Blog Entry 3:1- Reflections on Optimism/Attitude

Sep 15, 2013 12:16 PM

There were several comparisons made between the two theories, Person Centered & Existential, assigned
this week such as, emphasis on the relationship as well as the desires to move toward and enhance ones selfactualization (Murdock, 2013). I was captivated by Rogers philosophical view of optimism believing, humans
are inherently good and mans gravitation toward wholeness, integration. (Murdock, 2013). Rogers also noted
this optimism generated an overall atmosphere which remains positive, inviting and comfortable. I couldnt
help but reflect a little on Rogers theological influence and his childhood experiences throughout my reading.
These experiences were engulfed by an uncompromising religious and ethical atmosphere with close family
ties, in which he grew up, (Murdock, 2013). He, in turn, developed his theoretical foundation for Person
Centered Therapy. Rogers reflected more on the theory of the person and development within the chapter,
noting in the development of a childs increased awareness of positive and negative experiences by and large
the human desire for positive regard (Murdock, 2013).
Rogers optimistic perspective or what I would refer to as a positive attitude, set the tone for positive
relationships. I esteem myself, as well as others would pronounce that I am a positive person. My demeanor is
cheerful, loving, encouraging and thoughtful. People often comment, that I am easy going and they rarely see
me upset, negative or down. I believe this concept resonated with me because my own life trials have taught
me that if my attitude/perspective is positive (optimistic) in a given situation meaning I am able to see the silver
lining, then I am propelled to move forward. If my attitude is negative (pessimistic) in a given situation,
meaning my focus is on the glass being half empty, then I am more likely to be immobilized in my thoughts
and have more difficulty working through my problems. I equate my own experiences as a means to help
others perceive the positive in all situations and help them shift in their perceptions toward positive, despite
circumstances, as they are on their journey toward wholeness. I hope to bring the trait of optimism, into
counseling others, in hopes that I will instill hope in the lives of each client I touch. I pondered on the word of
God reflecting on the creation scriptures in Genesis ch.1, verse 31- God saw all that he had made, and it was
very good, (Holy Bible, NIV). I also believe there is good/positive in every individual and in my calling to help
them move forward, or progress in life, optimism is one of the gifts, I possess.

References:

Murdock, N. (2012). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A case approach. (3rded.). New York:
Pearson Education, Inc. pp.145-198.

Reflections on Action Based Approaches- Reality, Solution Focused, & Mindfulness approaches
Oct 5, 2013 8:25 PM

I thoroughly enjoyed the presented chapters studying three action based approaches Reality, SolutionFocused and Mindfulness (ACT) together. I contemplated the benefits of each of the constructs during my
studies throughout the week noting how important I felt each of the philosophical views were and their
necessity in counseling as a whole. The overall process of formulating a conceptual theory of practice to this
point has been somewhat of a puzzle however I feel that I am beginning to put the pieces together. Key pieces
of which I believe will help me determine the full scope of how I will practice as a counselor. What philosophical

