Abstract
Over the past few decades, numerous theoretical perspectives, such as biological, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic, have proposed a unique view of human behavior. Even though these perspectives have an underlying similarity regarding human nature, they differ in their practical approaches. Two theories will be utilized, specifically person-centered therapy (PCT), framed by the humanistic perspective, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the behavioral perspective, which are investigated. PCT contends that the client has the power to resolve their issues, unlike CBT, which focuses on irrational thoughts as the source of the problem. The paper further details the main components of those therapies and suggests treatment approaches promoting client success and behavioral change, presented in a fictitious style. The paper further examines how these treatments can be used in line with a Christian worldview and shows compatibility with biblical principles.
Introduction
Every counselor’s therapeutic strategy is based on a specific view of human behavior and its components. At the beginning of their careers, counselors usually follow a more traditional counseling model, which develops into understanding and integrating different therapeutic approaches as they progress professionally. Over time, counselors develop their therapeutic style, many of them being followers of one or two specific approaches that have strongly inspired the counselors. It is this personalized approach to counseling that makes it invaluable. Still, counselors must be able to align their personalities and worldviews to be effective and fulfilling (Seligman et al., 2021). According to Seligman et al. (2021), counselors use theoretical approaches compatible with their personalities, as it is hard to draw a clear boundary between oneself and personal values and beliefs. These elements significantly affect the counselor-client relationship, which is crucial for strategies like person-centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy since they are both part of this counseling writer’s theory.
Additionally, counseling based on relationship-centeredness fits well with the grasp of Christ-centeredness, which is the fundamental approach for my belief system (Tan, 2011). As Tan (2011) remarks, substantial advances have been made in making biblical principles part of counseling to counsel those encountering various life challenges that disrupt their daily functioning. Counselors, however, should not only look for the sources of their clients’ suffering but also multiple other factors that result in their struggles. This holistic approach recognizes the multidimensional nature of being human and emphasizes the significance of incorporating external and internal factors that influence clients’ lives.
Client’s Introduction
Bailey will be the focal point of my theory. Depression has led her to seek counseling. She has lost interest in things she used to enjoy, is irritated and furious all the time, and has trouble sleeping, so her spouse suggested she see a therapist. Bailey is of African American descent, and she is 31 years old. She is an ex-military. She is the first in her family to attend college. Derrick, like Bailey, is a military officer, and they have been married for ten years. Their daughter is nine years old.
Factors influencing distress
Background
The reason for Bailey’s current distress can be attributed to the different past and background events that she has been through. She probably experienced new pressures and challenges as a first-generation college graduate due to crossing the social and familial barriers set up by her peers, who were adamantly opposed to pursuing higher education. As a child, Bailey might have encountered financial hardships, fewer educational opportunities, and a lack of parental support and educational guidance. Attaining a college degree was an exceptional achievement and brought pride and fulfillment. Higher aspirations to demonstrate the knowledge she had acquired in the field she had chosen to pursue followed. As a black woman, Bailey could have experienced some career options, racism, stereotypes, and discrimination in her lifetime. These experiences might have influenced her feelings of marginalization, lack of self-confidence, and identity issues that were making her feel low and making her less accepted in the community. Besides, the students became more self-detracted in majority white environments where they studied or worked. Awareness of the differences between ethnic groups and of injustice was better defined.
Furthermore, her husband’s military position is one of the contributing factors, making it impossible to assess her experiences accurately. Among the stressors for military spouses are resettlements, moving around, and deployment; they will happen and occur at different levels, be it alone or within the unit. The circumstances of the army bore loneliness, isolation, and anxiety; this, allied with his family-related issues during his labor, could have influenced Bailey.
