"theory" My Model and My Defense

The theory I identify with the most is Cognitive Behavior therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations, and events. The advantage of this reality is that we can change the way we think to feel and act better even if the situation doesn't change. The goal of this theory is to teach clients that while they cannot control every aspect of the world around them, they can have power over how they interpret and cope with things in their environment.

I feel that CBT is an effective method to use on school counseling because it helps children identify the problematic beliefs that can lead to self discovery and insights. Also this therapy is a good method to use because it has a short duration and its focus is on helping clients deal with very specific problems. This therapy focuses on the actual behaviors that are help causing the problem. The children can learn and apply new skills that can then be put into use in real-world situations. The children can learn to develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future. I believe it is the counselor's job to give students a tool that they can use not just as a temporary fix, educate and equip them for the future.

Some types of interventions I would probably use is cognitive rehearsal, validity testing and writing in a journal to keep a record of situations that arises and thoughts connected with these situations and the behavior demonstrated in response to them. I would also use role playing exercises that can be helpful in overcoming difficult situations. Finally I would use a reward system which is well known for the reinforcement of certain positive behaviors.

I believe cognitive rehearsing is a great exercise that can be used for students who are experiencing difficulties in academics. Many students experience negative thoughts or thoughts of failure when it comes to grades and homework. These thoughts cause them to give up trying to achieve in school. I would teach the children to recognize these negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. I would teach them to use repeating affirmations-positive statements several times during the day. I will encourage students to use positive statements to replace negative thoughts of doom or failure. I believe repetition can turn into self fulfilling prophecies.

Another reason I identify with theory is because it focuses on goal setting. Students who under-perform often fail at realistic goal setting. They lack the self-esteem to take academic risks. Cognitive Behavior Therapy focuses on the clients' goals and what they want out of life and help them achieve their goals. They don't tell their clients what their goals should be but, they show clients how to think and behave in ways to obtain and reach the goals they want. I would listen, encourage and teach the children how to make and reach their goals, I will help them identify the changes and habits that are taking place which will help them to use these tools in the future. My focus will be on the children getting better, not just feeling better.

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