Theoretical Orientation

As a future professional school counselor, I would integrate the person-centered and the
solution-focused theoretical perspective into counseling practice in school settings. I believe that
the two selected theoretical approaches are relevant to high school students of diverse
backgrounds, and they will significantly benefit from them in a holistic manner. In PersonCentered Therapy, Carl Rogers placed emphasis on the clients development of self-concept and
his or her personal growth, and he accentuated the importance of congruence, unconditional
positive regard, and empathy in fulfilling their potential. congruence is defined as genuineness,
when the therapist does not put on a facade and is authentic throughout the therapeutic process.
(McLeod, 2008) With unconditional positive regard, the therapist approves of and accepts the
client for the person he or she is, despite of the actions committed. And through the expression of
empathy, the therapist understand[s] sensitively and accurately the clients experience and
feelings in the [present]. (McLeod, 2008)

I agree with multiple aspects of Carl Rogers

theoretical belief; the professional school counselors positive attitude and conduct toward
students and the utilization of facilitative techniques, such as active listening, understand, and
accepting, optimize the students holistic development. Applying Rogers theoretical concepts
and methods to counseling strengthens the students feelings of self-worth and sense of power
and responsibility for enhancing the quality of his or her life, and thus maximizing their
developmental potential.
In Solution-Focused Therapy, rather than focusing on the symptoms or issues presented
by the therapy-seeking client, the therapist focuses on the solution. (Dolan, 2015) With emphasis
on the present and future, the therapist collaborates with the client, who is considered an equal
and not a patient, to formulate solutions to existing problems as well as to establish realistic and

practical future goals and devise a procedural plan of action. The theoretical assumption
proposes that, which prior experience, clients possess basic knowledge and abilities to address
and come up with solutions to difficult situations, however, they may require assistance in
honing their problem-solving and goal-setting skills. Since students are inevitably faced with a
vast range of academic, personal/social, and career-related issues, implementing the solutionfocused theoretical approach may be well suited for them. In addition, Solution-Focused Therapy
focuses on and reinforces the clients strengths through validation, which, in a counseling
context, may encourage and empower students to initiate positive changes with confidence.
(Dolan, 2015) And therefore, I believe that Solution-Focused Therapy combined with PersonCentered Therapy will contribute to the betterment of students welfare, foster their holistic
development, and enable them to reach their full potential.

Reference
Dolan, Y. (2015). What is Solution-focused Therapy? Retrieved from
http://www.solutionfocused.net/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/
McLeod, S. (2008). Person Centered Therapy. Retrieved from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html