Develop a personal theory paper, illustrating your theoretical orientation to the counseling process and identify how this approach compares to at least one of the theoretical models of counseling. The student will explore their own belief about the nature of people, problems, change, and select the counseling theory that best fits with your beliefs.

Using APA format, the paper must be between 7 and 10 pages of content (not including title page and reference page). You must use a minimum of seven professional journal references published within last 10 years. All references must be from peer-reviewed journals. (100 points). Submit in LiveText & Canvas Assignments. The paper should address the following elements and use these elements as HEADINGS: Maiden/CP6649 Page 2

• The Nature of People – Describe your view of the nature of people, and describe which theory seems closest to this view. A description of mental health or effective functioning should be included in this discussion. Which theory is closest to your view?

• The Individual in Families and Other Systems – Describe your understanding of how family systems affect individuals, how the family system interacts, and how systems affect the individual in other areas. Describe what family or systemic theory is closest to your view.

• Multicultural Considerations – Summarize how cultural differences factor into your view of people, problems, and the process of change.

• Wellness and Prevention – Describe your theory of how people maintain wellness, including the core constructs. Describe counseling strategies to prevent mental health issues, i.e. substance abuse, physical abuse, relationship problems.

• The Nature of Problems – Describe your view of how people develop problems, challenges, or ineffective functioning. Describe which theory is closest to your view.

• The Process of Change – Describe your view of how people change in the counseling process. Include your view of the role the counselor should take and what the therapeutic relationship should be like to facilitate change. Indicate which theory is most congruent with your views.
• Theory in Practice – Describe techniques, strategies, and tools that you believe would assist in the process of change and with which theory they seem most consistent