Emotions/sensations
Additionally, Bailey claims that she is suffering from depression and boredom, as well as a lack of anything enjoyable and exciting regarding aspects of her life that she used to be completely in love with. Apart from the motives of her favorite pastimes or hobbies, anhedonia overshadows everyday activities, making it difficult for her to find any joy or motivation in her life. These emotions are usually felt alongside a great deal of fatigue and self-doubt when Bailey begins to see her life with no purpose. Bailey’s feelings and sensations suggest both the pervasiveness and the debilitating nature of her depressive disorders, as they impair physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Bailey feels isolated and has less vivid emotions, and she paints in her mind a terrible image of her suffering, which is the primary image of a depressed person. She often feels bad and is angry, so keeping calm amid daily stress is hard. This could be shown in the physical signs, as Bailey’s tense headaches, back pains, and stomach cramps may be thematic indications of the emotional awakening. Bailey even mentions that she experiences trouble sleeping and waking up occasionally (Hughes et al., 2018). Apart from the sleep deprivation that she suffers from as a result of her life of sadness, depression, and the slow movements of the body, she feels sleepy and angry all the time.
Thoughts
Bailey’s cognitive patterns seem to be the main factor behind her depression and her negative thoughts; these patterns are self-destructive and cyclic. Being a first-generation college graduate and a military spouse can cause Bailey to internalize the societal pressure to succeed and to perfection, critical self-judgment, and the feeling of inadequacy when she perceives herself behind the expected standards. She is constantly in the grip of self-doubt and recurrent negative thoughts of incompetence and lack of self-worth, and her self-esteem and identity are shattered. Thus, as a result, her self-esteem is reduced gradually (Hughes et al., 2018). Additionally, Bailey’s ruminations on her present circumstances and the prospect of the future drowned in incontrovertible despair. She is catastrophizing, and this ends up highlighting her imagined mistakes and flaws. The ideology of all-or-nothing increases her doubting acceptance of the circumstances and herself, which has no space for any changes or hope. These cognitive distortions are only causing Bailey’s depression and emotions to worsen, which is a vicious cycle of negative thinking.
Actions
Bailey’s behavior, either in the absence of it or otherwise, mirrors the internal conflict and the misery that she endures. Despite Bailey’s recognition of the need for help by going to counseling sessions, there is a risk that the severity of her depressive symptoms will make it hard to cope adaptively. She is readily identifiable in social seclusion by withdrawing from friends, relatives, and social support networks. Additionally, she may escape obligations by avoiding them, as they will seem heavy to her, or she may have no energy or motivation to complete the tasks that used to be fun for her. Many times, postponing and being introverted simplifies her daily life. Besides, some of the depression symptoms that Bailey experiences may appear as physical symptoms such as tiredness, lethargy, and motor retardation; therefore, she is not able to perform the routine chores even if she is consistent in completing them on time. Low participation and involvement in activities and hobbies will cause a loss of productivity and the pleasure of doing meaningful tasks. The final analysis is that the dysfunctional behaviors also show how the depressive symptoms are getting in the way of the well-functioning of the individual, which convinces the need to work on the maladaptive behaviors in the process of therapy toward recovery and well-being.
Family/cultural systems
Systems in Bailey’s family and culture that together shape her life experiences, belief systems, and coping mechanisms also have an impact on her distress. As an African American woman, Bailey would have difficulty with social expectations and with the racial dynamics that would have a role to play in her self-image and self-esteem (Assari et al., 2018). Her family and culture thus become the grounds for communication styles, conflict resolution practices, and the perception of mental wellness. Bailey may not get help from others in the African-American community because of the stigma associated with mental illnesses, which in turn may cause her to feel as inferior or weak as her depressive symptoms. However, being a military spouse also brings a new type of struggle, particularly in military life. Military culture with an emphasis on resilience and stoicism places her in a situation where she is emotionally intense, which may prevent her from identifying her mental health problems, as this may be perceived as a sign of being weak or failing to ask for help.
Content: Theory-Based Treatment Strategies
Key Underlying Mechanisms
My counseling theory is rooted in the theories of person-centered therapy (PCT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Many names have been given to person-centered therapy since its inception by Carl Rogers in the 1940s: non-directive, client-centered, and Rogerian therapy (Yao & Kabir, 2023). The core tenet of this therapeutic approach is the belief that individuals have intrinsic drives to improve their psychological functioning. The therapist adopts a more passive, non-authoritarian stance, with the client serving as the de facto expert in their own life and guiding the therapy in broad strokes. A therapist’s job is to create an atmosphere where clients feel safe to explore themselves without judgment. The client will develop as they better understand themselves through feeling. By reflecting and asking thoughtful questions, the therapist hopes to help the client better understand themselves. The ideas and procedures of person-centered therapy have been eclectically integrated into the practices of many different types of therapists, but few therapists today subscribe strictly to them.
