I think that I identify with existential theory for similar reasons that I am interested in person centered. I believe my core beliefs are very congruent with the humanistic theories, quite possibly because of my background in humanistic psychology. I like the idea of provide a safe space for a client to explore and discover their personal meaning. I also like that existential theory emphasizes the client’s choice and freedom (Gehart, 2016, pg. 163-179). I think that this could be an incredibly empowering therapeutic theory to …show more content…
I believe that cognitive behavioral theory provides concrete interventions that allow clients to work towards their goals. One of the interventions I particularly like is the trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy trauma narrative (Gehart, 2016, pg. 278). This semester, I had to complete a TF-CBT online training and the online video demonstrations depicted children and adolescents working with counselors and their families, to complete and recite their personal trauma narratives. I really liked this intervention because it seemed to provide the client and their family with a great resource when dealing with such difficult circumstances. In the past, I have used cognitive behavioral interventions in school projects, and I really enjoyed seeing how my peers were able to map out the goals they were attempting to achieve. This theory does seem like a vastly different and almost opposing style of counseling when compared to person centered and existential theory, but I think it creates an appropriate balance. Cognitive behavioral theory provides a very definitive and measurable framework (Gehart, 2016, pg.204) that I personally believe works well with philosophical and abstract theories like existential and person centered. I also think this type of balance is important, because some clients will prefer a more subjective and abstract type of counseling person