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Benchmark Professional Theoretical Approach to
Counseling
Theories Of Counseling (Liberty University)
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Theoretical Approach to Counseling 1
Benchmark Professional Theoretical Approach to
Counseling: Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Keishla Gonzalez-Velez
School of Behavioral Science, Liberty University
Author Note
Keishla Gonzalez-Velez
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to
Keishla Gonzalez-Velez
Email: [email protected]
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Theoretical Approach to Counseling 2
Introduction
It is important in the counseling profession to be aware of the theoretical approaches and
which one fits more depending on your perspective of human nature and your personal values,
beliefs, and strengths. As a counselor, to be vital and to do our job effectively, we don’t only
need to understand the theoretical approaches, but we also need to have self-knowledge of our
own values and worldview.
The theory that aligns more with my personal and professional style of counseling is
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I will cover the view of human nature and change, and how
this theory influenced in my personal life. Also, I will explain how a positive therapeutic
relationship can be built with the client. Finally, I will discuss which ethical principles can be
considered, and how, as a counselor, we can integrate Biblical principles.
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Theoretical Approach to Counseling 3
Human Nature and Change
Cognitive behavior therapy has a more complex view of human nature and pays more
attention to how one’s thoughts influence and affect one’s behavior and feelings. Its perspective
of human nature thus includes some capacity for choice as well as for self-reflection and self-
control (Tan, 2011). Human nature includes characteristics of humankind as a whole, comprising
the set of behaviors, attitudes, and dispositions that typify the human race (APA, 2021). As
humans, we all have the ability to think, feel, and act. But we also have the ability to choose if
we want to do it in a good or a bad way. Cognitive behavior therapy is based on the assumption
that beliefs, behaviors, emotions, and physical reactions are all reciprocally linked (Corey,
2021). Every activity, relationship and interaction that we choose to involve is all based on
events that happened in a person’s life.
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) was the first of the cognitive behavior
therapies, and today it continues to be a major cognitive behavioral approach. REBT is based on
the assumption that cognition, emotions, and behaviors interact significantly and have a
reciprocal cause-and-effect relationships (Corey, 2021). Corey (2021) explains the REBT’s
basic hypothesis that our emotions are created by our beliefs, and these beliefs influence the
interpretations we make and fuel the reactions we have to life situations. Ellis’s REBT approach
emphasizes that one’s maladaptive thinking in the form of irrational beliefs leads to emotional
problems (Tan, 2011).
Personal Background
I strongly believe that the way we think, influences how we feel and react to our life
situations. I was raised in a positive and happy environment. It is not that we didn’t have life
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challenges as a family, but my parents always taught me about focusing on thinking positively to
get positive outcomes. My faith also plays a big role. I believe that as a Christian I’m called to
trust in God that things will get better. To share a story, after a six- year relationship break up, it
was hard to believe that things would get better in all aspects. Starting over again in life seemed
impossible. I was still thinking about what if I had done something different. I had thoughts and
feelings that I was not enough, or that I didn’t fight enough for the relationship. Thinking
negatively and thinking about the past stopped me from being present and moving forward. I
accepted that this was normal, especially after a breakup after so many years. But there was a
point where I felt I wanted to succeed but then I was not doing anything about it. My negative
thoughts and emotions were leading me nowhere. My thoughts of not being enough were making
me feel frustrated, resulting in not wanting to do anything to move forward. I decided to look for
help and started attending to counseling. Then, with time, my thoughts began to change. Going to
counseling helped me in making better decisions, incorporating coping skills and practicing new
habits to feel better, like working out, eating healthier, and going out to the park. Practicing this
method prevented me to go into the stage of depression.
