{"id":410,"date":"2011-01-15T15:47:00","date_gmt":"2011-01-15T15:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/?p=410"},"modified":"2020-05-10T21:25:19","modified_gmt":"2020-05-11T04:25:19","slug":"developing-an-approach-to-counseling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/developing-an-approach-to-counseling\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing an Approach to Counseling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Human beings share a desire to belong, to contribute, and to make a meaningful difference in the world. \u00a0While people share a desire to grow and fulfill our potential, we often feel stuck.\u00a0 The process of moving from stuck to unstuck-and-progressing\u00a0is a process of acknowledging\u00a0what is<\/em> and recognizing\u00a0what can be<\/em>. \u00a0The intrinsic motivation to change arises through relationships that are empowering and make it safe to explore the pain of the present moment in relation to what is preferred and valued.\u00a0 The attitudes and personal characteristics of the counselor and the quality of the person-centered counselor relationship is an important determinant of the outcome of the therapeutic process and an important factor to transformation. Inherent in the person-centered approach is a willingness to explore new ideas, learn, grow, and be open to change. \u00a0While this approach is not sufficient for all clients, it is not a stagnant or dogmatic approach, and offers foundational principals from which to formulate an integrated approach to counseling.<\/p>\n

Developing an Integrated Approach to Counseling<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/address>\n

I have come to understand and experience people as essentially good. \u00a0Of course, all people at times, and some, most of the time, listen to thoughts\u00a0that can cause misery and suffering.<\/p>\n

I experience and understand life as compassionate and that life itself\u00a0has given us unconditional love. \u00a0Thus, we have a responsibility to steward that which we have been entrusted\u2014our life, our children, our fellow human beings, and this earth. \u00a0This understanding will serve as a basis from which to formulate an integrated approach to therapy.<\/p>\n

What human beings share in common is an inherent desire to belong, to contribute, and to make a meaningful difference in our world.<\/p>\n

Inherent Nature of Human Beings<\/strong><\/p>\n

Everyone and everything exists in relationship. \u00a0Relationships serve as a mirror for our relationship with life, and an opportunity for transformation and growth. \u00a0Through developing fulfilling and enduring relationships, people can contribute to the collective whole.<\/p>\n

The Chinese character for “person” shows two people leaning on each other. \u00a0Some consider it one of the most important words in Chinese thought. \u00a0The character for the quality of “humanity” is made of the characters for “person” and “the number two,” meaning two people who face each other, two people communicating, two people who love each other; in other words, there is no such thing as an isolated individual.<\/p>\n

Each of us is linked together into a single living entity, and these links are\u00a0not limited to the human world; they extend to the natural world and the cosmos, and all existence.<\/p>\n

The Buddhist perspective of life regards the relations and mutual interdependence of human beings as more important than the individual view of their existence. \u00a0This view is linked to the teaching of dependent origination (Ikeda, 2008).<\/p>\n

This perspective begins with treasuring our own life, then the individuals around us, and extending outward to encompass life and all people. \u00a0Buddhists treasure\u00a0ourselves existing simultaneously with all people and the environment around us.<\/p>\n

I will explore the transformative and growth\u00a0process\u00a0from two perspectives: the perspective of\u00a0what is<\/em> and what can be<\/em> and the perspective of motivational-interviewing.<\/p>\n

While people share a desire to grow, fulfill their\u00a0potential, and live meaningful lives, one\u00a0can often feel stuck. \u00a0The process of moving from stuck to unstuck-and-progressing\u00a0is a process of acknowledging\u00a0what is<\/em> and recognizing\u00a0what can be<\/em>. \u00a0It is the domain of what can\u00a0be<\/em> that gives impetus to\u00a0life, and therefore,\u00a0meaning. \u00a0However, we cannot get there without first acknowledging\u00a0what is<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The domain of\u00a0what is\u00a0has a purpose. It exists to conserve and maintain. \u00a0It requires self-discipline, repetition and routine, and exists for its own sake. \u00a0The domain of\u00a0what is\u00a0provides stability to the system. \u00a0However, it does not give meaning or fulfillment to life.<\/p>\n

When we fail to appreciate the present moment (what is<\/em>), we can potentially become stuck. \u00a0There is nothing inherently wrong with not appreciating the present moment. \u00a0If lack of appreciation becomes a pattern, then we are stuck.<\/p>\n

The domain of\u00a0what can be<\/em> is about change, risk taking, knowing what the risk is, taking the risk for the difference it makes, and living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. \u00a0There is an ebb and flow in the process of going from\u00a0what is<\/em> to\u00a0what can be<\/em>.<\/p>\n

We can develop the skills of appreciation and gratitude through the practice of noticing and appreciating what we value in the present moment. \u00a0It might be as simple as finding something to appreciate about the floor we are standing on. \u00a0By developing appreciation, we then take steps to develop skills in the domain of\u00a0what can be<\/em>. \u00a0The domain of\u00a0what can\u00a0be<\/em> also exists in the present moment. \u00a0Nothing exists outside the present moment. \u00a0The change process begins with a thought and an intention. \u00a0Risk taking is about having the self-control to act on our intent toward what can be<\/em>.\u00a0 Knowing what we risk is the basic knowledge required for self-control. \u00a0It might be as simple as knowing that you will be embarrassed if you take some risk. \u00a0Taking action to produce a difference produces humanness, and gives life meaning.<\/p>\n

