PCN107
Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling psychotherapy (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage
Learning. ISBN-13: 9781305263727. Retrieved from http://www.gcumedia.com/digital-
resources/cengage/2016/theory-and-practice-of-counseling-and-psychotherapy_10e.php
Lecture 1. (2013). PCN-107: Christian Worldview. Phoenix, AZ: Grand Canyon University.
PRE COURSE DQ "Who needs theory when people are struggling with real problems
stemming from addiction, traumatic experiences, and family issues? People need real help
and I want to learn how to really help people." Do you agree with this statement? Why or
why not?
I agree with this statement to an extent. For example, I have 3 children who have very different
personalities. I had to learn how to parent each one of them very differently. Having a variety of
parenting tools at my disposal, and picking the ones that worked best for each child is how I make sure
I’m parenting my children the best way I can. I feel like counseling is the same. Every person comes in
with their own stories of trauma, addiction, and experiences, and it’s up to us to use the tools at our
disposal to figure out the most effective way to counsel that person and fulfill their needs.
DQ 1.1 Do you need counseling theory to be an effective counselor? Why or why not? How
do you suppose the practice of professional counseling would change without the use of
theory? Provide an example to support your response.
“One of the most important instruments you have to work with as a counselor is yourself as a person.”
(Corey, 2017) I feel like this quote is profound in that while theory is very important, like tools for a
handyman, (Topic 1 Resource, 2018) the most important thing we can offer a client is authenticity. In
the book Theory and the Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Tenth Edition, Corey explains that
an effective counselor does not rely on the knowledge from books and mechanics of counseling theory
in session with clients, and our value lies in being ourselves. (Corey, 2017) That being said, having
knowledge of theory is still extremely important as they give counselors the skills needed to guide
clients towards self-discovery as they support the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and
client. (Corey, 2017)
Understanding theory will help counselors be better equipped to use techniques and concepts to
define our personal framework for counseling. (Corey, 2017) Without it, there is no structure to our
treatment and we can ultimately end up doing more harm than good. Ultimately clients come to
counseling with a goal in mind (or its up to us to help them define that goal) and we need a plan in
place if we hope to accomplish goals. Theory helps us to do that.
DQ 1.2 Showing support, empathy, and using active listening skills when working with
clients are soft skills which are critical to being an effective counselor. How might you use
counseling theory to develop these skills? How do the theories you are studying work when
using this soft skills?
In our text book, Doctor Corey says, “both the therapy relationship and the therapy methods used
influence the outcomes of treatment, but it essential that the methods used support the therapeutic
relationship being formed with the client.” (Corey, 2017) The ultimate role of theory is to support this
relationship between the counselor and the client. As we build this relationship is vital to keep into
consideration the worldview of the client. The more we understand their culture, values, and beliefs,
the easier it will be to empathize with them and understand their perspective and more effectively
support them. Using psychotherapy integration gives us the opportunity to learn about our clients from
different theoretical approaches thus helping us to build a more solid understanding of their presenting
problem, and making it that much easier for us to decide how to help the client resolve their problem.
(Topic 1 Resource, 2018)
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