Discussion: Reflecting on Your Future Work as a Professional Counselor

Up to this point in the course, you have concentrated on reviewing case studies from the perspective of a single theoretical perspective. This week, you have the opportunity to discuss how you see that two theories may integrate into an effective strategy for you as a future counselor. You may also decide that a single theory feels like it will be the best fit for your future career at this point in your training. Whether you choose to integrate two theories or remain a purist, thoughtfully and thoroughly back up your current position.

Finally, you will consider the specifics of how what you have learned during this course will enable you to be an agent of positive social change. In what ways may your specific choice of strategy or strategies affect your role of a social change agent?

To Prepare:

• Consider what you have learned and explored throughout this course, concentrating specifically on the case studies and how you responded from the perspectives of different theories.
• Reflect on the possibility that two theories might integrate well with your future professional practice.
• Identify the ways that the knowledge gained in this course positions you to be an agent for positive social change in the future.

By Day 3

Post your reflections on the following points:

• If you choose to integrate two theories, identify the theories you selected and explain how they resonate with you. Then, explain how you believe they would integrate well for your future professional practice.
• If it feels like a better fit for your current place in your professional journey to concentrate on one theory, you can identify that theory and discuss what you think is the best fit for your future.
  • Whether you choose a single theory or take the position that two would integrate well, thoughtfully back the reasons why you are taking your position.
• Finally, include an explanation of how you will use what you have learned as a professional counselor as an agent of social change in your broader community.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and identify current relevant literature to support your work.

By Day 5

Read your colleagues’ postings.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts and explain whether you believe the proposed case conceptualization is the most beneficial for the case selected and why.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained as a result of your colleagues’ comments.