Ryan Hunt
3-2 Journal: Developing a Counseling Approach Using Multiple Theories
In Katies case there are multiple therapeutic approaches that could help her in her journey
to sobriety and recovery. As Katies counselor I would use a combination of person-centered
therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Using both approaches together for Katie will
give her a good understanding of herself, her situation and me as her counselor. Both approaches
also give a well-rounded and flexible approach to her sobriety.
Person-Centered Therapy is defined as the client being able to understand themselves,
solve their own problems and can direct their own growth (Corey, 2020). In Katies case she is
struggling to take responsibility of her own actions. Katie made the choice to drink and get in her
car and drive. As an outsider I can see that her DUI is not the fault of the police officer but rather
the fault of the driver who is Katie. Guiding Katie to an understanding of herself and her
problems will allow her to see how her actions affected her DUI and have been affecting her
personal life. Katie is also hesitant to begin treatment and is only attending because due to her
DUI she has been court ordered to attend treatment. Giving Katie the safe space to understand
that she does have a history of trauma that has affected her life and it is valid will allow her to
solve the problems associated with her trauma will allow her to take control of her growth and
treatment. It will also allow Katie to feel involved in her own treatment and exploration of what
will help her in her recovery.
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is defined as a collaborative approach between the client
and counselor, understanding the clients struggles and allowing the client to think rather than
communicate their feelings (Corey, 2020). This is especially important to Katie as it is clear to
see she does not feel as though she is supported in her home or personal life. Collaborating with
Katie as a team is a great way to show her that she is not alone, she is safe, and we can begin by
thinking about her struggles rather than diving right in to expressing her feelings. Katie may
struggle at first to communicate and express her feelings, so it is important to allow her a space
to think about her past, her trauma and her DUI. Since this approach will encourage Katie to
express her area of concern rather than a counselor expressing their area of concern it will also
contribute to Katie taking responsibly of her actions and thoughts. Katie clearly struggles with
the guilt she feels about the death of her sister and the trauma her death caused her and her
family. It is important for Katie to be able to think about her guilt and put into words the
thoughts that make her feel the guilt she feels. These big feelings contribute tremendously to
Katies alcohol addiction, and a proper understanding would help her recovery. Katie could also
begin to think about the cause of her DUI, and I believe it would help her to see that had she not
been out drinking and making the decision to drive she would not have been arrested for a DUI.
Yes, the police officer pulled her over and arrested her but he did it to keep others safe.
References
Corey, G. (2020).Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy(10th ed., pp. 163-
195). Boston, MA: Cengage.
