3-1 Journal: Developing a Counseling Approach Using Multiple Theories
HSE-352 Substance Use Counsel Theory
Tabbie Bozeman
Katie N. would benefit from person-centered therapy. Katie already judges herself harshly,
she needs a therapist/counselor who presents without judgement. Allowing her to be the
expert in her own therapy, feels less like a directive and more like a choice. As the counselor,
you are providing a space for your client to explore their decisions and feelings without
judgement, approval or disapproval. This approach allows Katie to explore her feelings,
gaining a clear idea of who she is now and who she wants to be after treatment and therapy.
The core condition of person-centered therapy contain 3 attitudes according to Rogers. (NIL,
2023)
Accurate Empathy – this includes active listening, with the therapist paying
attention to the clients thoughts and feelings. Understanding the client’s world in
therapy, as if that private world was their own. Reflect back to the client with
paraphrasing and summarizing the client’s feelings, rather than the content they are
sharing. This allows the client to hear what they are sharing when it’s repeated
back to them, a different kind of processing.
Congruence – Conveying your thoughts and feelings to relate to the client. Be
yourself and do not hide behind your professionalism. No sharing of personal
problems with your client, that changes the focus on you the therapist and not your
client.
Unconditional Positive Regard – The environment that you see your client in,
should be inviting and warm. Your client might have unconventional views, but
that does not mean you as a therapist can judge, approve or disapprove of what
they are sharing. You want free expression and self-exploration. If you judge,
approve or disapprove, your client will more than likely stop sharing.
There are some who do not agree with person-centered therapy because they feel it is
ineffective for those clients who may not be comfortable talking about themselves. I think
this technique works for Katie N because she does not seem to like to be told what to do.
Examples include not going to therapy when her sister died and blaming the police for her
DWI. Allowing Katie to speak freely about herself and her situation will allow her make
decisions about her substance abuse and her need for therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) is my second option for Katie. When googling
CBT, the definition “argues that a person’s thoughts determine their actions and feelings, and
ultimately their ability to learn and their enjoyment of learning.” (Wichita State University)
This theory is used to treat depression, anxiety and substance abuse issues. This theory also
has several core principles.
Clients who have psychological problems have an unhealthy way of thinking.
Psychological problems are learned patterns that are also unhelpful behaviors.
Psychological suffers can learn coping techniques to help relieve them of
symptoms. Thus, becoming effective in their lives.
The goal is to change the thinking patterns into positive thoughts and feelings. Katie
expressed concern that her sister dying could be her fault. CBT can help her change that
narrative that she created a problem and deal with the reality that there was nothing she could
have done. Understanding her own behavior and learning to cope with the negatives. Katie
would benefit from techniques to help her cope with stress and anxiety. She has to gain
confidence in herself and her abilities. As a counselor, my goal will be to help Katie face her
fears instead of avoiding them. Role playing to prepare her for any potential situations she
may encounter when she has to interact with others. It could be other substance users, people
from her past. Teaching her how to calm her body down and relax. It depends on how she
responds to treatment, therapy and our interactions.
Each technique used requires the counselor to listen to the client’s needs, wants and
fear. As you assess your client, you need to be sure you are addressing the things that matter
to them without judgement. We all have had moments of feeling uncomfortable when dealing
with companies, jibs, etc, we need to be sure our clients who are dealing with substance use
issues never feel that discomfort.
References:
Yao, L., Kabir, R., National Library of Medicine, Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian
Therapy) February 9, 2023
Witchita.edu, Cognitive Learning Theory
Corey, G. (2020). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Enhanced (10th
ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9798214354903