According to Rogers, clients may be incongruent if their perception of themselves differs from their experience—anxieties and feelings of exposure result from this discord. According to person-centered therapy, the power for therapeutic transformation belongs to the client, based on the humanistic idea that the client is intrinsically motivated and capable of self-actualization (Yao & Kabir, 2023). The counselor’s job is to create a safe space where clients feel comfortable enough to be themselves without fear of criticism. Without providing advice, the therapist tries to help the client better understand themselves by thoroughly reflecting on and answering their questions. To begin with, the therapist will work on the premise that the client is the expert on their situation and the best person to provide solutions.
For person-centered therapy to be effective, Rogers outlined three therapist attitudes. True empathy, consistency, and unconditional positive respect are the cornerstones of this framework. By actively listening to the client, the therapist shows that they care about what the client is going through. During treatment, the therapist acts as though they know the patient’s innermost thoughts and feelings, inside and out. Reflection, in which one summarizes or paraphrases the client’s emotional state rather than the words themselves, is a valuable tool for demonstrating genuine empathy. Another benefit is that clients can work through their emotions after having them validated by another person (Yao & Kabir, 2023). In order to connect with the client on a deeper level, the therapist opens up about how they are feeling and what is on their mind. The therapist is authentic while working with clients. In therapy, the therapist does not put on an act or mislead patients. Therapists should refrain from bringing up their issues or trying to change the subject for themselves when working with clients. However, they are allowed to express their emotions. Clients feel completely welcomed when therapists cultivate a welcoming atmosphere. No matter how out of the box the client’s ideas are, the therapist maintains a neutral stance. Because of this, the client may be able to let down their guard, open up about their feelings, and choose the path of their self-discovery.
The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is partly contingent on developing an excellent client-counselor relationship, similar to the case of person-centered therapy (PCT). Aaron Beck created Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in the 1960s, and it has its roots in behavioral psychology. Based on CBT, counselors and clients engage in the process whereby thoughts affect emotions and behaviors. Kazantzis et al. (2018) state that cognitive behavior therapy is a technique that is used as a remedy for the emotional issues of depression, anxiety, and anger by guiding the clients to identify and correct thought errors or distortions. As Seligman et al. (2021) highlighted, CBT practitioners encourage clients to realize and assess negative thoughts, thus changing the associated behaviors. This therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients achieve their goals by listening, educating, and encouraging them. Therefore, counselors first understand their clients’s goals and then impart information that helps clients realize their objectives. Using multiple techniques, counselors help clients examine their negative thought models. In contrast, clients provide an opportunity to express their difficulties, gain clarity, and change their behavior in agreement with new knowledge. This forward and backward reciprocity points to the fact that CBT is a collaborative and dynamic process during which both the counselor and client are critical in effecting significant changes.
The targeted ways of intervention are based on the underlying mechanisms that make the clients’ thought processes undergo profound changes. Such approaches are usually based on theoretical foundations and therapeutic techniques that aim to address the primary problems that make clients distressed. Empathy and unconditional positive regard are the primary tools in the relationship between the therapist and the client. A sympathetic and supportive environment breaks the trust and encouragement, and the clients will feel acknowledged; thus, they have the most help they need on their issues. Moreover, self-consciousness and self-analysis make people delve deeper into themselves, and the relationships between their thoughts, feelings, and actions will be revealed, which will act as a key to opening the door to their emotions (Rowe, 2017). The reorganization of cognition underlies a change and transformation of pervasive pathological thoughts and their replacement with a realistic and balanced manner of thinking that helps to survive stressful situations and enhances problem-solving skills. Lastly, behavioral activation involves suggesting to the clients that they engage in some of the activities that are satisfying and significant to fight the withdrawal that depression produces. With commitments and surrounding themselves with laudable limits, people can feel in a good mood and motivated to get things done. Furthermore, skill-building interventions are vital to empowering clients with the know-how to use practical coping techniques that address specific areas, such as problem-solving, assertiveness, and relaxation practices, which they can use in stress management and emotion regulation. The counselors can create a better environment that promotes transformation, and as a result, the clients will become empowered to handle their problems.
