Personal Philosophy Paper
Sara Hammel
University of Georgia
Counseling Theory

Theorist who have Influenced Personal Theoretical Orientation As a therapist’s experience base grows, I believe a person’s theoretical orientation will narrow, but will also continue to evolve. The core belief system that a therapist begins with is still there, but the platform that a therapist connects most with eventually becomes a therapist’s model. I am aware that my current orientation is rather eclectic in nature. I find a basic connection with Freud and agree that we do have instincts that are innate to every human (Corey, 2013), in essence we are all animals (Freud, 1961) of sorts. Adler was correct when he expounded on Freud’s work and introduced the idea that we are not solely shaped by our childhood experiences.
Frankl, May, and Yalom have led me to the idea that there is no step by step instructional book on how to counsel clients. My experience in the military working with a multitude of different people of various religions, ethnicities, and languages has led to my acknowledgement that we are all different and are motivated and driven by many different things. Each person is different; this is what makes us special. No single solution is perfect for any two people, and there are always different variables involved with each person.
Also incorporated into my view of human nature is Perls’s concept that places emphasis on what is being experienced in the here and now as being of great importance and that “the power is in the present” (Polster & Polster, 1973). At the same time it is important to recognize that what we have experienced in the past has had a direct and profound impact on us as well.
View of Human Nature My personal view of human nature is a conglomeration of the views of theorists and multiple theories. I combine parts of Freud’s and Adler’s views in my own understanding that the unconscious and conscious should both be investigated in counseling clients, and integrate parts of Maslow’s view in my own belief of human nature in that there is a duality to human nature. That duality is that humans are capable of being selfish, hateful and destructive in nature, but that is not what we are deep down. Below the superficial actions and emotions at our basic biological and psychological makeup we discover we are caring and civil people. In my experiences in the world abroad, I have witnessed hatred and aggression in everyday life and I have beheld acts of true kindness and compassion during war. I accept Maslow’s (1999) belief that when we see cruelty, anger and destruction, it is in reaction to stress, pain or denial of basic human psychological needs. I also agree that being made fully aware of what is going on in one’s life (internally and externally) can make a huge difference in a person learning to deal with the adversity in their life (Corey, 2013). Furthermore, I incorporate the view of Perls and the Gestalt theory that trying to be someone you truly are not can cause serious psychological problems and can suppress one’s true person. There is also a behaviorist aspect on my view of human nature. We are shaped (although not entirely) by our external environment. I believe, to an extent and varying factors calculated, if you remove a person from a destructive or negative environment and move him or her to a healthy and positive one, that person can possibly change their thoughts, feelings and behavior.
Beliefs about the Process of Change and Facilitating Change Seeing firsthand the changes people undergo to survive in certain situations, it is my belief we, as humans, are capable of change. These changes are done consciously and subconsciously in us all. Freud believed that our minds contain ego-defense mechanisms for survival (Corey, 2013, p.66). Survival is our mind’s number one priority, and sometimes when we go into survival mode we may adapt to the situation. If the threat is removed and then we do not return or recover to a neutral state, this sustained survival mode can become an issue or disruption to our daily lives. Some of our beliefs start out as assumptions and theories based on the environment that we are raised in through observation and deduction, and these become our logic for thinking. Other beliefs can grow out of an emotional viewpoint that appears, at the time, to be supported by logic. Alder believed that we all strive for perfection, and once anything other than perfection is identified or experienced in our lives, we strive to change (Corey, 2013, p.106). To some extent I agree, but also recognize some people settle or are happy with a life of mediocrity. Others may be so traumatized by some life event that they believe that they will never be happy or possibly rise above their current station in life. Personally I see that there are a multitude of psychological therapeutic procedures that can assist in facilitating change in the intensity and depth of self-worth and ability of clients. Clients have as much responsibility for facilitating their own change as does the counselor in aiding them in making those changes. This is where I prescribe to the ideas of Frankle, May and Yalom and follow the existential therapy idea that to an extent we are responsible for our own choices and actions when it comes to change in our lives. Additionally, I support the idea that change can be facilitated by assisting the client in their growth or recovery process in order for clients to better cope with problems as they are identified and acknowledged by clients, increasing their sense of self-control over events (Perkins, 2007). If a negative behavior is acknowledged and identified by clients, the counselor can provide guidance and tools for clients in behavior modification.
