Why I am Drawn to this Theory I am drawn to this theory because this approach comes naturally to me. I believe the relationship between the client and counsellor is very important in facilitating client change. The warm, authentic approach of client-centered therapy seems logical to me. Also, I value the empowering aspect of this approach. Gestalt and client-centered therapists are not the experts in the therapeutic relationship (Yontef & Jacobs, 2011). Instead, the patient’s experiences and knowledge are highly valued. I believe this trust and faith in the client’s abilities is crucial to a positive outcome in therapy. I also believe in continually checking in with my biases. An example of this occurred when I began to examine my beliefs around women working in the sex trade. Initially I held a view of sex workers. However, as I began to research this topic, and speak with women working in this area, I realized how my judgements were holding me back from creating a positive working relationship with these potential clients. For me, examining my biases takes courage, as it is difficult at times to admit that I can be judgemental towards certain things because I pride myself on being an open and accepting individual. However, this type of ongoing awareness work has helped me to become a more open and accepting individual. I believe my humanistic theory based on Gestalt and client-centered therapy is a good theory for a novice counsellor such as myself. It is important to fit they type of therapy with the therapist, and in this case, I feel very closely aligned with this theory. Conclusion In conclusion, I have presented a humanistic theory of counselling based on assumptions and techniques from client-centered and Gestalt therapies. My theory values the quality of the
Why I am Drawn to this Theory I am drawn to this theory because this approach comes naturally to me. I believe the relationship between the client and counsellor is very important in facilitating client change. The warm, authentic approach of client-centered therapy seems logical to me. Also, I value the empowering aspect of this approach. Gestalt and client-centered therapists are not the experts in the therapeutic relationship (Yontef & Jacobs, 2011). Instead, the patient’s experiences and knowledge are highly valued. I believe this trust and faith in the client’s abilities is crucial to a positive outcome in therapy. I also believe in continually checking in with my biases. An example of this occurred when I began to examine my beliefs around women working in the sex trade. Initially I held a view of sex workers. However, as I began to research this topic, and speak with women working in this area, I realized how my judgements were holding me back from creating a positive working relationship with these potential clients. For me, examining my biases takes courage, as it is difficult at times to admit that I can be judgemental towards certain things because I pride myself on being an open and accepting individual. However, this type of ongoing awareness work has helped me to become a more open and accepting individual. I believe my humanistic theory based on Gestalt and client-centered therapy is a good theory for a novice counsellor such as myself. It is important to fit they type of therapy with the therapist, and in this case, I feel very closely aligned with this theory. Conclusion In conclusion, I have presented a humanistic theory of counselling based on assumptions and techniques from client-centered and Gestalt therapies. My theory values the quality of the
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