Treatment Strategies
The mechanisms outlined in this paper are closely linked to counseling interventions, which aim at several goals ranging from improving overall well-being to developing self-hood.
First, these interventions aim to alleviate the client’s distress. The distress, which may give rise to depression symptoms like anxiety and interpersonal conflict, can seriously depress a person’s quality of life and functioning, too. Counseling interventions are used to bring relief to the emotional distress that comes along with the symptoms by nurturing self-awareness, challenging negative thought patterns, and strengthening coping abilities. It is a dynamic healing treatment where the clients will analyze many of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to gain more in-depth knowledge about the cause of their pain. Clients are empowered to do this by using cognitive restructuring methods, a core aspect of interventions like CBT, in which clients are taught ways of identifying and restructuring their unhelpful thoughts and beliefs responsible for their suffering. Patients can accomplish successful distress management and overcome their symptoms in line with their tendency toward cognitive coping and logically defeating biased perceptions.
In addition, it helps the clients to be able to perform their functions in various areas of life. Mental health factors may result in functional limitations, which will reduce an individual’s capacity to perform daily activities and maintain relationships to the extent of an inability to fulfill responsibilities. A form of intervention known as the behavioral activation technique (BAT) uses different activities important for reward. The clients can now have enhanced participation in valued activities and the goals they feel are essential, which helps them regain their fortitude and perform better in their daily lives. Notably, the programs put in place to develop skills also provide clients with knowledge that they can use when making life decisions. This could entail anything from communication skills training to assertiveness training, stress management methods, and problem-solving approaches.
Also, these methods are instrumental to the growth of the self-esteem and resilience of the clients. Low self-esteem and a lack of resilience cause patients to feel stuck and unable to withstand the pressure of hardship. Also, it makes them more devastated by unfavorable circumstances and unable to deal with the issues. The therapeutic relationship is a platform where clients’ self-worth and resilience are built, creating a relaxed atmosphere of openness and trust and allowing them to express themselves freely without judgment. Cognitive restructuring helps clients identify and be aware of their distorted thought patterns and modify them. Therefore, in the process of remaking one’s mind, an individual’s self-image improves, bringing higher self-esteem and confidence. Thus, psychological prevention programs that implement adaptive coping mechanisms, raise hopefulness, and strengthen determination are the other protective measures that can be taken. Experience of failures becomes bricks of triumph through counseling pathways, rather than only a casualty of miseries and vulnerabilities.
Lastly, the interventions facilitate the change in clients by creating self-awareness and self-discovery. Insight means having a raised awareness about oneself, one’s experiences, and one’s drives, and this enhanced awareness is a crucial factor in generating the necessary change and development. The counseling intervention aims to add mindfulness to the clients and help them benefit from internal reflection, exploration, and self-discovery. By investigating their thinking, emotions, and behaviors, the clients will trace why they suffer and which aspects of life they should improve and change. Such a greater awareness of themselves enables the clients to make their own decisions and, consequently, to set meaningful goals for themselves and strive towards the required results. Furthermore, the whole coaching system allows the clients to get involved in solving problems and to develop self-reliance, thus facing difficulties responsibly and actively.
Christian Worldview
Some major principles of various therapy modalities are consistent with what we see in the Bible, with PCT and BCT being critical theories. Three of PCT’s tenets—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—are compatible with Christian beliefs. The ability to empathize is synonymous with compassion. Godliness is characterized by compassion. Christians and children of God are commanded to love their neighbors as themselves. The second commandment is this: Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31). There is none on par with these commandments (English Standard Version, 2001). Our communication styles are the focus of unity. Prayer, worship, and Bible study are unobstructed ways to communicate with God. The solutions to life’s problems can be found through these accessible communication channels. PCT counselors also prioritize an open line of communication. Therapists do this by maintaining an accepting attitude and paying close attention to their clients’ worries (Mack, 2020). By actively listening, the counselor can paraphrase the client’s statement, giving the client a chance to hear, evaluate, and challenge her negative views. In John 16:13, it is said, “When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his authority, but whatever he hears, he will speak. And he will declare to you the things that are to come” (English Standard Version, 2001). Finally, no matter their past or present, everyone loves, cares for, and respects unconditional positive regard. “Bear one another’s burdens” is a commandment from Christ to be fulfilled. A person deceives himself if he believes he is something he is not (Galatians 6:2–3).
