PERSONALIZED-BASED APPROACH
Every person is singular and needs an unique treatment
CBT AND PSYCHOANALYSES
Get the most out of Life
I believe that there are two major theories, psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Theories (CBT). Psychodynamic define psychopathology as determined by an event during childhood. Erickson explains the developmental stages, and if you do not meet the criteria to move forward, you can stay in a stage longer and not move to the next one. CBT defines psychopathology as a learned though. CBT believes that thoughts determine our feelings and behaviors. Therefore, if you change a “learned thought” you can change feelings and behaviors. I use both depending on the client’s needs and I work with my clients to determine the one that we believe would be a better fit for the client.
CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
Guidance & Inspiration
Most Christians believe that everything needed to know is in the Bible, and they are right, but not necessarily everything that explains child development, human personality, schizophrenia, depression, etc. As in any other field of medicine, the Bible does not explain how to do a heart transplant, or how to treat cancer, or even how to treat vision impairment. Mental Health is, for me, like any other field of medicine, but it treats the brain of a person. And because the main treatment is through counseling or conversation, is not seen as medicine.
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Prov. 4: 6 – 7 NIV).
MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
Embrace Life’s Challenges
For a counselor, being able to understand different cultures is key to provide a good service. In this occasion, asking questions and being open to learning is vital. Understanding a client’s culture and point of view not only enables the counselor to do a better job but also gives the client a sense of validation and being understood. The opposite would give the client a sense of incomprehensiveness.
The types of knowledge and skills needed to counsel the culturally different are identifying, understanding and addressing issues.
When counselor show clients that they can acknowledge and address their cultural differences, is very likely that clients will trust the counselor better. Clients also are able to identify that there is a culture differentiation between counselor and counselee. When the counselor demonstrates preparedness, clients might feel more comfortable and may put their guards down more easily. Counselors should understand the client’s worldview so that they can better understand and help them.