Acting within my clinical competence as a licensed clinical social worker, and State of Texas Board-approved supervisor (LCSW-S), I am competent and comfortable in the application of several evidence-based psychotherapies. My therapeutic approach stems from training and education in the following: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), dialectical and behavior therapy (DBT), reality therapy, and Rogerian/person-centered therapy. A common factors approach is defined by Lambert & Ogles (2014) as a mixed evidence-based psychotherapy approach, combined by common components (“factors”) to meet the individual needs of the client. The technical eclecticism approach is like the common factors approach but has a more systematic integration and application of clinical interventions (Lazarus & Beutler, 1993). These approaches were born from the awareness of client's unique needs that can be met beyond the rigidity of evidence-based practices. Although neither the common factors approach nor the technical eclecticism approach are empirically supported as effective therapeutic approaches on their own (Lazarus & Beutler, 1993; Lambert & Ogles, 2014), effective outcomes are not fully dependent on the clinician’s techniques. Lambert & Ogles (2014) noted positive clinical outcomes were significantly influenced by therapeutic alliance and internal experiences. I practice as a trauma therapist within my private practice. Trauma-focused therapy is unique in that it directly addresses the trauma clients have experienced in a meaningful and intentional way. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as, "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. (2022, para. 1)." Rather than focusing on just the present dysfunction, trauma-focused therapy acknowledges the influence the past trauma(s) has on the individual’s present emotional, cognitive, and physical functioning. Using EMDR as my primary therapeutic approach, I make a careful assessment of the client’s past experiences, present triggers, and future goals. This assessment is done carefully with an emphasis on the person-centered therapy approach’s three primary components: unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence with the client (Seligman et al., 2018). The clinically supported and effective psychotherapies used in my therapeutic approach include cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, EMDR, reality therapy), person-centered therapy, and the incorporation of a Christian worldview. Every client is unique in their needs, pathologies, goals, and aspirations. The ability to meet the client’s needs requires clinical knowledge the and ability to tailor the information available through EBPs (Evidence-Based Psychotherapy). The client’s personality, past therapeutic experiences, beliefs about therapy, religious beliefs, alliance with the therapist, internal resiliency, age, education level, and more all influence the therapeutic experience and outcomes. A therapist using a cookie-cutter (“one size fits all”) mentality is not supportive of the person-centered approach. My approach is an intentional and careful application of therapeutic interventions modified to meet the client's needs and goals. Intentionally tailored and prayerfully applied, my therapeutic approach is aimed to empower the clients. I want them to leave after the first session feeling more hopeful, less alone, inspired, and motivated to help themselves. I remind them regularly of their courage and strength to willingly address the most unwanted and tough times in their lives. Religious and spiritual beliefs are objectively and clinically viewed as a strength and resource for clients. I believe incorporating core components of several cognitive therapies, person-centered therapy values, and Christian values (for those who are interested) has the greatest probability of positive outcomes for the clients. As a clinician, I make the commitment to learn more, grow spiritually, and continue to show up. I challenge my clients to do the same through my eclectic psycho-therapeutic approach.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2022). Trauma and Shock. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma.
Lambert, M. J., & Ogles, B. M. (2014). Common factors: Post hoc explanation or empirically based therapy approach? Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.), 51(4), 500-504. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036580
Lazarus, A. A., & Beutler, L. E. (1993). On technical eclecticism. Journal of Counseling and Development, 71(4), 381-385. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.1993.tb02652.x
Seligman, L., Kress, V., & Reichenberg, L. (2021). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, 5th Edition. Pearson: Hoboken, NJ. ISBN: 9780134460864.
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