Counseling Theory

Abstract
Cognitive theory and Existential theory are integrated with Christian beliefs to form a therapeutic process that enables an individual to search for meaning through reflection of past experiences and by adhering to a solid Christian belief system.   By utilizing techniques from both theories, individuals are able to explore different aspects of their life and work through issues that plague their daily existence.   Many personal and social issues effect how an individual processes and comes to terms with their emotional health.   By creating an effective treatment plan and helping the client to establishing goals, the counselor can significantly impact the emotional well being of the client.   The ability for the client to connect with their spirituality is an essential part of the healing process.

Counseling Theory Paper:
An Existential Cognitive Approach
Philosophical Assumptions and Key Concepts
The values
In Existential Therapy, a person is free, responsible for their own lives, and have the potential for self-actualization (Murdock, 2009).   Cognitive therapy looks at our emotions and behaviors and concludes that they are the product of our perception of the situation.   When these two theories combine, we see an integrated approach that focuses on changing emotions and behaviors so that individuals acquire the ability to reorganize the way that they think and become better able to assume responsibility for their own lives and become self-actualized.
Existential Therapy allows and individual to create their own life and define its purpose based upon our personal experiences.   This approach allows us to become responsible for the way that we live our own lives.   It also makes a person look at relationships and recognize that the only relationship that is guaranteed is the one that we have with ourselves.   Frankl (1984) states that “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering” (p. 11).   The Bible tells us, in Ephesians 6:10,...