Discussion Board DUE 6/13 @ 9PM EST

Classmate #3 Response

Chapter 3: The Counseling Process

List the 4 ways the textbook classifies the theories and interventions presented in the book based on the point of intervention and list the theories associated with each classification.

Affective

Person-centered Counseling

Gestalt Therapy

Cognitive

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Psychoanalytic counseling

Transactional analysis

Behavioral

Behavioral counseling

Reality therapy

Brief counseling

Individual psychology

Systemic

Family therapy

Consultation and collaboration

Based on your previous study of these counseling theories, which theory (or theories) do you think you would prefer to use with children and adolescents? Why?

I would prefer using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because since they are young their traumas are not as deep (time) as an adult. It is great age to introduce a way for children and adolescents to be aware and acknowledge their feelings, how it impacts their thoughts and behaviors. It helps them start using tools to create and maintain a healthy mentality.

Counseling process: Outline the six-step counseling process found in the textbook. Under each step list 2 or more of the universal skills (pp 84-85) that are appropriate for each step.

Step 1: Defining the Problem through Active Listening

Empathy, minimal encouragers, reflection of feeling/meaning, role playing, and defining the problem.

Clarifying the Child’s Expectations

Defining goals/objectives/outcomes, prompts, and exploration.

Exploring What has been Done to Solve the Problem

Open questions and identifying/building strengths.

Exploring What New Things Could Be Done to Solve the Problem

Exploring alternatives, logical consequences, and affirmation.

Obtaining a Commitment to Try One of the Problem-Solving Ideas

Providing information, homework, and affirmation.

Closing the Counseling Interview

Summary, Scaling question, and reframing.

In your opinion, is there one step that is most important in the counseling process? Please share why you think this is so.

The very first step is the most important, it is the foundation set for the rest of the counseling process. Building that trust and rapport is important in the therapeutic process for the client. I believe it allows them to feel safe and open up to be vulnerable with a trusting adult that is going to genuinely help them.

Chapter 5: Psychoanalytic Counseling

List 6 defense mechanisms. Give an example of each one. Which one do you use the most?

Sublimation- Example: Going for a run when feeling extreme frustration. This is one I feel I use the most, it is a way for me to be aware of my feelings and rechanneling that energy into self-care. I know it is more of a distraction in sublimation. I like to be aware of my emotions as it manifests in physical form to hold myself accountable.

Suppression- Example: A child not telling their parents that an older sibling is taking pictures of them in the shower because they argue enough as it is.

Undoing- Example: A child flipping someone’s food tray at school for them not giving up a desired food choice and the next day bringing them a candy bar.

Withdrawal- Example: A child at school may not play with others in school because at home they are neglected.

Reaction Formation- Example: A child being nice to their bully when confronted.

Regression- Example: A child may wet the bed intentionally to get the attention they want from their parents.

What is Psychoanalytic Play Therapy and its purpose? Why and how would you as a therapist use it with a child? Have you ever used Play Therapy and did your use of it differ from the psychoanalytic approach in the textbook?

It is the use of therapeutic tools that are seen as toys and games for the client. Using this approach would open so many doors and make the client feel comfortable as I try to assimilate a safe environment to start building that trust and rapport. Through toys and games, as a counselor, I would be able to pick up any feelings or issues that a child can be coping with to better understand them. I have not used play therapy although, I am interested in enriching my knowledge so I may be prepared for this age group if and when the opportunity arises to help a child or adolescent.

Chapter 6 Person-Centered Counseling

According to Landreth, child-centered counselors concentrate on six major items. List these items.

On the child rather than the problem

The present rather than the past

Feelings rather than thoughts and behaviors

Understanding rather than explaining

Accepting rather than correcting

The child’s wisdom and direction rather than the counselor’s

What is the major technique of child-centered counseling?

The major technique is active listening, being genuine, having positive regards, and being empathetic as the child wants to be understood and heard.

What type of situations you might face in counseling a child would call for child centered counseling?

Whether the child is referred or self-referred, it could be a child experiencing low self-esteem, feelings of not belonging, or even the death of a family pet. Children can benefit from personal growth by understanding their feelings/experiences and setting goals.

List and explain the ways Landreth proposes to evaluate child-centered play therapy.

The guidelines by Landreth are as follows:

1. Is this person becoming less defensive, more open to his or her experiences?

2. Is this person more able to take responsibility for his or her feelings and actions?

3. Is this person becoming less rigid, more tolerant or accepting of self, others, and the world?

4. Is this person becoming more independent, more self-directing?

5. Is the person becoming more objective, more rational?

6. Is the person more able to live in and enjoy the present?

7. Is the person less anxious, less fearful, less unhappy than when he or she entered therapy?

These guidelines help keep a humanistic approach in child-centered play therapy without imposing labels or checking off boxes. This for the patient to give themselves the permission to grow.