PERSONAL COUNSELING THEORY PAPER
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Personal Counseling Theory
Submitted to
Dr. Mario Garcia
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
EDCO 715-B05
By
Rhonda Lee Wright
October 5, 2025
Authors Note
Abstract
Empirical evidence-based research has been conducted on numerous theoretical approaches
that focus on different comorbidities within the human psychological deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA). Each theoretical approach is geared to address an individual’s dilemma or complication
through their life experiences. A therapist must develop an individualized approach when
working with clients. Therefore, the therapist must understand that the different theories are
not a one-size-fitsall solution. This paper has focused on “Solution Focused Brief Therapy”
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(SFBT) developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. The content of this paper will address
those who have been diagnosed with autism and a substance abuse disorder. Those who are
diagnosed with being on the spectrum experience high rates of co-occurring substance abuse
disorders. There are a few evidence-based interventions tailored to this population. This paper
has discussed how integrating SFBT has the potential to assist those who struggle with the issue
of substance abuse.
Personal Counseling Theory
i. Background: Factors Influencing Distress. Backgrounds
The most recent biblical series that has impacted streaming, “The Chosen,” depicts
Matthew the tax collector as being on the autism spectrum. As a therapist, when watching this
actor play his role, he does have the characteristics of someone who meets the criteria for
autism. Evidence by his lack of eye contact, his strong focus on his job, and making sure all is in
order with the finances and collection of the taxes and payments. Another biblical figure
scholars have identified as being on the spectrum is known as Solomon. His writings and focus
on various subjects, such as trees and animals 1 Kings 4:33 5:14. His strong focus led some to
believe he struggled with a cognitive impairment. According to (Sharon Reif P. a., 2022), “11
articles have been written on substance use disorders among disabled people. There are very
few interventions to assist those with disabilities, and all psychological theories are geared
towards people who society accepts as highly functioning. The DSM-5-TR does not mention
substance abuse among those who have been diagnosed with a disability.
As a substance abuse counselor currently, and an aunt of someone who is a highly
functioning autistic person. I am very aware of those who meet this diagnosis. I have observed
clients who are entering treatment programs for help with substance abuse and alcoholism. In
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my observations, I notice the interventions our program offers are not set up to support
someone who has developed a co-occurring disorder due to substance abuse. During
consultation, my peers have deemed these individuals as behavioral and resistant to treatment.
ii. Emotions/sensations
One can only assume the thoughts and emotions of someone who is on the spectrum.
While during observation, there are different levels of Autism, such as those who were
diagnosed as having Asperger's, the highest level of function for someone on the spectrum. The
DSM-5 TR has grouped this diagnosis into one category and has diagnosed those who meet this
criterion as being on the “Autism Spectrum ".
According to the DSM-5 TR, American Psychiatric Association (2022), “ Social
Communication and Interaction”
“The first category of the DSM-5-TR criteria for the diagnosis of autism is social communication
and interaction. This category includes three criteria:
1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity: This criterion refers to difficulties in social
interaction. For example, an individual with autism may not initiate or respond to social
interactions appropriately.
2. Deficits in nonverbal communication: This criterion refers to difficulties in
understanding and using nonverbal communication. For example, an individual with
autism may not make eye contact or use facial expressions appropriately.
3. Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships: This criterion refers to difficulties
in developing and maintaining relationships. For example, an individual with autism may
not have friends or may have difficulty understanding social cues.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors
The second category of the DSM-5-TR criteria for the diagnosis of ASD is restricted and
repetitive behaviors. This category includes four criteria:
1. Repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech: This criterion refers to repetitive
behaviors or speech patterns. For example, an individual with ASD may repeat words or
phrases or engage in repetitive movements like hand flapping.
2. Insistence on sameness: This criterion refers to a resistance to change or a need for
routines. For example, an individual with autism may become upset if their routine is
disrupted.
3. Highly restricted interests: This criterion refers to a narrow range of interests. For
example, an individual with autism may have a strong interest in a particular topic and
may talk about it constantly.
