Developing Your Theoretical Orientation

As a counselor, how do you develop a theoretical orientation? Do you just wake up one morning and—voila—you have your theoretical orientation?

Your theoretical orientation will not magically come to you in a dream or vision. In fact, developing a theoretical orientation is a process that begins when you take your first counseling theories course and continues throughout your master’s program, your field experience, and beyond.

As you progress through your studies, you will likely find that you are continually developing a clearer picture of your theoretical orientation.

Over the years following your master’s degree, your orientation will begin to solidify as you work and learn from observing other counselors. In truth, the process probably never ends because you will always learn about new theories, work with new clients, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

For this Discussion, you listen to the personal stories of how two distinguished counselor educators, Dr. John Marszalek and Dr. Matthew Buckley, developed their own theoretical orientations. Read your Instructor’s post regarding his or her theoretical orientation in this week’s Discussion Board.

Then, reflect upon the various factors that can influence the development of a counselor’s theoretical orientation.

What factors might be influencing your own development process?

To Prepare:

Firstly, review Corey article.

Secondly, review this week’s Learning Resources, specifically focusing on the two media programs: Theoretical Orientations and Course Wrap-Up.

Thirdly, visit the Discussion Board to review your Instructor’s post on his/her theoretical orientation.

By Day 3

Post and include the following elements about developing a theoretical orientation:

Firstly, that are your initial reactions and thoughts about your Instructor’s theoretical orientation?

Secondly, that did you learn about theoretical orientations from Drs. Marszalek and Buckley?

Thirdly, explain where you are now in the process of beginning to develop your own theoretical orientation. Include a description of the factors that are currently influencing your development process.

Lastly, explain your future plans for personal theoretical development.

Only your main post is required; however, please feel free to respond to your colleagues’ posts.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.