THEORETICAL APPROACH
1
Benchmark Professional Theoretical Approach to Counseling
Shareeka Hodnett
Liberty University
COUC510: Theories of Counseling (D16)
Kenneth Smylie
December 11, 2022
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive theory is the most proficient theory for addressing issues dealing with
psychological and social development. Cognitive Theory is grounded and when using this
theory, we can get an understanding of why people act a certain way while comparing them to
other cases. Behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic, traits and humanistic theories are crucial to
psychology. They are used to explain individuals’ personalities and behavior. This theory argues
that you first must understand new ideas and beliefs before you can use dialect to convey it.
One will also have to expand and create their own mental view of the world. Cognitive Theory
is studying the thinking process of people; therefore, this theory best fits my values and beliefs
(Kirschner et al., 2018). I believe that in order to help and serve anyone you must first have an
understanding in order to help the person to the best of your ability.
THEORETICAL APPROACH
2
Human Nature and Change
Cognitive theory best fits my own values and beliefs about human nature and change. The
evidence of Cognitive theory involves the reconstruction of a person’s accounts and beliefs to
create a comparison with their behavior. Relationships occur between feelings, cognitions, and
the behaviors that produce the cause and effect on how the person goes through experiences
and circumstances (Currie & Killin, 2019). When looking at human nature and cognitive
behavior the perspective here is clearly defined as a person that may have irrational and
reasonable thoughts. These thoughts then become the actions of the person, which people
think identifies the issue when in actuality these are the signs of wrong thinking (Currie & Killin,
2019).
In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it states “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised
up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of
Christ,” (New International Version, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Meaning that we have a choice and
the free will to think and make choices. When we focus on negative things our actions will
follow suit. By taking every thought captive and not letting them run wild we are controlling
what we think and how we respond in uncomfortable situations. I believe every action begins
with a thought first.
Personal Background
My background influences my theoretical preference in various ways. When it comes to
my parents, I was adopted due to both my mother and father struggling with drug and alcohol
addiction. I was then adopted by another set of parents who also struggled with addiction for
most of my childhood. I was mistreated, beaten, and molested starting at the age of 4 years old.
THEORETICAL APPROACH
3
I had a very difficult time socializing and fell into depression. My past relationships consisted of
men who mistreated me and took advantage of me. I then became an enabler thinking that I
could save and help every man who came into my life. I didn’t realize until later in life that I was
the person that was broken. I never received any type of counseling for the traumatic
experiences I encountered, and my family swept a lot of things under the rug. I held so much in
that I myself turned to alcohol because I had no one to turn to. I drank for many years and as
the years went on things began to spiral. After being sick and tired I finally surrendered to God
who took that addiction away from me, Glory to God.
As a parent now I am extra cautious and have centered my children around Christian
beliefs. I believe that God is the only one who can truly heal us. I don’t believe I would be a
stable parent without the grace of God. I group up in such an unstable home, that it became
the norm for me. Now I could have carried on the curse, but I chose a different life. I am not
the stereotypical women who have fallen into the enemy’s hands and trashed my life. In
Romans 12:2 it states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and
acceptable and perfect” (New International Version, Romans 12:2). I believe that God is my
anchor and my foundation. People blame their parents and family for why they have messed
up their life or made the decisions they have made. They take no accountability for their
decisions, thoughts, or actions. I won’t be conformed to what society says and I won’t another
statistic. According to Ehlke & Kelley (2018) people who were sexually assaulted coped with
alcohol due to the stressful event. Depression symptoms can be associated with sexual assault
and drinking can be associated with coping (Ehlke & Kelley,2018).
THEORETICAL APPROACH
4
CBT requires active participation in order to succeed. The client must be able to
recognize the change in thought so they can modify their behavior. CBT is used for clients
who struggle with depression and anxiety. CBT is also used in crisis cases for people whose
beliefs cause them to create negative thoughts that hinder the person from living a healthy
life (Pössel & Smith, 2019).
Relationship Building and Assessment
I would establish a positive therapeutic relationship with the client using Cognitive
theory by demonstrating empathy and knowledge with the client. I can assist the client look at
their situation more positively and realistically. I would also allow them to respond in ways that
encourage them to meet their goal. CBT has been found to be the most effective treatment for
a wide range of issues. Some of those issues include but are not limited to phobias, post-
traumatic syndrome, anxiety, and depression (Corey, 2021).
This therapeutic relationship is necessary because psychodynamic therapy has been a
vital tool in aiding change in the client. It is also important because you will be working with
various backgrounds in short-term sessions. Counselors should work as the guide rather than
instructing the client while acknowledging that the client is the expert (Corey, 2021). I would be
able to assess the client’s needs by focusing on the current issue in detail. The assessment is
complex and incorporates socialization, while therapeutic partnership and evaluation are being
made. The client will then be assessed for their motivation to change. In order to get the client
to listen to you establishing a close relationship would be beneficial (Corey, 2021). This theory
has a counselor-client collaboration approach that produces client accountability. In addition,
THEORETICAL APPROACH
5
the client’s progress, or lack thereof can be measured and assessed. Cognitive Behavior is also
flexible and diverse (Tan, 2011).