Description of a Well-Functioning Person The idea of a “well-functioning” person can be very hard to describe, and is conditional in my opinion. It is important to note that a “well-functioning” person is not always a “normal” person. I agree with Maslow’s definition that a well-functioning person is “self-actualizing” in that he or she can make “full use of his own talents, capacities and potentialities” (Maslow, 1954). Additionally, I agree with Carl Roger’s theory (1951) of a self-concept in that our fears, dreams, resentments and tensions, likes and dislikes are “accessible to awareness”, meaning that a well-functioning person is aware of their own feelings and does not try to muffle those feelings. One of my favorite quotes is from Maslow (1954) when he said “The fully functioning personality can be when the objective situation calls for it comfortably disorderly, anarchic, vague, doubtful, uncertain, indefinite, approximate, inexact, or inaccurate”. Finally, to me a well-functioning personality is rooted in strong ethics. Rogers (1951) said that a well-adjusted person can take criticism as they have access to their own needs and the needs of others, and that same person can be trusted and constructive. On the other hand a maladjusted person is moral only with great effort or to the extent it benefits them. Maslow (1954) mentioned that a sane person has a sense of right and wrong that is straightforward, but that their assessments of those morals run deeper, rather than at the shallow surface that most people are concerned about (Hayakawa, 1956).
Causes/Sources of Pathology My personal philosophy on the cause/source of pathology is rooted in the belief that genetics, biology and life events all play a role in the potential pathology of clients. Sometimes all three may be factors, or a combination within, that contribute to clients seeking help. This is why, in my opinion, a holistic approach to treating clients must be adhered to. In some instances, we as humans are predisposed to inherit certain genetic traits from our parents, such as eye color, body shape, and skin tone. A study completed by Hettema, Neale and Kendler (2001) conducted a meta-analysis to support the idea that some disorders such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are passed down in families.
Our biological makeup can contribute to clients seeking audience with a counselor. Exposure to prenatal stress can stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Sandman, et.al., 1994). This early activation can permanently affect the number and sensitivity of glucocorticoid receptors (responsible for regulating genes that control the development, metabolism, and immune system), and program the HPA axis for life (Sandman, et.al., 1994 & Nathanielsz, 1999). It is known that brain development continues even after a child is born and experiences early in life can shape the development of the central nervous system, and in turn the child’s sense of self.
When looking back into the lives of people for clues to aid in helping clients make a better life for themselves, it is central to look at their past. I am in complete agreement with a quote from a report the effects on childhood trauma by Moroz (2005, p. 12) that stated “if clinicians fail to look through a trauma lens and to conceptualize client problems as related possibly to current or past trauma, they may fail to see that trauma victims, young and old, organize much of their lives around repetitive patterns of reliving and warding off traumatic memories, reminders, and effects”.
Nature of the Counseling Relationship and Process The nature of the counseling relationship and process is very crucial in the treatment of clients, as well as the growth of the counselor. Like the view of the existential approach, it is my belief that the relationship between the client and the counselor be mutually respectful and genuinely open and honest. In displaying such respect and honesty, the relationship will foster an environment that will allow the clients and counselor the freedom to address all aspects of a troubling area, set clear goals, evaluate change, anticipate and address potential barriers or sticking points, and strengthen the client’s commitment to continue the healing process. This allows the clients to move in a direction of growth desired by the clients, to be able to face anxieties in a healthy manor, and engage life in a way that is based in reality to live a productive life (Corey, 2013, p.154). It’s most imperative to understand that change is a process and not an event.
The counselor should show true empathy towards clients with an approach to allows the counselor to view the client’s world through their eyes and see their perspective or “reality”. This view must also be conducted with care. Unlike a true Adlerian perspective, it is important to remember true reality is more important than what the individual feels is true, in my opinion.