Motivational interviewing<\/a> (MI) is a person-centered approach to counseling. \u00a0Wagner and Ingersoll (2009) share that a key factor of MI is to help clients improve their lives by overcoming the inertia that results from unresolved ambivalence and low motivation about making changes. \u00a0The MI counselor focuses on developing discrepancies between the client\u2019s current problematic behavior and their long-term goals or hopes. \u00a0According toMiller and Rollnick (2002), “when discrepancy becomes large enough and change seems important, a search for possible methods for change is initiated” (p. 11). \u00a0In addition, Miller and Rollnick\u00a0 share that constructive behavior change can arise when the person connects their behavior to something of intrinsic value, something important or something cherished. Intrinsic motivation for change arises in an accepting and empowering atmosphere that makes it safe for the person to explore the pain of the present in relation to what is preferred and valued.<\/p>\n

Developing a Theoretical Orientation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The influence of personal experience, observations, and growth will undoubtedly contribute to the development of my theoretical orientation.<\/p>\n

In light of my present understanding of the nature of human beings, the person-centered approach is most congruent with my values, beliefs and experience. \u00a0Rogers<\/a> (1956) stated “change in personality, attitude, and behavior appears to come about through experience in a relationship. \u00a0If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself the capacity to use that relationship for growth, and a process of change and personal development will occur” (p. 994). \u00a0I have observed and experienced that the most significant contribution to healthy growth came about through making contact through relationships. \u00a0The quality of the relationships matters.<\/p>\n

At age 20, I could barely read or write, and refused to speak in front of any group, large or small. \u00a0I was still in the Army and considering re-enlisting. I spoke with an early mentor about my decision. He asked, \u201cWhat would you truly love to do?\u201d I whispered to him that I would like to go to college, but that would be impossible. \u00a0With much enthusiasm, he replied, \u201cYes! Please do. \u00a0It is important for young people to get an education. You can do it.\u201d Relationship matters.<\/p>\n

When I first applied to a university, I failed to be admitted. \u00a0I had failed the writing exam. \u00a0For one term, I took an advanced expository writing class and poured my efforts into learning to write. Passing with a B+ was my admittance into the University. \u00a0My first literature professor in college stated, “Chuck, you can\u2019t write. \u00a0If you can\u2019t write, you can\u2019t think!\u00a0 But you can learn too.” \u00a0I can still see the smile on her face that conveyed a confidence in my ability to learn.<\/p>\n

Once, in my mid-twenties, I was driving home from a road trip with friends. \u00a0We passed a car that was engulfed in flames. \u00a0It was a huge ball of fire. \u00a0It appeared that the passengers were trapped in the car. \u00a0I looked to the faces of my friends. \u00a0I could see they were horrified. \u00a0I could see they cared deeply. \u00a0But I felt nothing. \u00a0I felt no concern, no empathy. \u00a0All I saw was a fire. \u00a0I knew then that something was terribly wrong. \u00a0I felt nothing for the people in the car.<\/p>\n

During that time people would sometimes remark that they had met me, spoken with me, but felt that I didn\u2019t know they were there. \u00a0Well, I did not recall having seen them, even though they said they had spoken to me.<\/p>\n

That was a different time and a different life. \u00a0It is hard to imagine that I was ever like that. \u00a0Now, in this moment, as I write and reflect on the image of that burning car and consider the people, tears well forth from my eyes and love is all I can think of. \u00a0There is also an appreciation for the friends who where in the car that day and the difference they have made in my life.<\/p>\n

I have experienced numerous times the power of possibility\u2014the possibility to create a new future out of the present moment.<\/p>\n

The power of listening, our intent, and understanding can create new futures. \u00a0However, our past can cloud the present moment, and thus we often create a future that is nothing more than a reshuffling of our past. \u00a0Then the future ends up being a re-arrangement of our past. \u00a0It is important to be complete with the past in order to create a fresh new future. \u00a0This requires forgiveness and the courage to create new stories.<\/p>\n

According to Corey (2009), the basic premise of the people-centered approach is that people are essentially trustworthy; they have the potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems without direct intervention of the therapist. \u00a0Corey stated, “Rogers emphasized the attitudes and personal characteristics of the therapist and the quality of the client-therapist relationship as the prime determinants of the outcome of the therapeutic process.” (p. 166).<\/p>\n

The people-centered approach can serve as a foundation for building an integrated approach to counseling. \u00a0From the four stages outlined during the life of Carl Rogers to present day, the person-centered approach demonstrates a willingness to learn and evolve. \u00a0It is not a static or dogmatic approach. \u00a0As Flanagan (2007) shared in her interview with Natalie Rogers, her father was always open to learning, changing, and growing.<\/p>\n

