Considerations for a Theory Of Counseling - Assignment 1 | COUN 516, Assignments of Psychology

Download Considerations for a Theory Of Counseling - Assignment 1 | COUN 516 and more Assignments Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! COUN 516 Handout #1 CONSIDERATIONS FOR A THEORY OF COUNSELING 1. What model of humankind is explicit/implicit in the theory? 2. How does the theory account for normal personality development? For the development of disordered behavior? 3. What are the necessary conditions for behavioral change to occur? 4. What are the techniques of therapy that are related to this theory? 5. What therapeutic goals or objectives are incorporated in this theory? 6. What are the major constructs and emphases of the theory? * "Counseling inevitably involves a human relationship. Any counselor must focus much of his attention on the quality of that relationship. All counseling involves some formulation of goals and outcomes. The counselor cannot be a directionless, valueless "do-gooder" who simply wants to help people in an abstract sense. All counseling involves some process for conceptualizing human behavior. The nature of these concepts may be simple or complex, abstract or concrete, but they are there. Finally, all approaches require some set of skills, competencies, sensitivities and attitudes on the part of the counselor. The theory in a sense provides a set of guideposts for the counselor in his own professional growth and development. "Any personal theory of counseling must come to grips with certain essential problems. These can perhaps be best stated in terms of the following questions: General Criteria 1. How does the theory deal with the process of human development? 2. How does the theory explain the nature of human learning? 3. How does the theory deal with individual differences? 4. Does the theory offer some central set of constructs or principles for organizing and explaining behavior? 5. How does the theory provide a rationale for counselor behavior? 6. How well does the theory offer possibilities for empirical testing and modification? Personal Criteria 1. Is the counseling role implied by this theory one that I can assume? 2. Are the techniques and understandings required by this approach ones I can master? 3. Are the goals recommended by this theory ones with which I can comfortably identify?" *From: Blocher, D. H. (1966).Developmental counseling. New York: Ronald Press. pp. 39-41.