Topic:Chooseoneof the five theories studied up to this point (Psychoanalytic,
Adlerian,Existential, Person Centered, or Gestalt)and answer thequestions below
about the theory you chose. Please include the name of the theory in the subject line of
your discussion thread.
1. What is the most important contribution of this theory for the practice of individual
therapy?
2. Discuss two or three KEY CONCEPTS or TECHNIQUES of this theory that are especially
applicable to the practice of individual counseling or therapy?
3. What are the strengths and limitations of this theory in addressing issues regarding
diversity, multicultural, and social justice issues in individual counseling?
4. What are some ways this theory is compatible and incompatible with Christian
concepts?
Peer Responses: Choose totwoclassmates that chosedifferenttheories than you for
your peer responses. Engage the peers in a conversation comparing and contrasting
the most important contributions of the theories to practice and which you would prefer
as a theoretical orientation out the comparison?
Your thread is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of Module 3: Week 3 and replies5are due
by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the same module: week.5
1. What is the most important contribution of this theory for the practice of individual
therapy?
Another name for person centered therapy is client centered therapy, although it was first
called nondirective therapy in the 1940s (Tan, 2011). This type of therapy was founded by Carl
Rogers. In client centered counseling, all individuals are considered inherently good and are
capable of self-directed growth (Corey, 2021). I think that the most important contribution of
this theory for the practice of individual therapy is the counselor’s attitude rather than their skill
in counseling. The therapist has to be able to relate to the client and show genuineness towards
the client in order for this method of therapy to be successful.
2. Discuss two or three KEY CONCEPTS or TECHNIQUES of this theory that are
especially applicable to the practice of individual counseling or therapy?
A key concept of this therapy that is applicable to individual counseling is the quality of the
therapeutic relationship. In order for person-centered therapy to be effective, the therapeutic
relationship must be strong. A strong therapeutic relationship consists of trust, openness, and
respect. Another key concept in person centered therapy is that the counselor empowers the
client to analyze their own behaviors and set goals for themselves. In other words, clients
usually gravitate toward self-actualization (Corey, 2021). Unconditional positive regard is also a
key concept in person centered therapy. The counselor must care and be non-judgemental
towards their client.
3. What are the strengths and limitations of this theory in addressing issues regarding
diversity, multicultural, and social justice issues in individual counseling?
One of the strengths of person-centered therapy is that the counselors exhibit genuineness
towards their client regardless of their culture, race, religion, sex, etc. According to Quinn,
“However, a number of 21st century research studies have provided string support for the person-
centered approach as an effective and equivalent treatment for culturally diverse populations,
despite probable researcher allegiance bias in some” (2012). Another strength of this theory in
addressing issues regarding diversity, multicultural, and social justice issues in individual
counseling is that each individual is worthy and able to make effective changes in their life
(regardless of their culture, race, religion, sex, etc.). Apart from being a strength, it is also a
limitation of person-centered therapy that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is
dependent upon the counselor’s genuineness. For example, some counselors may not be genuine
in addressing issues in diversity, multicultural, and social justice.
4. What are some ways this theory is compatible and incompatible with Christian concepts?
One way that person centered therapy is compatible with Christian concepts is that the
counselor believes the client is an equal rather than being better than or above the client. In the
Bible, Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there
is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Open Bible, 2021). This verse
basically means that everyone is equal, and God loves everyone the same. Therefore, we should
treat our clients as we would treat ourselves with love and respect. This theory is also
compatible with Christian concepts in that we are to be genuine with our clients. God always
wants us to be genuine with others, as He in genuine with us at all times. On the other hand,
person centered therapy can be incompatible with Christian concepts. For example, person
centered therapy stresses how people are inherently good. The Bible teaches us that we are all
flawed and has a different outlook on human nature. In the Bible, Matthew 15:19 says, “For out
of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness,
slander” (Open Bible, 2021). Unlike person centered therapy, the Bible teaches us that we are all
sinners.
References
100 Bible Verses about Everyone Is Equal. (n.d.). Retrieved February 01, 2021, from
https://www.openbible.info/topics/everyone_is_equal
100 Bible verses about human nature. (n.d.). Retrieved February 04, 2021, from
https://www.openbible.info/topics/human_nature
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Quinn, A. (2012). A person-centered approach to multicultural counseling Competence.HJournal
of Humanistic Psychology,H1-50
Tan, S. (2011).HCounseling and psychotherapy - a christian perspective. Baker Publishing
Group.
Bobbie Terrell
1. What is the most important contribution of this theory for the practice of individual
therapy?
Existential therapy is a concept the therapist uses to help the client recognize that
they are responsible for the choices they create. This type of technique's essential
purpose is to invite the client to learn the importance of self-exploration. The
Existential focuses on six dimensions to help the client implement in therapy, which
are 1.the capacity for self-awareness. (2) freedom and responsibility; (3) creating one's
identity and establishing meaningful relationships with others; (4) the search for
meaning, purpose, values, and goals; (5) anxiety as a condition of living; and (6)
awareness of death and non-being. (Corey, G. 2017, p. 6-2a).
1. Discuss two or three KEY CONCEPTS or TECHNIQUES of this theory that are
especially applicable to the practice of individual counseling or therapy?
There are few key concepts applicable for clients to make sound decisions and
expand human growth that clients can use for their well-being. Also, the theory is that
this technique equips the client to view life as being meaningful and conquering death
situations. 1.They learn that although they cannot change certain events in their lives,
they can change the way they view and react to these events. And 2. They can accept
their limitations yet still feel worthwhile, for they understand that they do not need to
be perfect to feel worthy. (Corey, G. 2017, p. 6-2b).
1. What are the strengths and limitations of this theory in addressing issues regarding
diversity, multicultural, and social justice issues in individual counseling?