In order to set goals in relation to wellness and prevention we must first identify the goal
that the client would like to accomplish. We would then identify where we would start. Next,
the steps will be identified to accomplish the goal. Lastly will be getting started. In addition,
being specific with the goal, while making the goal measurable, and making sure the goal is
realistic and attainable would enormously help the client. However, the most important things
to take into consideration would be to make sure the goal was relevant to the issue at hand and
have a realistic time to complete it (Burns et al., 2018).
The limitation of cognitive theory is that the effectiveness depends on various things
such as the therapist’s training, skills, development of the therapist, perspective, knowledge,
and ability to create the therapeutic association. This can lead to ineffectiveness for
inexperienced therapists (Corey, 2017).In addition, this therapy focuses on the person’s present
issues and less on the person as a whole. Cognitive Behavior therapy is looked at sometimes
as being systematic (Tan, 2011). Cognitive Behavior therapy also does not look at a person’s
meaning of life, such as death, spiritual matters, and beliefs (Tan, 2011). Cognitive Behavior
therapy can also be limited for people who are open to self-discovering, processing feelings,
and reflecting
(Tan, 2011).
Ethical & Biblical Principles
The professional ethical principles that need to be considered are performing CBT
evaluation while having psychoeducation behind me. Informed consent would be addressed
THEORETICAL APPROACH
6
and documented. The risk of evidence-based CBT would be explained. Boundaries will also be
set in addition to providing skills and training. Family interventions are welcomed and
resistance during CBT will be explained and addressed. The roles of the Individuals,
confidentiality, and recommendations are all important, not only to the client but to the
counselor as well. Keeping these principles will help maintain your credibility (Lawlor-Savage &
Prentice, 2014).
Cognitive theory blends in with my belief in Christian values because values are
suppressed cognitive construction that aids us in making choices. It conjures a sense of
principles of what is wrong and what is right. It also gives us a sense of willingness and allows
us to see patterns. It also gives us a sense of priority. God has given us free will to make
choices. He has also given us the 10 Commandments so we can identify sin. There is also an
outline of what we should do when we are in trouble. In Philippians 4:6-7 it states “Do not be
anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. This aligns with my Biblical principles as a counselor because no matter what the tribulation is, his word
conquerors all. I have his word now, it is my choice to apply it to my problem ”
(New International Version, Philippians 4:6-7).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cognitive Theory focuses on problem solutions, time-limited centered
plans, and the focus on the here and now. The overall goal of Cognitive theory is to help the
individual form a different view and technique to help the individual deal with trials and
challenges Tan, 2011). I do believe that this theory would be most beneficial to the world today.
There is so much negative thinking and pent-up anger from trauma that it’s causing people to
THEORETICAL APPROACH
7
hurt themselves in addition to others. While we all have the free will to make the best choices
for our life we must first evaluate and address our thinking before taking action and having to
pay for them later.
THEORETICAL APPROACH
8
References
Burns, E. C., Martin, A. J., & Collie, R. J. (2018). Adaptability, personal best (PB) goals setting, and
gains in students’ academic outcomes: A longitudinal examination from a social
cognitive perspective. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 53, 57–72.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2018.02.001
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Currie, A., & Killin, A. (2019). From things to thinking: Cognitive archaeology. Mind &
Language, 34(2), 263–279. https://doi.org/10.1111/mila.12230
Ehlke, S. J., & Kelley, M. L. (2018). Drinking to Cope Motivations as a Mediator of the
Relationship Between Sexual Coercion Victimization and Alcohol Use Among College
Women: The Role of Depressive Symptoms. Violence against Women, 25(6), 721–742.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801218796334
Holy Bible: NIV: New International Version. (1973). Christian Media Bibles.
Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., Kirschner, F., & Jimmy Zambrano, R. (2018). From Cognitive Load
Theory to Collaborative Cognitive Load Theory. International Journal of
Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 13(2), 213-233.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-018-9277-y
THEORETICAL APPROACH
9
Lawlor-Savage, L., & Prentice, J. L. (2014). Digital Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in
Canada: Ethical Considerations. Canadian Psychology, 55(4), 231-239.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www-
proquestcom.ezproxy.liberty.edu/scholarly-journals/digital-cognitive-behaviour-therapy-
cbtcanada/docview/1634879440/se-2
Pössel, P., & Smith, E. (2019). Integrating Beck’s Cognitive Theory of Depression and the
Hopelessness Model in an Adolescent Sample. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology,
48(3), 435–451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-019-00604-8
Tan, S. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Baker Academic.
THEORETICAL APPROACH
10
