The Pros And Cons Of An Integrative Approach

There are merits and drawbacks to all the theoretical orientations, we studied so far. Therefore, an integrative approach works best for me as a counselor. I intend on using techniques from different schools that would benefit my clients. In my current integrative approach, which is actually a work in progress, I’ll include person centered theory, multicultural theory, and LGBT theory. I agree with person centered therapy theory that a person is self actualizing and can only truly know reality from their perspective and experiences. Nevertheless, I believe that one can attempt to understand others and be empathetic towards them even if they live in different worlds.
I believe that a person 's personality is a product of both nature and nurture. For example, a person is

Rogers proposed that self actualization is the most prevalent and motivating drive of human existence. Rogers’ theory of personality development revolves around several core concepts: the organism, the organism’s phenomenal field, and the self. Each person exists and reacts in a “continuing changing world of experience of which he or she is the center.” (Roger, 1951) Moreover, each of us engages in an organismic valuing process. As the infant becomes aware of a self he/she develop a need for positive regard from others. From interactions with others in the environment, certain values are internalized into our self-structure, this resembles Freud’s superego. A person may also respond to an experience by ignoring, denying symbolization into awareness or distort the symbolization. A person’s self regard is linked to positive regard from others. It is a person’s own feelings about him or herself, similar to self esteem. (Jones-Smith, p.