Existential therapy has no set technique, but the therapist can adopt other theoretical
orientations to help the client express their uniqueness its universal because there is no one way
to do things. (Corey, G. 2017, p. 6-2b).H Existential does not focus on the past events but what is
happening in a person's daily life. The strength of this type of theory it welcomes all diverse
client that wants to move forward and live a life with purpose. However, there can be limitations,
such as not giving a more structured and problem focus approach.HAnd the therapist lacks
knowledge and understanding on the way of practicing the modality, which will confuse the
client to challenge their issue at hand. (Corey, G. 2017, p. 6-2e).
1. What are some ways this theory is compatible and incompatible with Christian
concept?
The Existential modality is compatible with Christianity beliefs that social
ability is not a correct way of guidance. Christianity believes that the Creator and the
Bible lead a person. And the Existential theory assumes that a person's self is their
guide. Another comparison is both theory beliefs teach a person to live a meaningful
life with purpose. The incompatibility between both is the existential theory approach
is life here and now is the practice of living. In comparison, the teachings of
Christianity express everlasting living life after physical death.H
Reference:
5Corey, G. (2017).5Student manual for theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy
(10th ed.).Cengage Learning.5
Hello Bobbie
Thank you so much for your post. I really enjoyed your insight and perspective on Existential
therapy. I really like how this type of therapy teaches clients that they are responsible for their
own actions. It is important to note that Gestalt therapy is another type of therapy that also
teaches clients they are responsible for their own actions. According to Tan, there are not
specific techniques that come along with practicing existential therapy, but it is rather a
philosophical attitude or approach in counseling (2011). Some of the important themes that
existential therapy focuses on includes mortality, meaning, freedom, anxiety, aloneness, and
freedom (Corey, 2021). I really like how this type of therapy helps individuals really think about
what their purpose is here on earth. From Christian counseling I have had in the past, I came to
realize that my purpose here was to glorify God. I like how existential therapy focus on the
present as we, as individuals, have little to no control over the past or future. I agree with you in
that existential therapy can be incompatible with Christian concept in that Christian concept
focuses on eternal life, whereas existential therapy focuses on the present. I believe that both are
important. In the Bible, Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of
God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Open Bible, 2021). The way I would tie these two
beliefs together is by focusing on being my best self in the present so that I will have eternal life.
Thanks again and good luck in the remainder of the semester! I know you’ll do great!!
100 Bible verses about eternal life. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from
https://www.openbible.info/topics/eternal_life
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
Tan, S. (2011).HCounseling and psychotherapy - a christian perspective. Baker Publishing
Group.
Morgan Gallego
Gestalt Therapy
COLLA PSE
1. The most important contribution5of the Gestalt theory is the focus on the present.
This theory focuses on the actions of what people do instead why the actions are
done. Gestalt Theory focuses on present feeling both emotional and physical and
thoughts. The clients body language, tone and facial expressions are studied to help
the therapist gain more insight on how the client is feeling.
2. Gestalt Therapy focuses on helping the client to be self aware.5The
therapist will focus on how the client is feeling at that moment and use
that to help the client to be aware of themselves. It focuses a lot on the
client's feelings both physical and emotional. Also this type of therapy
focuses on the here and now. This concept helps the client to see that
the past and the future is something that can not be controlled and
that the present is what we have power over.
3. The strengths of Gestalt therapy when it comes to diversity and multiculturalism5are
this approach gives the client the ability to work through their experiences through
their own reality and by how they view their own culture. One weakness that can be
seen with this type of therapy is that some cultures do not promote the need to
express emotions so the way that Gestalt therapy focuses heavily on expressing
emotions and the physical feelings of the body may make the client resistant to
therapy.
4. What are some ways this theory is compatible and incompatible with
Christian concepts? The way that this theory is compatible with the
Christian concepts of owning our sin and the way that we have
wronged others. The Gestalt theory focuses on claiming our choices
and actions and seeing what the client has done in order to be able to
interact with the world around us. The bible talks about how our sin put
Jesus on the cross and how we must claim our sin and have a
repentant heart in order to live the life God designed for us. The way
that the Gestalt theory is incompatible with the the Christian concept
of focusing on living a heaven bound life. We do not live for the now
but we live for the life to come. This theory focuses on the here and
now and believes that the future is something that has not come yet
and we do not have power over so it is something that should not be
focused on.
Hey Morgan,
I am so grateful that you decided to write your discussion on Gestalt Therapy this week as it
seems you are the only one in the class who wrote about this type of therapy. Gestalt therapy
was founded by Frederick Solomon “Fritz” Perls (Tan, 2011). I like the fact that Gestalt therapy
focuses on the present. I believe that the client’s tone, facial expressions, and body language is
one of the biggest indicators in determining how the client is really feeling. I am a big believer
in that none of us, as humans, have control over the past or future. Therefore, we should keep
our main focus on the present and how we are feeling now. I also love how this type of therapy
helps the client to be more self-aware. Self-awareness is an import factor in really
knowing/accepting ourselves and why we are feeling a particular way. According to Corey, the
authenticity of the therapist is also a key component when utilizing Gestalt therapy (2021).
Gestalt therapy is a type of therapy that I want to do more research on and hope to utilize in my
own practice someday. Lastly, I loved how you mentioned that owning our sins is a way that
this theory is compatible to Christian concept. In the Bible, 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
(Open Bible, 2021). In Gestalt therapy, the client is responsible for their own choices which
aligns with Christian concepts.
Thanks again and good luck in the remainder of this semester!
100 Bible verses about Repentance. (n.d.). Retrieved February 05, 2021, from
https://www.openbible.info/topics/repentance
Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (10th ed.). Cengage
Learning.
