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Counseling Approaches for Adolescents

The document discusses a module focused on three counseling approaches for adolescents: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Person-Centered Therapy. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their preferred approach, share insights, and engage with classmates. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting counseling strategies to individual needs and the effectiveness of CBT in fostering self-awareness and coping skills in adolescents.

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7 views4 pages

Counseling Approaches for Adolescents

The document discusses a module focused on three counseling approaches for adolescents: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Person-Centered Therapy. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their preferred approach, share insights, and engage with classmates. The discussion highlights the importance of adapting counseling strategies to individual needs and the effectiveness of CBT in fostering self-awareness and coping skills in adolescents.

Uploaded by

eutyndirangu
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Module 2 Discussion

Please watch the video:


Three Counseling Approaches: One Adolescent Client - [Link]
[Link]/view/work/bibliographic_entity
%7Cvideo_work%7C1779036Links to an external site.
Reflect on:

 Which theory would you use among the three mentioned in the
video? And Why?
 Complete the sentences:


o I learned…
o I need…
o I wonder...

Please be sure to post your discussion and respond to two (2) of your
classmates

Additional Resources for working with Children:


Brief Counseling with Children and Adolescents: [Link]
[Link]/view/work/bibliographic_entity
%7Cvideo_work%7C1778726Links to an external site.
Five approaches of working with children: [Link]
[Link]/view/work/bibliographic_entity%7Cvideo_work
%7C1857807Links to an external site.
NOTE: If you see that someone already has a reply, please scroll down
toward the bottom of the discussion and respond to someone who has not
yet had a response.

Responses from classmates


I.
After watching and observing the video material named "One Adolescent
client, I thought about the prevalent differences between the counseling
theories that have been identified. Among the three major theoretical
frameworks described in the video, there were Person-Centered Therapy,
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
(SFBT). I would then choose to work with adolescents, applying Cognitive-
Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The fundamental rationale of such preference is
the fact that CBT is a structured tool and strategies that assist adolescents in
identifying, challenging, and altering their negative thoughts and behaviors.
CBT provides practical skills, such as thought records and behavioral
experiments, to help individuals take control of their emotional reactions and
make positive changes in their lives. Further, the collaborative and goal-
oriented aspect of CBT is compatible with adolescent development and
creates self-efficacy and resilience by engaging directly in the process of
development.
I understood that both approaches have their peculiar strengths according to
the needs of a client. Person-centered approach encourages empathy and
unconditional positive regard, which allows adolescents to express their
feelings in a secure environment (Walter et al, 2021). SFBT also focuses on
strengths and solutions to build motivation, which is especially effective with
teens who might be overwhelmed or feel stuck. The illustration of these
theories allowed me to understand the importance of customizing counseling
strategies to each person, considering his/her preparedness, character, and
individual issues. I would require further field training and close monitoring
on how to use these methods. It was educational to watch and observe how
the expert counselors in the video used open-ended questions, reflective
listening, and guided activities. Still, I understand that in real-life situations, I
have to practice these interventions so that I can gain confidence in their
application as well as competence.
My question is, what do adolescents themselves think of these two different
approaches? Do they respond better to the direct approach to anxiety
disorder through CBT, or are others more likely to respond to the accepting
therapeutic regime of Person-Centered therapy? I am also concerned with
what determines the preferences and the outcome of adolescents in
treatment, based on cultural, developmental, and familial factors (Sauter et
al, 2023). After watching the entire video, I've come to understand once
again that being flexible, empathetic, and having a good command of
evidence-based approaches is what it takes to be an effective counselor who
works with adolescents. It is also vital to continually learn and reflect to gain
expertise as a practitioner.

Sauter, F. M., van den Bogaard, M., van Vliet, C., & Liber, J. M. (2023). An
AAIDD-informed framework for cognitive behavioral case formulation and
cognitive behavior therapy for young people with mild intellectual disabilities
or borderline intellectual functioning. Clinical Psychology: Science and
Practice, 30(3), 299. [Link] to an
external
site.

Walter, D., Buschsieweke, J., Dachs, L., Goletz, H., Goertz-Dorten, A., Kinnen,
C., ... & Doepfner, M. (2021). Effectiveness of usual-care cognitive-behavioral
therapy for adolescents with depressive disorders rated by parents and
patients–an observational study. BMC psychiatry, 21(1), 4
23. [Link] Links to an
external site.