Relationship Building and Assessment
In any type of psychotherapy, intervention is important to establish a positive therapeutic
relationship. In cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), however, a warm relationship between
therapist and client is not required because it is a cognitive and directive behavioral process, but
a respectful relationship is recommended (Corey, 2021).The way I will build a respectful
relationship with my clients is by accepting the way they are. The client may think I will get
angry with them because of things they have done, and may feel ashamed. As a therapist, I will
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Theoretical Approach to Counseling 5
make my client see that he or she is an imperfect being and I can help with techniques that can
help with modifying behaviors. In CBT, the therapist, in collaboration with clients, applies
techniques such as evidence testing and new learning to help clients manage their psychological
difficulties, sometimes instead of focusing on the therapeutic relationship itself (Syd, 2012). As
a CBT therapist, will help clients to deal with specific problems by using empirically supported
cognitive-behavioral interventions. Client progress is continuously assessed throughout the
process, and therapeutic methods are adjusted as the therapist conducts CBT in a flexible and
sensitive way. Therapy gradually phased out as the client increasingly achieves goals, with
therapy sessions reduced from weekly to once every two weeks or monthly before termination
of regular therapy (Tan, 2011). Towards the end of therapy, clients review their progress, make
plans, and identify strategies to prevent, or cope with any new challenges as they arise (Corey,
2021). Corey (2021) also explain that cognitive therapy has been successfully used to treat
several mental illnesses including depression and anxiety disorder. The effects of this type of
therapy for depression and anxiety disorders seem to be more enduring that the effect of other
treatments (Corey, 2021). One of many potential limitations involves the therapist imposing
ideas of what constitutes rational thinking. It is important for practitioners to avoid imposing
their own philosophy of life on their clients (Tan, 2011).
Ethical and Biblical Principles
The most frequently cited ethical concerns in psychotherapy are related to
professionalism, therapeutic boundaries and confidentiality (Vyskocilova & Prasko, 2014).
Confidentiality for me is an important principle that needs to be considered in counseling. The
issue of confidentiality often causes ethical dilemmas for the psychotherapist. Confidentiality is
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Theoretical Approach to Counseling 6
essential for clients to engage in therapy (Vyskocilova & Prasko, 2014). Therapists also need to
be aware at what point they can keep confidentiality and explain it to the client.
Cognitive behavior therapy has many strengths, therefore is likely to be one of the more
fruitful models for Christians to explore for its integrative potentials (Tan, 2011). One of many
questions I have is “how do I incorporate my Christian values to a client without imposing my
beliefs?” I believe that we can still practice our Christian values as counselors. One of my
Christian values is to love my neighbor as yourself. Cognitive behavior therapy will emphasize
the primacy of agape love (1 Cor. 13) and the need to develop a warm, empathetic, genuine
relationship with the client (Tan, 2011). Also, I believe in prayer as a form of healing. Cognitive
behavior therapy will emphasize the Holy Spirit’s ministry in bringing about inner healing as
well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional change. It will use prayer and affirmation of God’s
Word in facilitating dependence on the Lord to produce deep and lasting personality change
(Tan, 2011).
In Christian counseling, we can combine methods of counseling with Scriptural
principles, using Biblical truths as the reference point for integration (Falaye, 2013). I believe
that as a Christian counselor and a psychotherapist, both have similarities, like care about
people, both are interested in exploring various people's situations, both give feedback, etc. In
cognitive behavior therapy, the counselor must teach right thinking by first identifying negative
feelings, behaviors, and thinking (Falaye, 2013). As a counselor, I might integrate Biblical
principles by providing direction through a specified communication of Biblical truth and
wisdom.
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Conclusion
As a professional mental health counselor, it is important to continue to get the
knowledge and to have a self-integrated theoretical approach to cognitive behavior therapy
(CBT). Also, to focus on positive emotions and feelings to improve the efficacy of CBT on the
individual, especially after termination. CBT has been effective in preventing the individual
from experiencing depression and anxiety. As a counselor, educating the patient with the
strategies and techniques will help them to handle future situations. Finally, CBT can also be
combined with biblical scripture, which can also help the individual in a spiritual way.
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References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). APA dictionary of psychology.
American Psychological Association. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from
https://dictionary.apa.org/human-nature
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage.
Falaye, A. O. (2013). Counseling from a Christian point of view. Ife Psychologia, 21(3), 54-61.
http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com
%2Fscholarly-journals%2Fcounselling-christian-point-view%2Fdocview
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Hiskey, S. (2012). Time to re-evaluate the therapeutic relationship. Mental Health Practice
(through 2013), 15(5), 34-35. http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F
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relationship%2Fdocview%2F940915320%2Fse-2%3Faccountid%3D12085
Tan, Y. S. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Baker Academic.
Vyskocilova, J., & Prasko, J. (2014). EPA-1336 – Ethical questions and dilemmas in
psychotherapy. European Psychiatry, 29, 1–1.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-
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