Developing Your Theoretical Orientation in Counseling and Psychotherapy

An interactive guide for helping professionals choose a theoretical orientation
Appropriate for mental health counselors, psychologists, social workers, school counselors, substance abuse counselors, psychotherapists, and peer helpers, Developing Your Theoretical Orientation in Counseling and Psychotherapy helps readers find a theoretical orientation aligned with their personal values and worldview. Theories are presented in the text in a way that allows the reader to identify quickly the philosophical and cultural foundations of the theories while also accessing the theories’ goals and techniques.

The 4th Edition is updated to include, among other things, a deeper discussion of the implications of empirically validated treatments and a new review of the implications of common-factor approaches.

Dr. Duane Halbur’s research interests include the needs of school counselors, philosophical counseling, and the integration of technology in counseling. Along with teaching and writing, he works as a licensed counselor in a community agency specializing in children and families.

Dr. Kimberly Vess Halbur’s research includes cultural competencies for the helping professions and medical fields.

BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why Theoretical Orientation Is Important
2. Incorporating Theory Into Practice
3. Strategies to Find Your Theoretical Orientation
4. Six Schools of Thought and Need to Know Techniques
5. Case Examples for Integrating Theory Into Practice

DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Why Theoretical Orientation Is Important
A Personal Experience
The Big Puzzle
What Is Theoretical Orientation?
The Helper’s Tool Belt
What Can a Theoretical Orientation Do for Me?
How Have Others Picked a Theoretical Orientation?
What If I’m Eclectic?
Empirically Validated Therapies: Are They Better?
Guidance from Common Factors: Do They All Work?
Once I Have It, How Can I Use It?
How Are Theoretical Orientation and Ethics Related?
What to Take Home
Reflection Questions

2. Incorporating Theory Into Practice
Making Theory Useful: A Model
Theory Development
Importance of Your Life Philosophy
Life Philosophy–It’s Personal
Schools of Thought
Theories
Goals and Techniques: Interventions at Work
Counselors Are Diverse
Resistance to Theories: Eclectic, Integrated, or Just Don’t Know
Does It Really Work?
What to Take Home
Reflection Questions

3. Strategies to Find Your Theoretical Orientation
Find Yourself
Articulate Your Values
Survey Your Preferences
Use Your Personality
Taking the MBTI
Capture Yourself
Write Yourself As a Case Study
Let Others Inspire You in Your Learning
Read Original Works or Study with a Master
Get Real
Broaden Your Experiences
What to Take Home
Reflection Questions
Suggested Readings and Webpages

4. Six Schools of Thought and Need to Know Techniques
Historical Perspective
Case Study
Psychodynamic School of Thought
Psychoanalytic Theory
Analytical Psychology
Individual Psychology
Behavioral School of Thought
Behavioral Therapy
Humanistic School of Thought
Person-Centered Therapy
Existential Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Pragmatic School of Thought
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
Reality Therapy
Constructivist School of Thought
Multicultural Counseling and Therapy (MCT)
Feminist Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Family Approaches School of Thought
Bowen Family Systems Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Need to Know Techniques
Mindfulness
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Resilience
Strength-Based Approaches
Distance Counseling
What to Take Home
Reflection Questions

5. Case Examples for Integrating Theory Into Practice
Clinician Case Studies
Case One: Evan
Case Two: Jill
Case Three: Anaya
Comment on Clinician Cases
Client Case Studies
Case One: Tony
Case Two: Hanae
Case Three: Brenda
Comment on Client Cases
Supervision Case Studies
Case One: Grace
Case Two: Dominic
Comment on Supervision Case Studies
Techniques Case Studies
Case One: Rosa
Case Two: Maggie
Comment on Techniques Case Studies
What to Take Home
Importance Revisited
How Theory Is Found
Benefit of the ITS Model to the Field