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Student Theoretical Beliefs at the Beginning and End of a Counseling Theories Course

“…Therefore, students' viewpoints on theory may always be evolving in some way or another. This idea is in opposition to staying with one set of beliefs and integrating them with established theory as suggested in counselor education literature (Carlson & Erickson, 1999;Guiffrida, 2005;Spruill & Benshoff, 2000). Alternatively, as the results of this study indicated that pre-espoused ideas are expanded over the course of the semester, a model in which counselor educators facilitate students' flexibility of thought can be beneficial.…”

Spiritual transformation: Honoring spiritual traditions in psychotherapy.

“…This appreciation of spirituality focuses on the interconnectedness of all life, one’s experience of the transcendent, and disavowal of organized religions and dogma (Demarest, 2012). As several recent publications attest to, psychotherapists themselves and also their clients are seeking the incorporation of spiritual perspectives in treatment (Aten & Leach, 2009; Carlson & Erickson, 2003; Griffith & Griffith, 2003). As a result, practitioners are being asked to provide culturally sensitive approaches taking into account their clients’ spiritual traditions (Tan & Dong, 2000; Trujillo, 2000).…”

“…For example, as therapists wishing to incorporate the spiritual into treatment, we are cautioned to take a client centered perspective—it is the client’s spirituality and implied ethical system that informs treatment (Doherty, 1999; Hathaway & Ripley, 2009). Along these lines of individual preferences and choices on the part of the client is the connection between transcendent beliefs and practices (Aponte, 2003; Carlson & Erickson, 2003).…”