2nd Response to discussion-Comparing Three Theories

I only need 2 to 3 lines and reference on this discussion below

(J Saunder) In my opinion, the best counseling theory that would help Roberta is the person- centered theory. Person- centered therapy is a more comfortable setting for Roberta and her husband to try and rekindle their marriage.  This is also the idea environment for Roberta to address the affair that she has been secretly having without feeling like she is being judged or reprimanded.  The person-centered theory has three therapeutic conditions for change to occur in the client (Argosy University, 2017).  The three conditions are: Counselor congruence, Empathic understanding, and Unconditional positive regard (Argosy University, 2017).  The condition of counselor congruence means that a counselor will be honest with the client.  The counselor has experienced what is said to the client (Argosy University, 2017).  The condition of empathic understanding is knowing what the client is thinking, feeling, and experiencing, then communicating it to them (Argosy University, 2017).  The condition of unconditional positive regard is to respect and accept the client despite their wrong-doing (Argosy University, 2017).  The ultimate goal of this therapy is for the client to reach self- actualization (Argosy University, 2017). 

I would go about helping her by making her feel comfortable enough to allow herself to think clearly and logically about her decision.  I would utilize listening skills to allow her to convey her feelings without interruption.  I would pay close attention to her verbal and nonverbal messages (Argosy University, 2017).  I would also explain Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid.  I would then ask her to identify what she felt was her place on the pyramid, afterwards, I would identify her goal placing which would be self-actualization (Argosy University, 2017).   I would ensure that the sessions that we had were centered around the changes within herself that would result in our goal being met (Argosy University, 2017).  These changes include: becoming open to experience without distorting it to fit into already established belief systems, trusting her own judgment, utilizing her inner source of evaluation, and becoming willing to continue to grow with the understanding that she can always be in the process of becoming better (Argosy University, 2017). 

            I would respond by saying that I would be more than happy to offer my direct professional advice which would be similar to my personal advice.  The potential problems that might arise if I give her direct advice would be to violate the code of ethics set by the ACA stating that counselors will not impose their feelings, thoughts, or views on the client.  A potential problem if I decline to give direct advice would be that I potentially loose her as a client because she is dissatisfied with the decision.  The person- centered therapy says that a therapist does not manipulate the change in the client but creates the conditions that is needed for the growth of the client (Carl Rogers and Person-Centered Counseling, 2014).

            I would respectfully decline her offer and I would instead give her my office hours.  This would not be appropriate at any time because of the code of ethics from the ACA.  With her being my client, I am prohibited from violating the boundaries between client and counselor ( American Counseling Association, 2014).  The conflicts that this create is that it could be seen as me creating a personal relationship with a client, accepting gifts if she decides to buy, and the assumption that I would accept such an offer from all of my clients.  The point of person-centered therapy is that the client has the most comfortable conditions possible for their growth (Argosy University, 2017).

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). Code od Ethics. Retrieved from counseling.org: www.counseling.org

Argosy University. (2017). Person-Centered Therapy . Retrieved from ArgosyUniversity.classroom: http://myeclassonline.com/

Carl Rogers and Person-Centered Counseling. (2014). In L. Seligman, & L. W. Reichenberg, THEORIES OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: SYSTEMS, STRATEGIES, AND SKILLS (p. 158). Boston: Pearson.