I am in agreement with Corey (2013) when he mentions a critical point that in a relationship the therapists be in contact with their own phenomenological world.
Role of the Counselor The role of the counselor is multifaceted. First and foremost the counselor must be able to display to their clients that they are a real person. A therapist’s attitude can be a big game changer in a relationship. Bozarth and his colleagues (2002) made a noteworthy statement that I agree with, that the attitude of the therapist and the belief in the inner capabilities of the clients can foster a healing atmosphere for positive change. A therapist must be genuinely compassionate, respectful, display acceptance of the clients, and show positive support for change. Also, it is vital to invite the clients into an active partnership. Clients may be moved to open up and reveal their masked self or be convinced to take an honest look inside themselves to see their actions and or beliefs (Corey, 2013, p.180) without looking through “rose colored lenses”. In the beginning the counselor must assess the client’s functioning by looking in the past life of the clients and make sense of how the clients are living their current life, as well as how they think and operate in adaptive and maladaptive ways. Counselors, on a case by case basis, may need to identify any possible medical, genetic, and/or biological issues suffered by clients. In doing so the counselor will help the clients identify how they can cope with and manage certain medical issues. Additionally, counselors should aid clients by allowing them to discover how they are not living in a fully authentic life and aid them in recognizing how to make viable choices in their lives.
Role of the Client First and foremost I see the role of clients as being genuinely honest and upfront with themselves and the counselor, if change is expected to happen. Hiding being half-truths, lies, fronts and barriers will only stagnate and prolong therapy. These tactics would waste both the time and efforts of both the clients and counselor.
Secondly, clients should be motivated for change in their lives. I do not expect clients to be exuberant, vibrating with excitement while they waiting for their next session, but should be motivated enough to know that they are doing a good thing for themselves and to allow them to take charge of their lives. Some feelings of apprehension can be a welcome emotion, knowing that some sessions of therapy will be trying and difficult but for the betterment of their current state.
Open-mindedness to new ideas and discoveries, as well as introspectiveness, can be beneficial to the relationship, but more importantly to the clients themselves. Being able to take a contemplative look into your own world can be difficult and rewarding when facing anxiety and recognizing personal growth.
Goals and Purpose of Counseling
My interpretations of the goals and purpose of counseling is majorly comprised of a combination of the Adlerian and Existentialist theories goals for counseling, with a few concepts from the camps of the behaviorist, Gestalt and cognitive theorists. I can appreciate how the phases of Adler’s perspective (Corey, 2013) streamline the process of counseling a client. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is an important first goal. Once a rapport has been established, and this will continue to nurture throughout the entire relationship of the counselor and clients, a goal of understanding the past and present dynamics of their lives is important in order to facilitate moving forward with therapy. This also enables clients to possibly become aware of the feelings and beliefs they are experiencing in the here and now, as well as how their past, biology, and genetic makeup has influenced their present state of affairs.
The next big goal and purpose of therapy is to encourage clients to begin to look at their lives with insight and honesty, to help them accept their freedom and responsibility to act and how they may be able to possibly live more authentic lives with informed cognitive choices. Educating clients on coping techniques, knowledge of how to change maladaptive behaviors and automatic thoughts are also great goals for counseling. In cases that biology and genetics are causes for stress, education of their circumstances can enlighten clients to alternate means of coping.
