4-2 Journal: The Best Methods so Far
HSE-352- Substance Use Counsel Theory
Tabbie Bozeman
The theoretical approach that Katie would benefit from is person-centered therapy. It
starts with the therapist being non-judgmental towards the client. This client already judges
her own self harshly, it will go a long way if she gets to be the expert in her own therapy and
recovery. The exploration of her feelings opens the client up to who she wants to be now.
There are three attitudes of person-centered therapy;
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Katie appears to want to do better in her life and job. This approach could help in
motivating her towards achieving positive psychological functioning. I like this approach
better than the others because Katie does not take accountability for the things that are
happening, like getting a DWI. Traditional therapy would probably not work for her. She
wants ownership of her life, and this approach gives her that. We have all been in a place in
our lives, when we have that “light bulb” moment. That moment is reflection of our choices
and what we can do to make our situation better.
When Katie’s sister died, she watched her mom become dependent on alcohol. She was
predisposed to substance use. Add the fact that she feels like her sister’s death is her fault and
she could have prevented it at nine years old, makes for a client who does not trust her own
judgement. Imagine, you come into the picture as her therapist and you are full of
compassion, you let her talk out her thoughts and feelings without interruption. You are able
to paraphrase back to her the important parts she highlighted. She feels that you are invested
in what she has experienced. She now trust you and you are able to make little suggestions,
piggybacking off what she wants to do moving forward. You don’t have to tell her that the
DWI was her fault; by talking things out, she will come to that conclusion on her own. You
don’t have to mention that she could have done anything to prevent her sister’s death, or that
she needs help for her substance abuse. Her opening up to you, creates that safe space in
which she will figure things out with you interjecting a little guidance. Katie’s past trauma is
dictating her future. Approaching her with person-centered therapy, will help her focus on a
positive future instead of her past negative feelings and thoughts.
Corey, G. (2020). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Enhanced
(10th ed.). Cengage Learning US.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9798214354903
