Summary EDCO 715: PERSONAL COUNSELING THEORY PAPER

Much attention has been devoted to research on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Many approaches and theoretical models are included under this umbrella. This paper examines my personal emerging counseling theory based upon the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) developed by Albert Ellis. The basis is to get a better understanding of how the use of REBT can be a mechanism to change the perception of dysfunctional thoughts into positive ones for the Christian client using a biblical worldview. The content of this paper discusses the emotional, biological, and environmental factors that influence distress. The paper will also cover theory based treatment strategies that address key underlying mechanisms for meaningful client change, key treatment strategies for my working theory and their intended outcomes, an integration of a Christian worldview that includes biblical principles, and will present an example of a biblical worldview issue in the theory that requires further study.