Personal Counseling Theoretical Orientation Paper

Format for Theoretical Orientation Paper : Each paper will contain a modified title page, text pages (content), and reference page(s). 
Minimum and maximum numbers of text pages DO NOT include title and reference pages. 
•      Use appropriate Roman numeral headings for each section titled as indicated in this document 
•      All papers and subsequent addendums MUST utilize APA style. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed) is an essential reference for this paper.. 
Directions:
Format for Phase 1: 
•      The paper should be no more than five text pages in length. 
•      Must have a minimum of 8 references, in addition to the textbook(s), NO Magazines, Brochures, Dictionaries, Encyclopedias.
•      The paper will contain three sections as explained below: 

(Writer should pic the personal theory of their choice AND BE HYPOTHETICAL IN YOUR WRITING. MAKE BELIEVE YOU ARE THE COUNSELOR). Please make sure you use Roman numbers for each section of the paper.

1.  My personal approach to Counseling
Name and describe existing theoretical orientations from which your personal theory comes (e.g., Client-centered, Existential, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Reality, Gestalt, REBT, etc.). Be specific about what elements of the existing theoretical orientations relate to your personal theory. You may select one theory or multiple theories; however, all elements must be supported and adequately referenced. 

II. How Client Problems Originate 
From your theoretical position, describe how client problems originate. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your views. For example, do problems stem from client beliefs? The way people think? Feelings? Unconscious forces? Chemical imbalances in the brain? Issues related to family of origin? The way people view themselves, others, their lives? Be specific in your description and discussion. 

III. How Clients Are Best Helped 
Describe your view of how clients are best helped in the counseling process. This must be related to your personal perspective (e.g., “This is how I would approach working with clients . . .” “I would . . .” etc.). Be specific with techniques and interventions and justify your rationale. Use brief examples to illustrate your position.