My Personal Theory of Counseling Essay

The important ingredients in counseling are: understanding of theory, process and skill. There are many theories of personality. Moreover, we will notice that within each theory, there are other theorists who slightly differ in their views from those of the exponent of the theory. More often, counseling is based on how the proponent of the theory views personality. Burrhus Skinner’s behavioral approach did not go deep enough while; Sigmund Freud’s theory on personality went too deep. Gordon Allport’s theory of individuality and functional autonomy also lack the foundation I need. My personal theory is more on the source of traits in describing personality, are deeper and more significant. It is however different from the factorial theory of Raymund Cattell. I admire Carl Rogers’ self-actualization; however I believe a person is capable of it only if his brain is structured for self-actualization. Analysis/Discussion I was contemplating to structure my personal theory on counseling on the various theories that we have learned so far; however, I find it illogical to base my theory on another theory of unproven facts. I want a concrete foundation of my theory. Do you suppose inconclusive studies of Frued, Skinner, etc. provide solutions to problems? Definitely not! I have read some articles about Sigmund Feud and I doubted whether he had treated his clients with success. It is my belief that psychotherapy can only help to remove the symptoms and prevent early recurring of these symptoms, however when triggered in the future, the symptoms again manifest. .Professionally, I opted to base my personal theory of counselling on pragmatisms, that is, â€Å"genetics. The conclusion of the study just completed by Dr. David Reiss on adolescent development was a surprise even to the doctor himself. Genetic qualities of a person make him unique and different from other people. It is the brain’s genetic components that determine the personality of a person and since no two persons have exactly the same genes, no two people have exactly the same brain structure. Even identical twins have different personality (â€Å"How does the brain works? †). Identical twins have different fingerprints when they come forth from a single fertilized egg. Personality does not begin during infanthood as theorized by Frued but at conception, that is, fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon, to be exact. Genetics influences proved that relatively, parents have little influence on child development, that genetic is responsible on how children do well in school, how these adjusted individuals turn out, whether they develop delinquent behaviors in their interactions with other people. â€Å"It’s a radical revision of contemporary theories of child development,† says Reiss. â€Å"I can’t even describe what a paradigm shift it is (Paul, A. M. 005). â€Å" This is the reaction of a George Washington University psychiatrist, Dr. David Reiss as described in a recent article in Psychology Today Magazine, after receiving the results of his more than 12 years of study on genetic and personality development (2005). Researches say that the genetic composition of a person brings forth peculiar responses from others, which suc cessively shape his personality. It cannot be denied that a baby or a child with a bright and pleasing disposition attracts other people’s attention and affection, thus creating self-image and importance. Studies proved, children in their interaction with the environment would pick experiences and opportunities that befit their genotype or genetic qualities. They make decisions in his choices in life, like choosing his friends, jobs, etc which determine their personality as they grow older. The children are in control of their own development through the choices they made. The genes lay the foundation of personality; the environment provides the color and refraction, the accent and significance. That is the correlation of â€Å"nature and nurture (2005). † Moreover, where there is conflict between nature and nurture, problems arise. This happens when society does not permit or support the child’s expression of his natural propensities or where the environment is unable to provide enough opportunities to develop his inner potentials as when he was born to a poor family or where the child’s genetically- determined inclination collides with that of the parents. Such conflicts may result in anti-social behavior, diminished motivation and poor mental attitude. The philosophy of genetics is consistent with my view about personality and humanity. The world is a great plan, a program where everything has a purpose, an essence. The seas are what they are, to contain other living things to live. Animals survive by instincts and conditioning, no need to be counseled. A building did not exist without a reason. It was planned and erected for a definite purpose. Man came to existence by essence of choice. We are not totally free to get want we want, to act what we want to do. There is always a choice. We are only free to choose. If we want to fly, we cannot, because we are not programmed to fly. However, we are free to do something