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4. Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input: This criterion refers to unusual reactions to
sensory input. For example, an individual with autism may be sensitive to certain sounds
or textures or may seek out certain sensations. Diagnosing Autism
To receive a diagnosis of autism, an individual must meet the criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR.
A diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist,
who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
In addition to the DSM-5-TR criteria, a healthcare professional may also use other tools and
assessments to diagnose ASD.
For example, they may use standardized tests to assess an individual's language and cognitive
abilities, or they may observe the individual in various social situations.” (Kesherim, 2024)
(American Psychiatric Association, 2022, p. 53).
iii. Thoughts
Those who are on the spectrum have repeated thoughts, evidenced by how they express
themselves through their obsessions and consistent repetitions, avoidance of eye contact, not
liking to be touched, and avoidance of social engagements. According to Joseph S. Alpert
(2020), “Autism is defined in the psychiatric literature as a neurodevelopmental disorder
characterized by failure on the part of the affected person to communicate and interact socially
with others. Autistic patients commonly demonstrate restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped
patterns of behavior.
For example, as children or adults, autistic individuals may continue to repetitively
handle and play with objects such as toy automobiles rather than interacting with other
persons. These repetitive actions are referred to as stimming self-stimulating behaviors, usually
involving repetitive movements or sounds” (p.701). The neurological structure of those who
are diagnosed with this disease is out of the ordinary for those who consider themselves to be
within the normal range of cognitive abilities.
iv. Actions
Many individuals exhibit different behaviors and intellectual abilities. For instance, some
individuals have very aggressive behaviors along with self-harming behaviors and harming
PERSONAL COUNSELING THEORY PAPER 5
themselves or others, while some are unable to communicate and are deemed non-verbal and
unable to care for themselves. Those who are on the higher end of the spectrum are very
intelligent and hyper-focused on one particular area of interest. (Edelson, 2022).
The concern I have for those who are on the higher end of the spectrum would be that
they appear to behave in a manner that is acceptable to society, and although there appears to
be something different about them, society may overlook the maladaptive behaviors and social
awkwardness, and incorporate them into a community where they are not able to thrive and
flourish.
Family/cultural systems
Family and cultural systems are different for those who are of different ethnic, social,
and economic backgrounds. Those who are of African American backgrounds who have family
members with special needs will care for their family member at home. Those who are of a
Northern European background are more than likely to seek out a third party to assist with care
for their family. Native Americans will care for and shelter their family members who have
special needs and give them names to distinguish them within the family dynamic. A therapist
must be aware of the cultural influences when working with family members and clients.
According to Ashy C. Rengit (2016), “ there are very few strategies and interventions to support
families, and individuals with ASD” (p. 2414).
This may be due to their structured and rigid behaviors, where any interruptions or changes to
routine and high sensory sensitivity will cause high anxiety, frustration, and disruptive
behaviors.
b. Content: Theory-Based Treatment Strategies:
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I have selected “Solution Focused Brief Therapy.” According to Tan (2011,2022), “SFBT
emphasizes solutions and what works for the client” (p.9). When working with those on the
spectrum and their families, short-term therapy would do well. It is imperative for the client’s
family to receive individual therapy along with family therapy.
The therapist would assign homework and bibliography assignments for educational
purposes. The family dynamics are expected to shift once the client has begun to recover from
their addiction. Families and the client are unaware of the shift within the family roles and the
hierarchy of needs. The reason I have picked this modality is to avoid the challenge of changing
the client’s routine in their natural environment. The goal would be to support the client along
with the family in helping eliminate the use of the substance. There is not a particular therapy
model that has yet been developed for this population, so this therapist needs to use the best
empirically researched therapy.
key underlying mechanisms
Solution-focused brief Therapy (SFBT) will work for those who are autistic and have
substance abuse issues. “Those on the spectrum benefit from clarity and predictability by
having a steady routine and rigid structure in their daily life. SFBT, the client will be provided
with specific, observable behaviors such as “call mom instead of using drugs or alcohol.”