II.
After viewing Three Counseling Approaches: One Adolescent
Client (Alexander Street, 2011), I was struck by how each theoretical
approach shaped not only the counselor’s technique but also the adolescent
client’s level of openness and engagement. While all three methods,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT),
and Reality Therapy, had unique strengths, the one that most resonated with
me as a future school counselor was Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
CBT is structured and evidence based, with a strong focus on identifying and
challenging negative thought patterns. This approach aligns well with my
experience as a 3rd-grade teacher, where I’ve often seen how students’
beliefs about themselves impact their behavior and learning. CBT offers
students the opportunity to understand the link between thoughts, feelings,
and actions, which can be empowering, especially for adolescents struggling
with anxiety, low self-esteem, or negative self-talk.
In the video, the counselor used techniques such as thought tracking and
cognitive restructuring to help the adolescent recognize unhelpful beliefs and
reframe them more realistically. What stood out to me was the therapist's
ability to engage the client in reflection and challenge without judgment. I
could see the client becoming more confident and self aware as the session
progressed. These are skills I hope to cultivate in my own counseling
practice, helping students develop tools they can use beyond the session.
While I still value the goal-setting nature of SFBT, I believe CBT provides a
more structured and practical framework for students who need immediate
tools to navigate emotional and behavioral challenges. For younger students
like the ones I currently teach, I understand that CBT may need to be
developmentally adapted. I imagine using visual supports, storytelling, or
drawing exercises to help younger children recognize and talk about their
thought patterns.
SFBT was also effective, especially in helping the client visualize success and
focus on their strengths. "SFBT does not focus on the past or the present but
rather small changes lead to big changes" (Dr. Ed Hamann). However, I feel
that SFBT might overlook underlying issues that require deeper emotional
processing.
Reality Therapy, on the other hand, emphasized personal responsibility and
decision making, which can be powerful but might need a softer approach
when working with younger or more vulnerable students. CBT, by contrast,
strikes a good balance it offers structure and accountability while also
providing insight and coping strategies.
I learned that each counseling theory can deeply impact the counselor
client relationship and the session's overall tone. Watching the same client
respond differently to each approach emphasized how important it is to be
flexible and responsive as a counselor.
I need to continue building my knowledge and skills in CBT so that I can
confidently apply its techniques in both individual and group settings. I want
to be able to recognize cognitive distortions quickly and guide students
through strategies to reframe their thoughts effectively.
I wonder how CBT can be integrated into school settings where time is often
limited and confidentiality is complex. I also wonder how to incorporate CBT
principles with younger children in developmentally appropriate ways,
especially for students who struggle to verbalize their emotions.
In conclusion, watching the three approaches in action reinforced the
importance of intentionality in counseling. While all three models offer value,
CBT aligns most with the kind of practical, skill-building work I hope to do as
a school counselor. It’s a powerful tool to help students gain insight, self-
regulate, and take control of their emotional well-being, skills that are crucial
for both academic and personal growth.
References
Alexander Street. (2011). Three counseling approaches: One adolescent
client. [Link]
bibliographic_entity%7Cvideo_work%7C1779036Links to an external site.
Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond (2nd ed.).
Guilford Press.
Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th
ed.). Cengage Learning

Common questions

Powered by AI

Different counseling approaches shape the techniques used by counselors and affect the level of openness and engagement of adolescent clients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is structured and evidence-based, encouraging a reflective and challenge-oriented environment without judgment, which can increase client confidence and self-awareness . Person-Centered Therapy provides a secure environment for clients to express feelings, promoting openness through empathy and unconditional positive regard . Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) emphasizes strengths and success visualization, which can facilitate engagement particularly for clients feeling overwhelmed .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered suitable for adolescents with anxiety or depressive disorders because it offers structured tools and strategies, such as thought records and behavioral experiments. These help adolescents identify, challenge, and alter negative thoughts and behaviors, fostering immediate practical skills for emotional regulation . Its goal-oriented and collaborative approach is compatible with adolescent development, promoting self-efficacy and resilience .

Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy address adolescent needs differently by focusing on emotional safety versus cognitive restructuring. Person-Centered Therapy provides a supportive, empathetic environment, encouraging adolescents to express themselves freely, which can enhance self-awareness and acceptance . In contrast, CBT offers structured techniques to challenge and change negative thought patterns, providing practical tools for coping with anxiety and depression, fostering self-efficacy and resilience .

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is effective in building motivation by focusing on strengths and visualizing success, which can be especially beneficial for adolescents who feel stuck or overwhelmed, as it does not dwell on past or present problems . However, its limitation lies in potential oversight of deeper emotional issues that require more comprehensive emotional processing, which might be needed for some adolescents .

To effectively implement CBT in school settings, it is crucial to adapt its techniques for brevity and clarity given the time constraints. This might involve focusing on core techniques like cognitive restructuring and thought tracking. Confidentiality complexities demand clear communication with students about privacy limits and obtaining parental consent for counseling sessions. Developing group formats may also facilitate broader reach and support .

Understanding cognitive distortions is central to effective counseling outcomes with CBT, as it allows adolescents to identify inaccurate and negative thought patterns that influence their well-being. By recognizing these distortions, adolescents can learn to reframe their thoughts more realistically, which can reduce anxiety and depression levels and improve overall emotional regulation, fostering healthier behavior and self-esteem .

Cultural, developmental, and familial factors significantly influence adolescents' preferences and outcomes in counseling. These factors can affect adolescents' comfort with certain therapy types, their engagement level, and their overall response to therapeutic interventions. Cultural backgrounds might sway preferences towards more direct or empathetic approaches, while developmental stages may determine suitability of structured versus open-ended therapies. Familial support and dynamics can either enhance or hinder the effectiveness of the chosen therapy, impacting the outcome .

Integrating CBT principles into teaching can enhance student behavior and learning by helping students understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Teachers can apply CBT through activities that encourage self-reflection, such as journaling about thoughts and their impacts on behavior, or facilitating discussions that challenge negative beliefs. This approach fosters empowerment and self-regulation among students .

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be adapted for younger students by using visual supports, storytelling, or drawing exercises to help them recognize and discuss their thought patterns. These techniques make CBT developmentally appropriate for younger children who might struggle with verbalizing emotions .

Flexibility and empathy in counselors are crucial because adolescents present diverse backgrounds and issues that require personalized approaches. Being empathetic helps build trust and a secure environment for adolescents to express themselves, while flexibility allows counselors to tailor interventions that fit each client's unique needs and developmental stage .

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