about it. However, what we willed is subject to the will of nature and chance. Chances are, our wishes and desires will not be realized. We choose our attitudes towards the things around us and give meaning to our life. We try to understand things in life but our understanding is limited. Being raised in a Christian environment, I find it in accord with my spiritual beliefs as a person, in the sense that before we came to this world, we already existed in the spirit with God. Allow me to quote a Bible verse, in Jeremiah 1:4-5: â€Å"Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, before I formed thee in the belly I knew the; and before thou camest forth of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (cited in Richards, L. l979). † This may sound unscientific; however there is truth to it. It is true that even inside the womb; the baby has already his own unique personality. Darwin’s theory of evolution until now remains a theory and every theory on personality continues a concept. Structure of Therapy and Choosing Goals In choosing goals, initial assessment is very important because this is where the problems lie and where the outcome of the treatment ultimately depends. The therapist must go deeper into the root cause of the problem. Freud’s structure of personality centers on the id, ego and superego which are interrelated and based his psychoanalytic treatment on this structure. Sigmund Freud missed the foundation of the id, the genes. My structure of counseling will be based on the philosophy of genes, that no people are alike. It shall be dependent on the nature of the client’s personality. What a dilemma! I have to search for the genes that determine personality to go deeper, realization of which is next to impossibility. However, if science is unable to provide the truth about reality, philosophy can do that and spiritual beliefs do the same with the special job of construing the significance of otherworldliness within this structure. Before starting the therapy, I should consider determining the nature of the client. Knowing the client is a very important aspect of counseling. Of course I have to inquire about my client’s childhood, if feasible talk with the mother or the baby-sitter, the father and siblings. Gather all the information about the client from birth to adolescent, his fears, traits, attitudes, beliefs, desires, likes and dislikes. From there, the nurturing of the client must be dealt with also. Collect information about her/his peers, playmates, school, teachers and the environment. More or less, there is now a clearer picture of nature and nurture. After the history-taking session, the source of conflict will now be easy to determine by applying the â€Å"right brain† technique to the client. The â€Å"right brain† refers to the brain systems that fix or adjust the power to interpret, direct and get ahead in the world and also ascertain the quality and security of relationships with others. Right brain counseling centers on emotion and creativity. To bring this emotion and sensations into play, the â€Å"left brain† is used. The therapist must make use of both sides of the brain to optimize counseling. This is an approach to healing with a goal to balance the emotional, physical, moral, social and spiritual nature of a person called holistic and integrative approach. This is addressing a person as a whole in all aspects (Lacombe, S. McGraw, T. 2007). Both the therapist and the client must be comfortable with each other to arrive at a desired goal. The client must be made aware of the facts of life; that not everything we desire is attainable; that our understanding of the world is limited and that there is free will of choice; that we should not regret if we fail in our choice; that everything will pass naturally if there is acceptance. That there is always a chance to do better and the future is still fruitful and bright. That desires can be shifted to other endeavor. Learning produces alterations in gene expression. Genes contribute to behavior; in turn behavior feedbacks action on the brain and modify expression of the genes. â€Å"Thus all of nurture is ultimately expressed as nature (Kandel, E. l998)† However, I still believe that under extreme circumstances, nature predominates. Summary/Conclusion A psychotherapist must formulate his own unique standpoint based on profound precepts of knowledge. In doing so, it is necessary to be cautious about formulating a personal theory. Counselors must come to understand the nature of people and deeply look into their values, attitudes and beliefs about existence and good life. In going about choosing goals, a therapist must key out a substantially mature and functioning individual as a model. My personal theory of counseling is based on pragmatism that genetics provides the foundation of one’s personality, nurtured by his experiences and choices thereby reflecting and defining his personality development. Problems and symptoms arise as the genetic traits or characteristics of a person are in conflicts with his environment, where nature and nurture do not coincide. In learning, expressions of genes are modified thus nurture ultimately is expressed as nature.