(Edelson, 2022). “The autistic client's neuro-functioning is said to operate from the executive
functioning of the brain, and this concreteness lowers the cognitive load, which makes changing
behaviors manageable, builds motivation, and reduces uncertainty for self-efficacy” (p.44).
Clients on the spectrum are to be afforded the same treatment as those who are at a
higher developmental functioning. While there is not much information for this population who
have a substance abuse disorder, most interventions are CBT-focused, which I disagree with, as I
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believe the use of CBT is not appropriate for this population. My reason for this disagreement is
that they do not need cognitive restructuring; they need coping skills to minimize the use of
mind and mood-altering substances. I would also like to add that those on the spectrum are
sensitive to all external sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, and quick movements
of people and objects. Visual and auto-sensory sensitivity are very disruptive to the client’s
cognitive processing, and therefore, the therapist should be educated and have special
qualifications to meet the needs of this population.
Treatment strategies
There are several strategies I would use while counseling those diagnosed with autism
and substance use disorder. The strategies I feel would work best by using SFBT involve: 1.
Visual tools: these tools would use abstract progress as a conversion into literal and concrete
visuals. Individuals on the autism spectrum are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli, and using a
visual tool can enhance self-awareness. 2. Structured individual session; clients diagnosed with
ASD do not do well in group sessions due to the overload of information given, and how they
process information is observed as different from others who are at a different cognitive level.
3. Sensory analysis: the client will be given an assessment on which sensory area of the brain is
most active during different activities.
A licensed professional would provide an MRI assessment in neuroimaging to observe
which area of the brain is most active during specific activities. 4. Planning small goals by
breaking large goals into smaller and achievable accomplishments that support the executive
functioning dysfunctions in autism. 5. Visual cards: Using visual cards provides memory
enhancements by building a structured routine. 6. Caregiver involvement: engaging the client’s
caregivers will provide support, repetition, and accountability. 7. Relapse review without
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moralizing: Supporting the client during a relapse as an educational experience and not
demeaning or providing negative feedback by stating they have failed.
Integration of the Christian worldview
The Book of Psalms 77:14 “You are the God who works wonders; you made known your
might among the peoples. Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God. Jeremiah 32:27
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh, is anything too hard for me?” (New International
Version, 2011). In context with “Solution Focused Brief Therapy,” Developed by Steve de Shazer
and Insoo Kim Berg, a biblical integration applies to this therapy. They ask the “Miracle
question.” Christians who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ don’t need to ask the Lord what
if? They are commanded to believe. As a believer, I would ask the client to share what it would
look like for God to answer their prayer request, believing by faith, He, the Lord Adonai, has
already done what the client has requested.
i. I. Biblical principles
Several principles are appropriate for “Solution Focused Brief Therapy,” they include: Jeremiah
29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to
harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.” (NIV)
This biblical principle serves as a source of hope and renewal, fostering faith and
motivation to assist clients in achieving change. Secondly, the client will have gained
stewardship by examining their ways, as stated in Lamentations 3:40. Self-reflection during
sobriety is vital when one is seeking to change their lifestyle. It is through transforming the
mind, as stated in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, then you will be able to test and approve what
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God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Caregiver support will provide community,
accountability, and direction through faith-based principles. 2 Corinthians
c. Biblical worldview issue
Solution-focused brief Therapy, developed by Steve De Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg,
“believed all humans are healthy, good, and competent with the ability to provide their own
solutions to grow and change” (Victora E. Kress at. al, 2010,2012, 2014, p. 408). This goes
against theological teachings as stated in the book of Genesis 3. According to Bible Study Tools
(2025), Psalm 51:5 “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
According to my biblical worldview, I would have to disagree with SFBT and its developers due
to it being out of alignment with the word of God.