views are important to me, what motivated me throughout my studies of the various theories and what central
constructs are important to me are questions I am now in the process of answering now that the course is
coming to a close. Key features of each of the approaches studied this week are illustrated further noting five
concepts I personally valued through this study which are as follows: Holism coupled with Mind/Body
connection; Finding meaning and living a productive life; Emphasis on positivity or optimism; We all have needs
and wants; Importance of being present- in the moment last but not least the understanding of human suffering.
First, my explorations of Reality Therapy, noting Glasser and Wubboldings philosophical approaches could
be best described using scriptural reference of Deuteronomy 30:15 NIV- See, I set before you today life and
prosperity (positive), death and destruction (negative). Glasser and Wubbolding emphasized in the passage
that, humans can be altruistic, forgiving, loving and productive however they can also be beguiled, bedeviled
and bewildered (Murdock, 2013). I found it quite interesting their choice of words. The basic philosophical
view of Glasser and Wubbolding was that the essential nature of humans was positive, and that we choose
our own behaviors or actions, in other words we make our own choices (Murdock, 2013). I also valued the
holism in Reality Therapy in that human motivations were based on the five basic needs- survival, love,
belonging, power, freedom and fun (Murdock 2013). I believe the reason I connected with these motivations is
that my ultimate goal as a counselor is to be able to provide more of a holistic approach. I also keyed in on the
construct of total behavior, noting the correlations between the mind and body in identifying the four
components of behavior: actions, thoughts, feelings and physiology (Glasser, 2000b). Romans 12:4- For just
as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, (NIV).
I truly note the connection between mind and body in total functioning of an individual.
Secondly, I highlighted Solution Focused Therapy because I referred to those utilizing this approach as the
change agents. I valued the optimism and the focus on strengths within this method and the emphasis on the
power of language (Murdock, 2013). Prov. 18:21 KJV- , The power of life and death is in the tongue.
Throughout this chapter I noted the theme of positivity throughout and the application of this theory within the
therapeutic techniques, i.e. Change talk (Murdock, 2013). I am a strong believer that we can either speak life
or death over someone just by the words we use and our words equate to our thoughts. I believe I am a
positive person and always find the silver lining, within the clouds which I believe is a real asset for a
counselor to have. My hope is that this trait will attractive in creating a therapeutic relationship. I was attracted
to the how SF Therapys purpose in being able to help customer, change their perspectives through using
positive language and the application of this through identifying their wants by asking the miracle question,
(Murdock, 2013). The focus remains positive and emphasizes ones strengths versus dwelling in the problem
or issue. I equated this to the following scripture, NIV- Philippians 4:8- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif
anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things. Overall my personal goals are to actually help,
heal, facilitate movement, instill hope, improve functioning and quality of life and it would be pretty difficult to
see the light if I dwelt in the darkness (problems, past). This approach also alluded to the remaining focused
on the present which I will reflect on in one of the Mindfulness approaches - ACT.
The two areas I would like to highlight in the ACT approach is the philosophical grounding in the understanding
suffering and being in the present (Murdock, 2013). I truly believe that we all face suffering in this life and my
purpose is to help guide, coach, support, those through it. KJV Romans 8:16-18: states,The Spirit himself
testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and
co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider
that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Specifically ACT
is based in the premise of human motivation is to find meaning in live and live productively, (Murdock, 2013).
I liked the way ACT emphasized 6 core areas for Mindfulness and acceptance processes (Murdock, 2013). I
think it is very helpful in this day and time considering society is constantly in a state of fight/flight response,
with what has occurred over the last several years, increased violence/terrorism, unemployment etc. I thought it
was valid and also divinely inspired how this approach emphasized the need to be present and not functioning
on autopilot, (Murdock, 2013). I reflected upon this scripture during my reading, Be still and know that I am
God, (Psalm46:10, NIV). I often find myself being reminded of this scripture from day to day and know how
important it is for me spiritually to slow down , recognize where I have been , be thankful and where I am in the
moment in order to continue to have some glimpse of where I am going. This concept also confirmed my
desire to incorporate alternative approaches (yoga, guided/visual imagery, meditation, Tai chi) as an integral
piece in counseling.

References
Glasser, W. (2000b). Reality therapy in the year 2000. Paper presented at the Evolution of Psychotherapy
Conference, Anaheim, CA. Retrieved from http://www.wglasserinst.com/rt2000.htm
Holy Bible- KJV and NIV
Murdock, N. (2012). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A case approach. (3rded.). New York:
Pearson Education, Inc. pp.351-375; 460-490& 519-548.

Blog 4.1- Refections of Cognitive Approaches

Sep 22, 2013 8:34 AM

This weeks lessons on Cognitive theoretical approaches were of familiar territory. I admit my bias to the
chapters on Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, considering my existing role as a Recreational Therapist within
a behaviorally framed program. The constructs that most appealed to me within the two chapters were the
therapeutic techniques applied in both Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Alford and Beck statements
referencing Cognitive therapy as highly eclectic, but not theoretically neutral, resonated with me because my
personal goal as a counselor is to be versatile. One of the constants I hear in field is the ongoing shift toward
Evidence based practices and emphasis on outcomes. CBT approaches have become one of the trends due to
its efficacy with these impending mandates. Behavioral Therapy has revolutionized to concentrate on cognition
and other inferred events (Fisherman et.all,2011).
I have been fortunate to personally apply some components of BT on a daily basis and through this weeks
studies I was able to reflect on my own application of behavioral theoretical approaches. I recognized emphasis
placed on the clients target behaviors, often mal-adaptive, and my challenges with the task of developing RT
related interventions to address these mal-adaptive behaviors. I noted how I employ the use of behavioral
interventions or techniques, within my Recreation Therapy individual and group sessions. Behavioral
techniques used with children served in the program that were identified through my review of the
techniques were as follows: positive and negative reinforcement, behavioral shaping/modeling of a childs
behavior, elements of response cost, extinction through planned ignoring strategies, and teaching clients to
use their words, as a form of assertiveness training and punishment in the form of time out, (Murdock, 2012)
to name a few. Although I have extensive experience in employing these techniques in my work with children, I
was also excited to be able to relate to various techniques within cognitive therapy such as Activity scheduling
(Murdock, 2012). This technique correlated with some of the concepts I have explored in Leisure Counseling

