PROFESSIONAL THEORETICAL APPROACH 1
Professional Theoretical Approach
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
Author Note
PROFESSIONAL THEORETICAL APPROACH 2
Professional Theoretical Approach
Selecting a professional theoretical orientation is essential for current counselors and
those training to become counselors. While a counselor is not limited to one specific theoretical
approach when helping a client, it is important to have a clear understanding of which approach
resonates with you. This understanding serves as a guide when working with clients. A
counselor’s choice of theoretical approach is often influenced by their personal worldview. Since
this worldview is shaped by their beliefs and experiences from childhood, a professional helper
must reflect on these areas. Doing so helps them understand why they have chosen a particular
counseling approach. This reflection also allows them to recognize any biases or judgments they
might bring into the therapeutic relationship. When a counselor can accurately evaluate these
factors and feel confident in their chosen approach, it helps to build a stronger therapeutic
relationship with the client. This, in turn, leads to the client remaining in treatment for a longer
period (Bartle-Haring et al., 2022).
Human Nature and Change
During my studies, I have been particularly drawn to Person-Centered Therapy, a method
developed by Carl Rogers. This approach emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic
relationship, empathy, and unconditional positive regard for clients (Corey, 2021). These
elements resonate deeply with my personal beliefs. I tend to approach conversations with an
open mind, believing that individuals are the best experts in their own lives. Just as Carl Rogers
theorized, I believe that everyone is born with an internal compass, but societal pressures often
lead them to suppress their true selves as they grow older (Tan, 2022).
Moreover, I hold the belief that individuals have the power to shape their own lives
through their choices. This perspective aligns with my faith in the God of the Bible, which I will
elaborate on later in this paper. I strive to create a safe space for clients to express themselves
PROFESSIONAL THEORETICAL APPROACH 3
without fear of judgment, as this aligns with my core values (Yao & Kabir, 2023). In my
interactions, I often find myself in the role of a listener, allowing others to share their stories
without revealing my own emotions. This approach respects the unique circumstances of each
individual, empowering them to make their own choices and listen to their inner guidance
(Corey, 2021).
Personal Background
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, has significantly shaped my theoretical
worldview. The city is known for its rich diversity, with people from various backgrounds
coexisting. My educational experiences in both public and private schools further broadened my
understanding of different perspectives. Living in such a multicultural environment instilled in
me the values of empathy and unconditional positive regard long before I encountered these
concepts in academic settings. My family, much like the city itself, is a tapestry of different
religions, ethnicities, abilities, and sexual orientations.
One pivotal experience that shaped my worldview occurred during my childhood when I
learned about one of my great uncles, who had been dressing and presenting as a woman long
before my time. Although this conflicted with the teachings I had received in church, I observed
that my family treated him with respect and acceptance. This experience taught me that my role
is not to impose my beliefs on others but to support them as they navigate their own identities
and life journeys.
Relationship Building and Assessment
In Person-Centered Therapy, the therapeutic relationship is paramount. It is essential for
clients to feel comfortable and safe to trust their counselor (Tan, 2022). My aim, when utilizing
this approach, is to cultivate a strong therapeutic alliance through empathy and unconditional
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positive regard. Empathy is crucial for establishing this relationship, as it demonstrates my
attentiveness and understanding of clients' feelings. I plan to achieve this by paraphrasing their
words and reflecting their emotions back to them. Unconditional positive regard is equally
important, as it creates a judgment-free environment where clients can openly discuss their
feelings (Yao & Kabir, 2023).
To effectively assess clients' needs during sessions, I will employ reflective skills. By
paraphrasing and reflecting on their emotions, I can gain a clearer understanding of their true
needs and confirm that I am accurately interpreting their feelings (Young, 2021). If I can
successfully combine reflective skills with active listening, it will encourage clients to express
themselves freely and arrive at their own conclusions about the next steps in their lives. I will
monitor clients' progress by observing changes in their mood and behavior, as well as through
discussions that evaluate whether their needs are being met (Jensen-Doss et al, 2018).
While the person-centered approach has many strengths, one potential limitation is its
focus on techniques, which may hinder effective goal-setting and progress assessment. However,
I believe that incorporating the SMART goal-setting method could enhance this approach. This
method would encourage clients to reflect on their authentic selves and identify specific steps to
reclaim their happiness. Additionally, the SMART method can serve as a proactive tool for
clients to track their progress toward achieving their goals.
Ethical and Biblical Principals
To be an effective person-centered counselor, it is essential to uphold the ethical
principles of autonomy and justice. Counselors must prioritize these principles, as they are
foundational to the therapeutic relationship. Allowing clients to make their own choices and
treating everyone fairly is crucial. If a counselor fails to create an ethical environment of justice
PROFESSIONAL THEORETICAL APPROACH 5
through unconditional positive regard, they risk causing more harm than good. Similarly, if
clients are not recognized as the experts in their own lives, their autonomy may be compromised,
leading to dependence on the counselor rather than fostering self-sufficiency.
Person-centered counselors also believe in the existence of an authentic self within each
individual, as well as an internal guidance system that helps them rediscover their true selves.
Although not explicitly stated, I liken this internal knowing, discussed by Carl Rogers, to the
concept of the Holy Spirit. As expressed in Jeremiah 1:5, I believe that God has a plan for each
person's life, established long before their birth. When individuals enter the world, they often
face external pressures that challenge their understanding of who they are (New International
Version, 1973/2011). This belief does not imply that a person's life is predetermined; rather,
individuals possess the free will to choose whether to honor their authentic selves. In my
counseling sessions, I aim to incorporate biblical principles that align with this perspective.
Doing this helps me remember that my clients are still created in the image of God and should be
treated with respect, no matter what their current situation is (King & Ford, 2024).
Conclusion
In summary, I have chosen person-centered theory as my main approach to counseling.
This decision is influenced by my personal experiences, educational background, and belief
system. The theory emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of
the therapeutic relationship. I find it easy to connect these ideas with my views of the world. As
might be expected, I aim to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their
identities and make meaningful choices in their lives. Therefore, I believe that the person-
centered theory is the most natural fit for me among all the theories we have studied.
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References
Bartle-Haring, S., Bryant, A., & Whiting, R. (2022). Therapists' confidence in their theory of
change and outcomes. , (4), 1190–1205. Journal of marital and family therapy 48
https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12593
Corey, G. (2021). (10th ed.). Cengage Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy
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Holy Bible (New International Version). (2011). [Online]. Biblica Inc.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2041%3A10&version=NIV
(Original work published 1973)
Jensen-Doss, A., Haimes, E. M. B., Smith, A. M., Lyon, A. R., Lewis, C. C., Stanick, C.
F., & Hawley, K. M. (2018). Monitoring Treatment Progress and Providing Feedback is
Viewed Favorably but Rarely Used in Practice. Administration and policy in mental
health 45, (1), 48–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-016-0763-0
King, J. A. & Ford, K. M. (2024). Christian integration in counselor education. Kendall/Hunt
Publishing Company. ISBN 9798765781876.
Tan, S.-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. (2nd ed.).
Baker Academic. ISBN: 9781540962904.
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StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available
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