Application and Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

In and of itself, the person-centered approach has some shortcomings. \u00a0Corey (2009) mentions that some treatment programs will require more structure. \u00a0He believes that the therapeutic core conditions are necessary for therapy to succeed, but they are not sufficient conditions for change to take place at all times. \u00a0This approach also demands a great deal of the counselor. \u00a0The counselor must meet the core conditions themselves of (1) congruence, (2) unconditional positive regard, and (3) accurate empathic understanding.<\/p>\n

Kirschenbaum and Jourdan (2005) conducted research across several therapeutic approaches and found that the core conditions are not sufficient for all clients. \u00a0However, they did find that across all groups, the counselor\u2019s empathy, positive regard, and congruence were significantly correlated with outcomes. \u00a0They concluded, “the person-centered approach, which holds the therapeutic relationship as central and essential to effective counseling and psychotherapy, is alive and well.\u201d (p. 48). \u00a0\u00a0Additionally they found that few counselors describe themselves as primarily person-centered, but person-centered principles permeate the practice of many, if not most, counselors.<\/p>\n

The shortcomings do not limit the possibilities of the person-centered approach.\u00a0 It is more a way of being than a therapeutic model. \u00a0As Corey stated, “If Rogers (1987a) were to give students-in-training advice it would be: \u2018There is one\u00a0best\u00a0school of therapy. \u00a0It is the school of therapy you develop for yourself based on a continuing critical examination of the effects of your way of being in the relationship\u2019” (p. 189).<\/p>\n

The Role of Spirituality and Faith<\/strong><\/p>\n

The person-centered approach is well suited for the integrating spirituality and faith. \u00a0In her interview with Natalie Rogers<\/a>, Flanagan (2007) shared that Natalie was a source of learning for Carl, especially in his later years. \u00a0Natalie mentioned that as a 22-year-old Carl rejected all religion and shifted his focus on psychology. \u00a0However, Carl was always open to new possibilities and absorbing new ideas. \u00a0Natalie mentioned that she and other women influenced Carl in the areas of feminism and spirituality. \u00a0She stated, “it was interesting to see him open up to new possibilities in his older years\u2014that there might be some higher energy source, God or power that was greater than human power” (p. 123). \u00a0This willingness, even commitment, to being open to new ideas and learning is a consistent theme throughout Carl Rogers\u2019s life. \u00a0Inherent in the person-centered approach is this willingness to explore new ideas, be open to change, and trust.<\/p>\n

\"\"

I have come to understand that the noble side of a person is manifested in kindness and consideration to others. \u00a0Kindness and consideration for others resonate with both the Buddhist concept of compassion and the core Christian concept of love.<\/p>\n

Behind each of us stands the compassion of the entire universe. \u00a0Life is the most precious of all treasures. \u00a0Each of us has been given this invaluable gift and each of us is irreplaceable. \u00a0The most important thing is that we expand throughout society this fundamental consideration, this profound compassion and love toward life.<\/p>\n

My hope is that as a counselor, I can contribute in some way to expanding this fundamental consideration; this profound compassion and love toward life. \u00a0In so doing, be respectful and accepting of diverse faiths and beliefs.<\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy<\/em>.Belmont, CA: Brooks\/Cole, Cengage Learning.<\/p>\n

Flanagan, J. S. (2007). The Development and Evolution of Person-Centered Expressive Art Therapy: A Conversation With Natalie Rogers. Journal of Counseling & Development<\/em>, 8, <\/em>120-125.<\/p>\n

Ikeda, D. (2008). The Living Buddha<\/em>. Santa Monica, CA: Middleway Press<\/p>\n

Kirschenbaum, H. and Jourdan, A. (2005). The Current Status of Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Approach. Psychology: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(1), <\/em>37-51. doi: <\/em>10.1037\/0033-3204.42.1.37<\/p>\n

Miller, W.R. and Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change<\/em>. New York, NY: The Guilford Press<\/p>\n

Rogers, C. R. (1956). A Counseling Approach of Human Problems. American Journal of Nursing, 56(8)<\/em>, 994-997. Retrieved from http:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/3460983<\/p>\n

Rogers, C. R. (1987a). Rogers, Kohut, and Erickson: A personal perspective on some similarities and differences. In J. K. Zeig (Ed.), The evolution of psychotherapy<\/em> (pp. 179-187). New York: Brunner\/Mazel.<\/p>\n

Wagner, C. C. and Ingersoll, K. S. (2009). Beyond Behavior: Eliciting Broader Change With Motivational Interviewing. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 65(11), <\/em>1180-1194. doi: 10.1002\/jclp.20639<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary Human beings share a desire to belong, to contribute, and to make a meaningful difference in the world. \u00a0While people share a desire to grow and fulfill our potential, we often feel stuck.\u00a0 The process of moving from stuck to unstuck-and-progressing\u00a0is a process of acknowledging\u00a0what is and recognizing\u00a0what can be. \u00a0The intrinsic motivation to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/410"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/410\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckcraytor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}