My Journey as a Psychotherapist
Masters Degree in Psychotherapy
My Journey as a Psychotherapist
QUESTION
“Describe your journey in becoming a counsellor. Include an examination of your own personal qualities and skills that you bring to the counselling process”
4500 words
‘Personal growth and creativity are synonymous in the life of a therapist. The very process of therapy involves the elucidation and creation of different patterns of meaning’ (Hobson 1985)
Examining my personal journey towards becoming a counsellor is part of understanding my personal contribution to the therapeutic process. Through understanding my own journey I have selected theories that inform my own personal approach to counselling. In my experience this is one of the foundation processes that have enabled me to be able to practice therapy successfully. Kottler (2003) contends that therapists’ therapeutic responses are greatly influenced by the cultural, social and political context of the client. Therefore those therapeutic approaches are no longer applied in universal ways but are adapted according to the values and needs of clients from varied socioeconomic, gender, ethnic, racial, religious and sexual identities. By examining my own belief system and understanding of the world I have deepened my understanding of my own personal theory of counselling. This has involved developing a more detailed understanding of the therapeutic process, including therapist approach and client interaction. This understanding has given me a greater ability to intervene more effectively with clients whose values and life experience are in contrast to my own. Being aware of my own personal journey, and subsequently my view of counselling, has also helped me to identify my own individual strengths such as being able to develop strong client rapport and areas for improvement such as structure and client containment in couples therapy.
The theoretical orientation of the therapist comprises of many influences. Johnson,
My Journey as a Psychotherapist
QUESTION
“Describe your journey in becoming a counsellor. Include an examination of your own personal qualities and skills that you bring to the counselling process”
4500 words
‘Personal growth and creativity are synonymous in the life of a therapist. The very process of therapy involves the elucidation and creation of different patterns of meaning’ (Hobson 1985)
Examining my personal journey towards becoming a counsellor is part of understanding my personal contribution to the therapeutic process. Through understanding my own journey I have selected theories that inform my own personal approach to counselling. In my experience this is one of the foundation processes that have enabled me to be able to practice therapy successfully. Kottler (2003) contends that therapists’ therapeutic responses are greatly influenced by the cultural, social and political context of the client. Therefore those therapeutic approaches are no longer applied in universal ways but are adapted according to the values and needs of clients from varied socioeconomic, gender, ethnic, racial, religious and sexual identities. By examining my own belief system and understanding of the world I have deepened my understanding of my own personal theory of counselling. This has involved developing a more detailed understanding of the therapeutic process, including therapist approach and client interaction. This understanding has given me a greater ability to intervene more effectively with clients whose values and life experience are in contrast to my own. Being aware of my own personal journey, and subsequently my view of counselling, has also helped me to identify my own individual strengths such as being able to develop strong client rapport and areas for improvement such as structure and client containment in couples therapy.
The theoretical orientation of the therapist comprises of many influences. Johnson,
References: Eysenk, H. (1952). The effects of psychotherapy: an evaluation. Journal of Consulting Psychology. 16 971 – 982 Hobson, R Johnson, M.E., Campbell, J.L., & Masters M.A. (1992). Relationship between family of origin dynamics and a psychologists theoretical orientation. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 23 119 - 122 Kopp, S Kottler, J. A. (2003). On Being a Therapist. San Francisco, California:Jossey -Bass Rogers, C Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapists view of psychotherapy. London Constable Rogers, C Rogers, C.R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-Centered framework. In S. Koch (ed.). Psychology: A study of science. (pp. 184-256). N.Y.: McGraw Hill. Rogers, C.R. (1946) Significant aspects of client centered therapy. American Psychologist, 1, 415-422 Rogers, Carl R Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviourism. London, J Cape. UK.