Exploring CBT as My First Theoretical Orientation

As I near the halfway point in my counseling program and prepare for the upcoming Residency II and Practicum, one thing is becoming clear: it is time to pay closer attention to my theoretical orientation as a key element of developing my professional identity. While I know this will evolve and expand over time, for now, I feel drawn to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It seems like the right framework to explore first as I gear up for the upcoming program milestones.

With my background as an educator and researcher, I believe that a structured, measurable, and solution-focused approach is an excellent starting point. CBT fits these principles in a way that feels intuitive to me. It is an evidence-based model that highlights the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which is something I have witnessed firsthand in the classroom.

Once, I worked with a graduate student who struggled with negative self-talk. Despite his intelligence, he hesitated to participate in class. After a few conversations where he expressed feelings of inadequacy, I challenged some of his negative statements by examining the evidence for and against them. While at that point my goal wasn’t therapeutic because I was his professor and not his therapist, I was happy to see that my student understood his negative beliefs about himself were limiting his growth in school. He also recognized these beliefs had the potential to also limit his professional life. A semester later, he told me he had sought help from a counselor and could already see changes.

This experience was one of those moments when I started to take more seriously the possibility of becoming a counselor. Later, after enrolling in the program, reflecting on it also informed my decision to focus on CBT first as I develop my theoretical orientation.

Another aspect that I like about CBT is that it offers adaptable tools to meet clients where they are, whether they are facing anxiety, depression, or navigating life transitions. It is a flexible approach that allows me to work collaboratively with clients to set specific, attainable goals, which is particularly important when time and resources are limited.

At this point, my plan is to take advantage of the upcoming break at the end of this quarter. I am going to invest in a few courses that focus on the application of CBT. I want to be well-prepared for Residency II and Practicum. Learning to apply CBT with real clients will give me the confidence and skills I need as I move into this next phase of training.

But as much as CBT feels like a good fit for now, my goal is to master several theoretical frameworks in the long run. This will not only take time but also a financial investment, as there are countless trainings and certifications available. I want to be well-equipped to serve the diverse needs of the clients I will work with in the future, and that means being able to pull from various schools of thought to provide personalized care. Each client brings a unique set of experiences. I want to be prepared to meet them with the tools that make sense for their situation.

This is just the beginning of my journey in exploring theoretical frameworks. The counseling program is giving me a solid foundation, but I know there is so much more out there. My professional identity as a counselor is still developing, and part of that process is taking the time to explore different approaches beyond what is taught in the classroom.

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I will see you next week!