DISCUSSION 10

Automatic thoughts are the negative thoughts that a person has about themselves or a situation.  These thoughts need to be challenged with evidence to either support or deny their accuracy.  When the evidence does not support the thought, a new alternative is introduced.  However, if the automatic thought is supported by evidence, the counselor can help the client come up with an action plan to solve the problem (Corey, 2017).  In the video, Meredith thinks several negative things about herself during the activity in her stats class. She asks herself, "Oh God, what am I going to say?" and "Why can't I be articulate?"  She also tells herself, "I never feel comfortable." and "What I say doesn't matter much."

Cognitive distortions are errors in interpretation of our cognitions (Corey, 2017).  In the video, Meredith displayed dichotomous thinking.  She perceived that she was "never" able to be clever or respond appropriately during the activity in her stats class.  With the help of the counselor, she was able to realize that she did see situations as either black or white, the extremes.  At first, she was unable to recognize that she was a "clever" storyteller sometimes.  Her use of the word "never" when saying how comfortable she was in groups also shows that she is focused on the extremes.  

I think the use of a multi column worksheet can be helpful for both the counselor and the client if it is shared with them.  It is a great way to organize what the client is saying and can also help clarify or categorize the client's thoughts as helpful or unhelpful (Sommers-Flanagan, 2012, 2:41:46).  Having the thoughts written down can also show the client how distorted they are.  Sometimes, when someone sees something in writing, he or she realizes that what they are thinking  is not rational.  They can also see patterns such as how often they use words such as "always" or "never."  

I think that this approach has a lot of value with some clients.  Some clients may enter into therapy in such a state of crisis, that they need the counselor to be more directive.  Sometimes clients may have an additional diagnosis that makes it hard for them to process information.  For example, individuals with autism, often see things in concrete terms.  They could benefit from a counselor taking the lead and helping them reframe their thoughts.   I am somewhat comfortable with this approach because I see the effectiveness of it.  In order for my comfort level to increase, I need to be able to practice it and see examples of how it is used with children.  

Corey, G. (2017).  Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2012). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice [Video].  Available from psychotherapy.net/.bridges.searchmobius.org/stream/mobap/video?vid=277

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