Discussion- Theory in Action: Cognitive and Behavioral Approaches

Have you ever heard the term "positive addiction"? In general, this term is used to describe the act of replacing a negative addiction, like smoking, with a positive activity, like exercising. Both smoking and exercising can be perceived as a means to reduce stress; however the act of exercising is clearly the healthier option of the two. William Glasser, the founder of reality therapy was the first to introduce this term. Glasser believed that these positive addictions can increase the strength and motivation that people feel in their lives.

Have you ever stood on a crowded elevator and considered singing a song? Did you know that this could actually be an intervention used by a cognitive-behavioral counselor called a shame-attacking exercise? In shame-attacking exercises, clients engage in an activity that others around them might disapprove of, thus causing shame to the client. Experiencing the brief discomfort caused by these actions is thought to decrease feelings of social anxiety and self-consciousness.

For this week's Discussion, you consider which theoretical approach most resonates with you: reality therapy or a generalized CBT approach. You then watch the media piece that translates this theory into practice. Specifically, you examine how the counselor depicted in the media used your selected theoretical approach to guide his or her interventions.

Note: When crafting your Discussion post, support your ideas by providing references to specific examples from the video. In addition, cite the video frame (e.g., 8.32 minutes) that the action or intervention occurred. You do not need to summarize the demonstration itself, as your Instructor and many of your colleagues have also viewed it. Instead, provide insight into the interventions used and major constructs of the theory.

Brief description of the video you selected and the theoretical approach used. Explain how this theory resonates with you. Then, describe the counselor's specific interventions that would indicate his/her theoretical approach and explain how effectively the counselor demonstrated the approach. Finally, share one insight you gained from watching the counselor in the media.

Respond by Day 5 to at least two of your colleagues using one or more of the following approaches:

· Identify colleagues who selected a different theory from you. Critically appraise your colleagues' critique of the counselor's actions.

· Provide insight into how another CBT theory could have been used to address this client.

Assignment - Application: Analyzing Counseling Theories

This Application continues your side-by-side analysis of learning theories. Download the chart template, "Analyzing Counseling Theories," from this week's Learning Resources to continue your Assignment.

Part 1: Chart

· Use the chart template to analyze counseling theories.
· Select two theories from this week's Learning Resources.
· Describe the background theory, human nature, major constructs, applications, and evaluations of each counseling theory.

Part 2: Reflection (1 page)

· Describe a specific population of clients with whom you hope to work in the future.
· Explain which of the two theories in your chart would be the most effective in working with this client population and explain why.
· Describe the interventions you would suggest from this theory and how these interventions would assist this client population in reaching counseling goals.