Discussion Board Post

Discussion Board Post
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Discussion Board Post
During the first year of my graduate training, I got to learn about various theories that professionals in the field of psychology use during therapy. I prefer the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as it entails practical and hands-on approaches to problem-solving. According to Hofmann, Asnaani, and Vonk (2012), CBT aims at changing both reasoning and behavior patterns associated with people’s challenges to change the way they feel. The technique’s effectiveness extends to a broad range of conditions related to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship problems. I prefer the use of CBT as it focuses on changing the attitude and behavior of people by focusing on their beliefs, opinions, thoughts, and images.
Humanistic therapy also forms part of the widely used techniques in counseling. I partially understand this form of psychoanalysis as a client-based approach, which accentuates the open expression of the patient and total acceptance from the therapist. Counselors usually encourage patients to express their issues openly as they work to understand emotions, find meaning, and self-actualization (Miller, Sward, & Nielsen, 2011). Although it entails client-based and Gestalt approaches, many counselors prefer the former. Client-based techniques emphasize absolute positive regard for patients irrespective of other models that may apply to their situations.
Although counselors at times utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I am yet to comprehend its functioning and effectiveness fully.

However, I recognize the fact that it emphasizes mindfulness as an essential concept of human psychology. Despite being a relatively new technique, its popularity in the field of counseling has increased significantly over the past few years. Miller et al. (2011) assert that DBT combines the aspect of mindfulness with various elements of CBT. Precisely, it emphasizes the development of resilient relationships, management of out-of-control emotions, and a decrease in tendencies that encourage self-destructive deeds.
References
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. 
Miller, A. M., Sward, J. M., Nielsen, R. C., & Robertson, S. N. (2011). Theoretical integration of humanistic and cognitive/behavioral approaches in counseling. American Counselling Association. Retrieved from http://counselingoutfitters.com/ vistas/vistas11/Article_51.pdf