Reflective Essay: Applying And Evaluating Counselling Theory Assignment Sample

Introduction: Evaluating CBT Techniques and Counselling Skills

I will analyse my role-playing session in this reflective essay with a specific emphasis on the utilisation of cognitive behavioural theory (CBT). This essay will explore the approach and abilities used, as well as the reasoning behind choosing CBT, along with my own thoughts on the advantages, disadvantages, and potential areas for development in my counselling work.

Counseling Theory

My session incorporated the utilisation of the counseling technique known as CBT. CBT was created in 1960 by A. Beck and focused on the relationship between ideas, behaviour and feelings developed from cognitive theory (Beck, 2020). Rational emotive behaviour theory, developed by Albert Ellis, had a further influence on it. CBT seeks to pinpoint and alter erroneous thought processes to increase emotional control and foster adequate behaviour. As covered in the unit reading, CBT is frequently used to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. It assists clients in challenging unfavourable thoughts and substituting them with constructive ones that result in adequate behavioural change (Robinson et al., 2020).

Techniques and Skills Applied

I utilised several important CBT strategies during the session, such as behavioural activation and cognitive restructuring. In order to assist the client in recognising and confronting unfavourable thought patterns and replacing them with more sensible ones, the incorporation of cognitive restructuring is valuable (Ciharova et al., 2021). For instance, we collaborated to reframe the client’s anxiety into doable activities, as they had indicated nervousness about general speaking. Additionally, I utilised behaviour activation to persuade the client to participate in different things they had been putting off due to unfavourable views. The unit reading provides support for these strategies by highlighting the efficacy of CBT in resolving maladaptive behaviour and attitude (Truls Ryum & Nikolaos Kazantzis, 2024).

Justification for selecting the theory

Since the client's problem includes negative thinking and anxiety, CBT structured methods are a preferable method for this session (Geschwind et al., 2020). My understanding of CBT, which I acquired via books and practices during the course, also influenced my decision. This idea directed my initiative, permitting me to concentrate on identifying the distorted perspective of my consumers and understanding how these emotions influenced their stress levels. I was capable of actively helping the customer identify and deny these beliefs, utilising the CBT to provide them with the means to begin functioning and thinking effectively. This initiative was in line with the client's needs as well as the goal of the session.

Evaluation of the theory

Strength

One of CBT's advantages in my session was its methodical approach that gave the customer specific anxiety management techniques. The focus on challenging negative perception led by proactive attitude alteration and increased self-awareness that empowered the customer (Beck, 2020).

Limitation

One disadvantage of CBT is that it concentrates primarily on present challenges, neglecting to address underlying emotional difficulties. The cognitive highlight of the theory may have overlooked unresolved and In-depth emotions that contribute to enhancing the anxiety of the client. Academic sources suggested that even with its effectiveness, the theory might benefit from incorporating other significant treatments to address in-depth emotional levels (Gillihan, 2020).

Reflection on Counselling Skills

Throughout this season, I was capable of demonstrating my active listening ability, empathy and capability to assist the client with cognitive restructuring. This is due to these abilities helping to create supportive circumstances where the client was able to freely use their feelings and thoughts. I did, however, come to the realisation that I required additional creativity with the questions I asked, especially when it came to asking open-ended questions that would encourage in-depth thinking. The “Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Code of Ethics” highlights the requirement for regular customer-centred approaches as well as competency development (PACFA, 2019). By abiding by the moral standards, I respected the autonomy of the client, withheld information about them and withdrew from developing judgments. These actions all contributed to the development of moral and expert counselling settings.

Conclusion

Overall, this essay concluded by highlighting my ability to utilise CBT in my role-play as an effective counsellor. It accomplished this by outlining these initiatives and abilities I utilised, looking at the cause for my selection of CBT and evaluating its performance. I saw the advantages of my CBT application, such as rising self-awareness among customers; however, I also have some drawbacks, particularly with the in-depth questioning method. This initiative also underlined the significance of ethical manners and continual ability development, and has increased my understanding of CBT. I utilise data to enhance my counselling performance and supply a higher standard of client services.