with parents. I have counseled parents in the areas of identifying activities of interests, and charting
participation patterns, to increase their level of enjoyment which will improve their ability to care for their child
with behavioral challenges. I also apply social skills training with my clients through manipulating play in
sessions to teach clients skills to promote positive interactions with same age peers. Problem solving skills are
also reinforced during group sessions and natural occurrences throughout the day. Relaxation training/therapy
using guided visual imagery is also practiced within my sessions to increase self-regulation.
Through this weeks study I learned through personal reflection of my current role, that I currently operate
within a blended foundation of cognitive and behavioral approaches. Through the lens of these theoretical
approaches, I also realized how easily I related to the material and have been able to personally apply some of
the concepts for example, I refer to my own automatic thoughts as the mental committee and concur with
Beck that we all have schemas created out of our experiences and interpretation of events (Murdock, 2012). I
feel that I would respond to this type of approach because it is "straightforward and structured," (Murdock,
2012) and I have been able to employ some of these approaches in practice. Although I am fairly comfortable
with this approach, I remain open to learning new techniques or other theoretical approaches I can access to
help the clients I serve.

References:

Murdock, N. (2012). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A case approach. (3rd ed.). New York:
Pearson Education, Inc. pp.233-350.
Blog 4.1- Refections of Cognitive Approaches
Sep 22, 2013 8:34 AM

This weeks lessons on Cognitive theoretical approaches were of familiar territory. I admit my bias to the
chapters on Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, considering my existing role as a Recreational Therapist within
a behaviorally framed program. The constructs that most appealed to me within the two chapters were the
therapeutic techniques applied in both Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Alford and Beck statements
referencing Cognitive therapy as highly eclectic, but not theoretically neutral, resonated with me because my
personal goal as a counselor is to be versatile. One of the constants I hear in field is the ongoing shift toward
Evidence based practices and emphasis on outcomes. CBT approaches have become one of the trends due to
its efficacy with these impending mandates. Behavioral Therapy has revolutionized to concentrate on cognition
and other inferred events (Fisherman et.all,2011).
I have been fortunate to personally apply some components of BT on a daily basis and through this weeks
studies I was able to reflect on my own application of behavioral theoretical approaches. I recognized emphasis
placed on the clients target behaviors, often mal-adaptive, and my challenges with the task of developing RT
related interventions to address these mal-adaptive behaviors. I noted how I employ the use of behavioral
interventions or techniques, within my Recreation Therapy individual and group sessions. Behavioral
techniques used with children served in the program that were identified through my review of the
techniques were as follows: positive and negative reinforcement, behavioral shaping/modeling of a childs
behavior, elements of response cost, extinction through planned ignoring strategies, and teaching clients to
use their words, as a form of assertiveness training and punishment in the form of time out, (Murdock, 2012)
to name a few. Although I have extensive experience in employing these techniques in my work with children, I
was also excited to be able to relate to various techniques within cognitive therapy such as Activity scheduling
(Murdock, 2012). This technique correlated with some of the concepts I have explored in Leisure Counseling
with parents. I have counseled parents in the areas of identifying activities of interests, and charting
participation patterns, to increase their level of enjoyment which will improve their ability to care for their child
with behavioral challenges. I also apply social skills training with my clients through manipulating play in

sessions to teach clients skills to promote positive interactions with same age peers. Problem solving skills are
also reinforced during group sessions and natural occurrences throughout the day. Relaxation training/therapy
using guided visual imagery is also practiced within my sessions to increase self-regulation.
Through this weeks study I learned through personal reflection of my current role, that I currently operate
within a blended foundation of cognitive and behavioral approaches. Through the lens of these theoretical
approaches, I also realized how easily I related to the material and have been able to personally apply some of
the concepts for example, I refer to my own automatic thoughts as the mental committee and concur with
Beck that we all have schemas created out of our experiences and interpretation of events (Murdock, 2012). I
feel that I would respond to this type of approach because it is "straightforward and structured," (Murdock,
2012) and I have been able to employ some of these approaches in practice. Although I am fairly comfortable
with this approach, I remain open to learning new techniques or other theoretical approaches I can access to
help the clients I serve.

References:

Murdock, N. (2012). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A case approach. (3rd ed.). New York:
Pearson Education, Inc. pp.233-350.