On the contrary, agape love was considered equivalent to unconditional good respect. Tan (2011) argues that while Rogers’ “therapeutic conditions of congruence, unconditional positive regard, and emphatic understanding as a triad come close to agape love, they are not equivalent to agape love.” A faulty image of humanity is another issue with PCT about Christianity. There is an underlying assumption in the hypothesis that people want to improve themselves (Tan, 2011). Every person has inherent value since they are made in God’s image. In the absence of God, our hearts are corrupted with lying and wickedness. According to Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (ESV, 2001). PCT’s self-actualization precept can also encourage an egocentric outlook. Problems will arise for the self-centered individual. The Bible teaches that being unselfish is better than being self-seeking. “Let each of you look not only to his interests but also to the interests of others” (English Standard Version, 2001). —Proverbs 2:4.
In terms of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), there is sufficient scriptural backing to include it in a Christian framework. According to Tan (2011), CBT is the best method to identify the possibility of Christian integration since it has several strengths. Tan (2011) states that to achieve a more balanced, biblical, and consistent holistic approach, studies done by McMinn and Campbell urged the integration of behavioral treatment models within a Christian framework. Counseling based on empathy and honesty is highly encouraged in CBT. The Bible’s love chapter, First Corinthians 13, reflects this bond. Biblical truth may be appropriately integrated into therapy, according to this idea. According to God’s wisdom, the mystical aspects of religion and life are sensitive spiritual meaning and experience. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26–ESV, 2001). Integrating spiritual truth into behavioral change and cognitive therapies requires a deep dive into clients’ thinking processes and behaviors, which might lurk behind troublesome sentiments. In order to heal from the inside out, it emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit, which uses prayer and the Bible to help people become more dependent on God rather than autonomous (Tan, 2011). “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (English Standard Version, 2001), as stated in Philippians 4:13. Although the Christian worldview is generally compatible with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its underlying assumptions, many significant problems remain unanswered. Issues include “being fully and truly human, the nature of emotion, self-deception, transcendence, and spirituality” (Tan, 2011).
As a Christian counselor, my faith is based on the integrity of God’s Word. However, I can glean some wisdom from various expert sources, such as other therapists and counselors, academics, and theories and practices. The Holy Spirit guides me, yet I rely on these God-given tools. Like a Christian, I, too, am an emissary of God on this beautiful and thrilling adventure of helping others to have life-changing events. Therefore, we must answer the cries of the sick and wounded. Members of the congregation and clients who seek our assistance sometimes feel exposed and shattered when they first come to us. When people come to us, they are seeking affirmation, words of wisdom, and a helping hand. It is our responsibility and a challenge to help them find God, our healer, by offering them wisdom, compassion, strength, and encouragement.
Conclusion
The developed counseling theory is based on an amalgamation of humanistic and behavioral approaches. It provides a holistic approach that helps address clients’ distress and wellness programming. By assisting an individual in becoming aware of oneself, challenging negative thoughts, developing coping skills, and internalizing resilience, the theory ensures that distress is reduced, life quality is improved, self-esteem is increased, and personal growth is achieved. These interventions focus on a person’s history, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and family or cultural relationships.
Integrating secular and Christian views in counseling provides a holistic approach that fulfills the clients’ spiritual and psychological needs. Counselors can use some of the strategies from secular theories, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy (PCT), to offer evidence-based methods that clients can use to change their lives. Consequently, the Christian values of boundless love, forgiveness, and trust in recovery will imply, have sense, and give hope in the client’s lives. To put it differently, including moral values makes spiritual care necessary, but clients’ personal beliefs and autonomy should be maintained in balance.
Secular and Christian models introduce a holistic perspective that is culturally appropriate and directed towards an integrated understanding of the psychosocial and spiritual components’ roles. The integrating framework, considering the existing differences among people as a starting point, declares it a fact that all of us have our inherent human respect and dignity. It is an intentional environment where patients will express their feelings and thoughts to find meaning in themselves and become better; hence, they’ll experience the healing, growth, and transformation processes.
References
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