2005) believes that small changes in environments lead to greater changes in larger systems, such as the educational environment. When addressing social justice advocacy as a reality therapist I think it is important to know your clients background and if they are suffering from oppression, or other societal issues, and how this is affecting their life as whole. Critique Weaknesses.

8 Personal Theory of Counseling 8 With every theory comes its drawbacks and weaknesses, reality therapy isn t any different. We have already covered that reality therapy doesn t fully address social justice and only touches on multiculturalism briefly, but what other limitations does it have? According to Seligan and Reichenberg (2010) reality therapy focuses on the present, and as a result minimizes the past. The limitation to this is that reality therapists tends to overlook past experiences which could be extreme barriers in a client moving forward in the present. Reality therapy is also limiting in that it disregards the importance of psychotropic medication as well as diagnosis, which is useful for those with mental illnesses (Seligan & Reichenberg, 2010). I believe that not valuing diagnosis as well as medication is a major drawback to this theory because there has to be consideration for those people who have serious mental illnesses and although I don t think that medication should be the only solution, it should be an aid and a secondary resource in the therapeutic process. Strengths. Although reality therapy has its weaknesses, its has many strengths as well. The first of which is that it is empowering, natural, and gives people a sense of control (Seligan & Reichenberg, 2010). Wubbolding et al. (2004) believes that reality therapy is motivating, hopeful, and results in people being more satisfied with their lives. I believe that these characteristics result in people living happier and more realistic lives. Wubbolding, Brickell, Loi, and Al-Rashidi (2001) found that when studying self-evaluation the dramatic changes people made in their lives not only created more positive relationships but also resulted in them having more insight about themselves and the choices they were making. I find that one of the biggest strengths in this theory is the role of the counselor. I like the fact that the counselor has the

9 Personal Theory of Counseling 9 freedom to self-disclose and really bring their personality into the sessions. By doing this I think it encourages clients to be themselves and as a result, feel comfortable in sharing their feelings. Application In pursuing a career in school counseling, I would be useful to know how to apply this theory in a school setting. Loyd (2005) did a study, which looked at the extent to which Choice Theory increased high school students perceived satisfaction in belonging, power, freedom, and fun. The results indicated that Choice Theory increased satisfaction in the high school students in the areas of power, freedom, and fun. According to Loyd (2005) this study could prove beneficial to educators; teaching students to satisfy their needs in appropriate and effective methods may help decrease disruptive and destructive behavioral choices, and may increase behavioral choices that effectively satisfy their needs (p. 5). I envision teachers and administrators using this theory in all levels of the educational system. For instance, lets say 6 th grader Billy is bothering other students in class while they are working on an assignment. His teacher tells him, Okay Billy, right now you are making a choice to be disruptive and I m not pleased with this choice. I d like you to think about some other choices that you could make that would result in you getting your work done and allowing everyone else to work on their assignment as well. This gives Billy the choice to either make a good decision or a bad one. In my experience with children and adolescents, they react more positively if you give them choices rather than just telling them what to do. Seligan and Reichenberg (2010) believe that the use of reality therapy in schools teaches students that if them so some work they will satisfy enough of their needs to want to keep doing their work. I think this is very important. Reality therapy can teach children and adolescents at a young age how to satisfy their needs in responsible and effective ways.

10 Personal Theory of Counseling 10 Five years down the road I see myself as a school counselor in a high school, sitting in my office, and talking to students about making choices and satisfying needs. I think that this theory can have a positive impact on people of any age because overall, it just makes sense. It is realistic, easy to comprehend, and changes can be seen immediately from clients because all they have to do is realize that they are in control of their own life. Reflection At the beginning of the quarter I felt like I didn t really have an opinion when it came to theories and counseling. I just kind of had the mindset to fix the problem and then move on. I never thought about the different ways to fix the problem, and choosing theory caused me to do that. In writing this paper I learned a lot about myself. I knew from the moment that I heard about reality therapy that I was really interested in it, but through writing this paper I didn t realize how much I already knew. Not because I have studied it for years but because what I would already think to do in therapy is what reality therapy does. I also learned that I do have an opinion to what I believe is effective and ineffective whereas at the beginning of the quarter I didn t. Overall, writing this paper was like establishing who I am going to be as a school counselor, or better yet, what I think I am going to be as of now. This will probably change throughout the course of the program but maybe it won t. The possibilities are endless in shaping your own personal theory of counseling but I know that what I believe to be a good foundation of a counseling theory won t change much for me because it comes from deep within, who I am and where I am from.

11 Personal Theory of Counseling 11 What Now? The next step in my education of theories would be to look further into each of them and to stay open minded to all theories. I would like to look further into studies that have been done so I could see actual research in what theories are most effective with which populations. Secondly, I feel as though it is extremely important to not forget these theories and throughout the program I should constantly be reminding myself of them when issues come up and how they fit into the theories we have learned or not. I believe in doing this it will prepare me for the future and I will be a well-rounded counselor. Lastly, I need to remind myself as to not get so excited about reality therapy that I block everything else out because in reality (no pun intended), there are positive things about every theory and I think it is how you integrate them and the results that clients receive is really what shows the skills you have as a counselor.

12 Personal Theory of Counseling 12 References Chung, M. (1994). Can reality therapy help juvenile delinquents in Hong Kong? Journal of Reality Therapy, 14(1), Retrieved from Ebscohost. Glasser, W. (2000). Reality therapy in action. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. Glasser, W. & Glasser, C. (2007). Eight lessons for a happy marriage. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. Hoglund, R. (2004). Part I: Choosing to fail?. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 24(1), 47. Retrieved from Ebscohost. Hoglund, R. (2004). Part II: External evaluation can be helpful. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 24(1), 48. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Loyd, B. D. (2005). The effects of reality therapy/choice theory principles on high school students' perception of needs satisfaction and behavioral change. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 25(1), 5-9. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Okonji, J. (1995). Counseling style preference and perception of counselors by African American male students. Dissertation Abstracts, B 55/09, Martin, P. (2003). Taking control of your life: a brief journey and guide. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 23(1), Retrieved from Ebscohost. Seligman, L. & Reichenberg, L.W. (2010). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Wubbolding, R.E. (2000). Reality therapy for the 21 st century. New York, NY: Routledge. Wubbolding, R., Brickell, J., Imhof, L., Kim, R., Leon, L. & Al-Rashidid, B. (2004). Reality therapy: a global perspective. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 26(3), doi: /B:ADCO d Wubbolding, R. E., Brickell, J., Loi, I., & Al-Rashidi, B. (2001). The why and how of selfevaluation. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 21(1), 36. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.