Problem:
The top two theoretical tenets that aligned with my results from the Theoretical Self Evaluation Test were cognitive and humanistic. Tenets of cognitive counseling theory focus on helping the client develop an awareness of their own thought patterns and change maladaptive thoughts and beliefs into more helpful thoughts and beliefs (Erford, 2024). Tenets of humanistic counseling theory include the belief that people are inherently good, capable of change, and on the journey towards self-actualization. There is an emphasis placed on the here and now and the client's self-determination (Erford, 2024). I was only a bit surprised by cognitive being my highest score, but I did expect it to be in my top three. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) does appeal to me in its utility and application. I believe that much suffering is caused by negative thinking patterns, and that clients have the power to change their thinking and, therefore, their lives. I also wonder if CBT may have its limits. Some problems are real and external, rather than existing within cognitions. For example, grief or the experience of profound tragedy is painful not because of unconstructive thoughts but because such experiences are inherently painful. I do see how CBT may be helpful in these scenarios as a tool, but as a stand-alone theory it may be experienced by both the client and counselor as shallow or insufficient. Need Assignment Help?