Integrating
theories Now that you have studied 11 therapy models, what criteria could you
develop to create your own integrative approach to counseling? What basis do
you have for including or excluding certain major concepts of the various
approaches? How could you evaluate the effectiveness of your
approach? Here are the theories: Psychodynamic/Object Relations, Adlerian,
Existential, Gestalt, Person-Centered, Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT,
Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Solution-Focused.
Criteria to use to
develop your own integrative approach to counseling
As a counselor, my
main aim is to show my patients that in every situation one has a choice. In
addition, I aim to create a safe environment in which my patients can handle
their mental health issues in a productive manner. As such I will use
existential cognitive behavior theories to serve my patients who are from
different backgrounds and dealing with different issues (Sajjad Kabir, 2017).
Moreover, existential therapy will allow me to address life issues affecting my
patients and give me the freedom to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
approaches with clients who are having a transition crisis in their life.
Integrating CBT approaches will therefore allow me to balance the past and
present structure of existential approaches in my counseling sessions.