A Theory Of Counseling Children - 1421 Words

Kelly Jean Tucker HPC 5220 Theoretical Paper The following paper describes a theory of counseling children that incorporates aspects of developmental theory, person-centered , reality, and acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT). Main Philosophy: This theory is specifically geared towards working with children in a developmentally appropriate manner. A therapist must assess the developmental/individual needs of the child, the environment, and how the two interact. There are many levels in an environment such as hierarchies and roles that exist in a family. A therapist must conceptualize how these levels interact and how these interactions impact the child. For example, a child may be taught collectivistic values at home but is encouraged†¦show more content†¦A child’s thoughts and feelings may change as a result of therapy but thoughts or feelings do not need to change before overt behavior changes (Twohig, Hayes, Berlin, 2008, p.172). Key Concepts: This theory asserts that â€Å"children, from an early age, respond to thoughts and feelings as if they were real† (Twohig, Hayes, Berlin, 2008, p.175). In congruence with Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, a full range of thoughts and feelings are considered healthy and that it is okay to be vulnerable and experience psychological pain (Twohig, Hayes, Berlin, 2008). Similar to Erickson, crises are viewed as an opportunity for growth (Wenar Kerig, 2006). Thoughts and feelings are not viewed in all-or-none terms such as â€Å"good/bad† or â€Å"rational irrational† (Greco, Barnett, Blomquist, Gevers, 2008, p.190). All children have the potential to live well-adjusted lives. Maladjustment is a mismatch between a child’s developmental level, their needs, and their environment. A child may have the potential to succeed but is not currently in an environment that meets their particular needs. Children’s behavior, therefore, is a way of fulfilling th eir needs. Reality therapists support this assertion (Corey, 2010). For example, a child may be acting out in school due to not feeling accepted by their peers. The child may tease other children in retaliation or act out to receive negative attention from peers and adults. This theory also incorporates Piaget’s cognitive