Change Theory

Change Theory Final
Change is uncomfortable. Change is raw. Change in the process is ugly, but the completed task is gorgeous. Change is a transformation, determining your destiny and your future. Leo Buscaglia once said "Change is the end result of all true learning. Change involves three things: First, dissatisfaction with self -- a felt void or need; second, a decision to change to fill the void or need; and third, a conscious dedication to the process of growth and change -- the willful act of making the change, doing something." Making a change requires a kind of leap of faith: you decide to move in the direction of the unknown on the promise that something will be better for you. But you have no proof. Taking that leap of faith is risky, and people will only take active steps toward the unknown if they genuinely believe – and perhaps more importantly, feel – that the risks of standing still are greater than those of moving forward in a new direction.
Change has never been one of my strong points; and today in some life areas is still very scary for me. Like most everyone else, I am comfortable with what is familiar, though in some cases the familiar is toxic. I may be aware that I need to make a change, but may stay stuck in the contemplation or even pre-contemplation stage for any large amount of time. I value the steadiness, the routines, and the certainty of knowing what’s next. I however, through education and personal experience understand that change is important; change brings growth. In that, I push myself. If I don’t like something about my life, I either have to do something about it, or quit complaining. This semester, through the theories presentations and in my practicum, I have learned that I am very eclectic, and am open to using a variety of techniques from a mixture of theories. In the helping profession, using a collaboration of techniques and theories will indeed raise you success rate. The reason: I believe, that drawing from multiple theories is useful is because everyone is different. Every client is going to learn a different way, process a different way, and react different to different techniques based on their personality style. In the helping relationship, individualized treatment is key; a tailored treatment plan and a tailored style. The theory that I am draw to the most is Cognitive Behavioral Theory. Before entering my practicum, I viewed all therapy as long term psychotherapy dealing with feelings and underlying problems. In my practicum experience, I have seen the power of addressing the thought process and thinking errors, and how this technique can really push a client into the active stage of change. I believe that if you address the behavior that is causing the problem, the problem is likely to subside.
At the beginning of the semester, I stated in my pre-theory paper that I believe that every person is capable of change. I still believe that, and my faith in that theory has only grown in my experiences this semester. One popular saying that’s always struck me as particularly stupid and harmful is, “People don’t change.” Although everyone has ingrained personality traits, we aren’t held captive by them. Believing that we can’t change encourages us to accept our weaknesses. How many people with substance problems claim they aren’t capable of stopping? It’s much easier to continue a harmful behavior when responsibility is placed on an outside force like genetics or an “addictive personality”.
Saying people can’t change is the same as saying people can’t learn; When you learn something new that knowledge fundamentally changes you. Each piece of information adds to your personal database, creating additional resources to draw on when interacting with the outside world. We face the same temptations to engage in negative behavior, but we also build a body of experience that tells us the reward isn’t worth the penalty.
In a sense we’re always changing and always staying the same. When I compare my self of today with myself from a few years ago, I observe that I’m the same but more. I’m the same in how I think and process information but experience has changed the way I interpret everything. Every day adds a new layer of character. We should anticipate aging with optimism rather than dread. As we grow old the beauty steals inward (Emerson).
The saying “people don’t change” is harmful because it denies the possibility of redemption. There is something profound about the redeemed. The man who’s experienced the lowest rung of existence and conquered his personal demons has an empathy that’s lacking in more saintly people. In a society supposedly built on the Christian doctrine of forgiveness it’s remarkable how eager we are to label people as permanent degenerates. Circumstance and hardship lead many good people to do foolish things. To say those mistakes are irredeemable is hypocritical. If the world considered only your most depraved moments, how would you be judged?
People do change. We make every decision for the first time with no obligation to the past. If we control anything, we control our own thoughts and behavior. If we can improve anything, it should be ourselves.