Procedures and Techniques of Counseling Processes
The importance that the relationship between the counselor and clients be established with honesty and realness cannot be stressed enough. The growth of the relationship will be conducted in parallel to the therapy and continue throughout the relationship. Although person-centered therapy stresses the idea that techniques are not important, I would have to strongly disagree. Everything we do in a counseling session is done in a personal style or technique. My personal theory of procedures and techniques of the counseling process is founded in the client’s situation. I wholeheartedly believe that a counselor can incorporate any style or technique into their personal treatment strategy that has the potential to modify maladaptive thinking or behavior of clients in a nominal manner (Lazarus, 2008). At times it may be prudent to have clients sit down and unload on the counselor without censoring any feeling and thoughts. This of course does not require in any way direct guidance, but may offer an opportunity to possibly employ other techniques such as relaxation, to cope with the immediate stressors, or possibly borrow from the Gestalt therapeutic idea of staying with the feeling and exploring deeper the core reasons something has upset clients. It is my opinion that any technique used, must be tailored per client that is being counseled. Not all facets of any theoretical procedure may work on any one person, however every discipline of therapy can offer insightful techniques and procedures for helping clients. Finally, I support Yalom’s and Josselson’s (2011) belief that we, as counselors, establish our individual relationship with our clients we become “fellow travelers” as the clients talk and disclose to us their deepest desires, feelings, thoughts and fears.
Indications of Successful Counseling
Research unfailingly shows us, regardless of theoretical orientation or approach, that a sensibly nurtured therapeutic relationship is the most important ingredient in successful therapy (Popescu, 2012). As a result of treatment, clients should be able to discover and acknowledge their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as realize how they block and interrupt current awareness (Waltson, Glodman, & Greenburg, 2011). Having the knowledge of their weaknesses will allow clients to focus effort in constructing a viable plan in compensating for their weaknesses and overcome them as well. In doing so clients will be able to live their lives in a fruitful and purpose driven way (Corey, 2013). Rogers (1961) called this realization, “self-actualization”. His definition is when clients are open to experiences, trust themselves, develop a way to self-evaluate internally, and finally have a disposition to grow more.
Responses/Sensitivity to Diverse Culture and General Issues
I believe my personal philosophy is grounded in the Adlerian philosophy of treating diversity in way that is grounded within a client’s culture and worldview. This would be more productive than to attempt to force my own preconceived views onto clients (Corey, 2013). Furthermore, I would place emphasis on the client’s current family and social structures (Arciniega & Newlon, 2003). This is one area of counseling that I would not place so much emphasis in the existential approach as it is more individually oriented than it is culturally oriented (Corey, 2013, p.161). Cain (2010) brings a good point to the forefront of the discussion that a counselor should not make any initial assumptions about individuals by acknowledging preconceived diverse factors. Additionally, it is important for a counselor to be aware of their own cultural identity while counseling clients (Farbacher & Plummer, 2005) in an effort not to offend or have countertransference enter into the therapy sessions.
Finally, it is central to recognize significances of newly acquired skills to work though some general issues by clients and how they may cause additional concerns once they begin to employ those new skills at home or work, and how they may affect their family or social structures (Corey, 2013, p. 276).
Limitations of Personal Philosophy
As in any personal philosophy, I acknowledge that my personal view of the world may alter how I interpret different philosophies and the way that I put them into practice as I develop my personal philosophy. There may be certain issues that clients possibly could have that are “hot points” that I am personally still working through myself. At this point it would be prudent to recognize the issue and suggest another therapist that could possibly help them. My knowledge base of therapeutic philosophies and experience is a limitation to employing my personal philosophy. It is imperative to keep this in mind as I develop professionally. Continually seeking personal and professional growth will aid in my development as an effective counselor.
Summary
My personal philosophy is a melding of influential strategies and theories from the psychoanalytical views of Freud, the Adlerian outlook, and the existential theories of Frankle, May and Yalom. I have also incorporated a few techniques from the camps of the person-centered, Gestalt, behavior and cognitive behaviorist therapies. These different philosophies and strategies have influenced my views of human nature, the process of change and the facilitation of change in clients. They have also shaped my interpretation of a well-functioning person, causes and sources of pathology, the nature of the counseling process, the role of the counselor and clients, as well as the goals and purpose of counseling. Inherently the different philosophies that I have prescribed to adopt have molded the preferential procedures and techniques that I would use in the counseling process. My personal understanding of successful counseling and responses to diverse cultures have also been influenced by multiple philosophies. Finally, my current inexperience and knowledge base of counseling and employing different philosophies are my strongest limitations to my personal philosophy.

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