Description
720: Analyzing the Past and Predicting the Future: 120 Years of Counseling Theories
Holly Lawson, B.S.
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Summary
More than 10 major counseling theories have been developed thus far, along with numerous other models and conceptualizations. The history of counseling theory is often described as unfolding in “waves” or “forces.” This analysis investigates whether there is a discernable pattern of key themes among the major theories that can aid in understanding, integrating, and applying theory to practice and predicting the future direction of theory development. Predicting a future direction for counseling theory development can aid current practitioners, educators, and students as they navigate the rapidly changing theoretical dynamics within the field. Theoretical integration of transcendence/spirituality is of increasing interest to practitioners and researchers but has not yet been widely acknowledged or provided with full theoretical treatment. These findings highlight the need for practitioners, educators, and students to carefully consider the role of transcendence/spirituality in counseling theory, research, and practice.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Analyze the pattern/thematic organizational structure of counseling theories that have been developed thus far
• Predict future directions for counseling theory development based on the historical pattern analysis
• Apply these findings to current teaching, research, and practice in the counseling profession