According to Tan (2011, 2021), “SFBT therapy is a pragmatic approach that uses
whatever tools or interventions that may work for the individual. The therapist and client
collaborate to come up with what they feel will work for them. A biblical perspective on therapy
will not simply use whatever works, even if it is evidence-based or empirically supported” (p.
327). Believers are to incorporate God’s word into their daily lives and are to be mindful of
secular ethical practices. The ACA Code of Ethics A.4.b “Counselors are aware of—and avoid
imposing—their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Counselors respect the diversity
of clients, trainees, and research participants and seek training in areas in which they are at risk
of imposing their values onto clients, especially when the counselor’s values are inconsistent
with the client’s goals or are discriminatory in nature”(p.5).
Working with those whose beliefs and values differ from the therapist's can become a
sticky situation for the therapist who is not willing to compromise their beliefs and values.
Scripture reminds us that we are to be Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the
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midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (ASV) When I am
working with clients who struggle with substance abuse, I have observed that they are under
spiritual bondage. It has been said that when a person engages with substances, they are
opening themselves up to allow their minds to be under the control of another spirit.
I have been delivered from substance addiction and dependence, and while engaging in
that lifestyle, I observed drug dealers light candles and pour drugs into the candle and light it
while surrounded by money. The candles would have the picture of Mary, the mother of Jesus,
and pictures of Jesus on the candles. I did some research on why they did this tradition. I was
informed that before the drugs enter the States, they perform rituals by praying over the drugs
that Satan would keep the minds of the people who use them. Addiction cannot be broken
through self-will will and the mental obsession cannot be broken without the Blood of Jesus
Christ. Most individuals are angry with God due to having bad experiences through human
hands, words, actions, and deeds.
The Bible has several scriptures that speak against Christians mistreating others, which
keep them from seeking the Lord Jesus Christ for Salvation. Ephesians 4:13-Christians are
commanded to conduct themselves through humility, patience, and love. Proverbs 6:16-19
“there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him a lying tongue, hands
shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, and feet that make hast to run to evil, a
false witness who breathes out lies and one who sow discord among brothers.” Malachi 2:16- A
man is to love his wife, and James 3:9-10 speaks about the tongue.” (NIV) I share this because
those on the spectrum are seen as a different population, and for those who are engaging or
have been introduced to a mind, mood altering substance will be deemed as behavioral and not
in need of special therapy. I do not totally agree with any of the modalities for this population
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because I believe they need a specialized therapeutic intervention geared towards their intense
sensory, executive functioning, and cognitive processing.
Conclusion:
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with those who have been diagnosed with
autism and a Christian Worldview will offer a holistic, empathic, and compassionate foundation
for treating clients with substance abuse disorder. SFBT is structured, goal-oriented, and
concrete, which aligns with SFBT’s cognitive and sensory preferences, which are seen in those
who have autism. SFBT's strengths-based approach empowers clients with a sense of autonomy
when it is coupled with biblical principles. SFBT also includes the family dynamics of grace,
redemption, hope, accountability, and community. SFBT is more than symptom management; it
is a spiritual anchor that leads towards restoration and purpose for the client.
This model helps clients integrate and envision a future as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. It is
through faith and behavior changes being exemplified by a compassionate and nonjudgmental
environment where the client can learn about relapse prevention through grace through
therapy sessions with the understanding that a relapse is not a failure but a stumble. Through
SFBT, clients learn about how to seek God through their church community and caregivers. SFBT,
Christian Worldview addresses how healing is achievable through small, intentional, consistent
steps for the client. Although change is difficult for those who are on the spectrum, it is
possible. The goal is to support the client in developing new habitual behaviors that are pleasing
to the sensory area of the brain.
References
Adleryan, K. D. (2024). Evidence-Based Individual Psychology Practice:. Journal of
Rehabilitation, 258-270.
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Ashy C. Rengit, J. W. (2016). Brief Report: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Substance Use
Disorder: A Review and Case Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2763-z, 2514–2519.
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codeof-ethics.pdf: https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Substance Use Disorder. Journal of the American
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