Integrating Theory

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Integrating Theory
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Approaches to Integration

• 1. Technical eclecticism- integrating techniques
  from various theories
• 2. Theoretical integration- blending of theories
  to create a richer, broader theoretical framework
• 3. Common factors approach- using theories that
  share common theoretical factors

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Trends

• Integration of spirituality in counseling
• How comfortable/uncomfortable are you in dealing
  with religious and spiritual issues with a client?

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Trends

• Creating a separate multicultural theory of
  counseling
• Do you agree or disagree with this trend? Should
  existing theories just be expanded to fit diverse
  clients?

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Therapists Role

• When integrating theories, therapist should
  consider the following
• Does the therapists role stay consistent among
  theories? (i.e., active/directive,
  present-focused, etc.)
• Is the structure of the counseling process
  consistent?
• Is the balance of responsibility between client
  and therapist consistent?

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Clients experience

• When integrating theories
• Does goal of therapy remain consistent with
  clients presenting problem, expectations?
• Will integration of theories serve to enhance
  clients experience and outcomes or will it
  confuse or hinder client?
• Does clients cultural, ethnic, gender, etc.
  remain consistent with theories?

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Take home points
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Integrating Theory

• 1st Step Know Your Theory
• Understand core beliefs
• Understand constructs
• Know the process
• What constitutes psychological health,
  well-being, success?

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Integrating Theory

• 2nd Step Know Your Client
• Know demographics (age, gender, sexual
  orientation, physical ability, religion,
  ethnicity, etc.) and understand the impact these
  characteristics have on the client
• Know pertinent information about client according
  to theoretical constructs (cognitive
  theoryunderstand clients thoughts behavioral
  therapyunderstand productive or destructive
  behavior, etc.)
• Ask yourself if the clients presenting problem
  fits with theory (i.e., a young college student
  wants help dealing with feelings of frustration
  at school, however the counselor subscribes to
  the RET therapist who wants to focus on
  relationships)