Emerging Theoretical Orientation Paper: Person-Centered Theory in Counseling
Prepare a 5-6 page double-spaced paper (not APA format except for citations/references) that describes your theoretical orientation at this point in your professional development and integrates your learning in this course (using at least 2 sources beyond your textbook and course readings). This paper should reflect your critical thinking about the theory or theories that you choose to integrate into your work. Do not simply summarize information from the textbook or other sources, but rather discuss the theory using your own words and understanding. Talk about how the theory fits with your philosophy about life, people, and how people get stuck or improve. This paper should reflect your synthesis of theoretical concepts with your own personality or philosophy, and reflect your evolving approach to counseling. This paper does not represent a final decision about your theoretical orientation. Rather, it is one step in the development of your emerging theoretical orientation, which you will continue to evolve and develop throughout the program and throughout your professional life. (F.5.n)
Discuss the following topics in your paper, labeling each section with the topic being answered:
Personal Philosophy – Your own philosophy about life, people, personality, psychological health, pathology, and change and how it developed for you (e.g. this is what you think). How does this personal philosophy reflect who you are and your cultural values? (This is where you lay your foundation for the rest of your paper.)
