iscuss the meaning of the integrated counseling perspective.
From the textbook, which one best suits you and why?
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of drawing from more than one school?
In developing your integrative approach to counseling, what factors will be considered when determining the theoretical concepts you will use and why?
Based on what you’ve reviewed in Ch.15, what theory would be your primary choice at this point and why?


"
This chapter will help you think about areas of convergence and divergence among
the 11 therapeutic systems covered in this book. Although these approaches all
have some goals in common, they have many differences when it comes to the best
route to achieve these goals. Some therapies call for an active and directive stance on
the therapist’s part, and others place value on clients being the active agent. Some
therapies focus on experiencing feelings, others stress identifying cognitive patterns,
and still others concentrate on actual behavior. The key task is to find ways to integrate certain features of each of these approaches so that you can work with clients
on all three levels of human experience.
The field of psychotherapy is characterized by a diverse range of specialized
models. With all this diversity, is there any hope that a practitioner can develop
skills in all of the existing techniques? How does a student decide which theories
are most relevant to practice? Looking for commonalities among the systems of
psychotherapy is relatively new (Norcross & Beutler, 2019). Practitioners have been
battling over the “best” way to bring about personality change dating back to the
work of Freud. For decades, counselors resisted integration, often to the point of
denying the validity of alternative theories and of ignoring effective methods from
other theoretical schools. The early history of counseling is full of theoretical wars.
Since the early 1980s, psychotherapy integration has developed into a clearly
delineated field. It is now an established and respected movement that is based
on combining the best of differing orientations so that more complete theoretical
models can be articulated and more efficient treatments developed (Goldfried et
al., 2019). The Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration, formed in
1983, is an international organization whose members are professionals working
toward the development of therapeutic approaches that transcend single theoretical
orientations. As the field of psychotherapy has matured, the concept of integration
has emerged as a major force (Norcross & Beutler, 2019).
In this chapter I consider the advantages of developing an integrative perspective
for counseling practice. I also present a framework to help you begin to integrate concepts and techniques from various approaches. As you read, start to formulate your
own personal perspective for counseling. Look for ways to synthesize diverse elements
from different theoretical perspectives. As much as possible, be alert to how these systems can function in harmony.
Refer to the MindTap for this book to interact with video quizzes and various video
programs to expand your knowledge on topics relevant to Chapter 15.
Psychotherapy Integration
A large number of therapists identify themselves as “eclectic,” and this category
covers a broad range of practice. At its worst, eclectic practice consists of haphazardly
picking techniques without any overall theoretical rationale. This is known as
syncretism, wherein the practitioner, lacking in knowledge and skill in selecting
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534 Chapter Fifteen
interventions, looks for anything that seems to work, often making little attempt
to determine whether the therapeutic procedures are indeed effective. Such an
uncritical and unsystematic combination of techniques is no better than a narrow
and dogmatic orthodoxy. Pulling techniques from many sources without a sound
rationale results in syncretistic confusion, which is detrimental to the successful
treatment of clients (Corey, 2019; Norcross & Beutler, 2019).
Pathways Toward Psychotherapy Integration
Psychotherapy integration is best characterized by attempts to look beyond and
across the confines of single-school approaches to see what can be learned from other
perspectives and how clients can benefit from a variety of ways of conducting therapy.
The majority of psychotherapists do not claim allegiance to a particular therapeutic
school but prefer, instead, some form of integration (Norcross & Alexander, 2019;
Norcross & Beutler, 2019). In a 2007 survey, only 4.2% of respondents identified
themselves as being aligned with one therapy model exclusively. The remaining 95.8%
claimed to be integrative, meaning they combined a variety of methods or approaches
in their counseling practice (Psychotherapy Networker, 2007). A panel of psychotherapy experts has predicted an increase in the popularity of integrative therapies in the
next decade, particularly with regard to mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, multicultural, and integrative theories (Norcross et al., 2013).
The integrative approach is characterized by openness to various ways of integrating diverse theories and techniques. The ultimate goal of integration is to enhance
the efficiency and applicability of psychotherapy. Four of the most common pathways toward the integration of psychotherapies are technical integration, theoretical
integration, assimilative integration, and the common factors approach. All of these
approaches to integration look beyond the restrictions of single approaches, but they
do so in distinctive ways (Norcross & Alexander, 2019; Norcross & Beutler, 2019).
Technical integration aims at selecting the best treatment techniques for the
individual and the problem. It tends to focus on differences, chooses from many
approaches, and is a collection of techniques. This path calls for using techniques
from different schools without necessarily subscribing to the theoretical positions
that spawned them. For those who practice from the perspective of technical integration, there is no necessary connection between conceptual foundations and techniques. Therapists have a variety of tools in their tool kit to use with clients. One
of the best-known forms of technical integration, which Lazarus (2008) refers to
as technical eclecticism, is the basis of multimodal therapy. Multimodal therapists borrow from many other therapeutic models, using techniques that have been demonstrated to be effective in dealing with specific clinical problems. Whenever feasible,
multimodal therapists employ empirically supported techniques.
In contrast, theoretical integration refers to a conceptual or theoretical
creation beyond a mere blending of techniques. This route has the goal of producing a conceptual framework that synthesizes the best aspects of two or more
theoretical approaches under the assumption that the outcome will be richer than
either theory alone. This approach emphasizes integrating the underlying theories
of therapy along with techniques from each. Examples of this form of integration
are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT),
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An Integrative Perspective 535
both of which are described in Chapter 9. Emotion-focused therapy (EFT), introduced
in Chapter 7, is another form of theoretical integration. This approach is informed
by the role of emotion in psychotherapeutic change. Greenberg (2017), a key figure
in the development of EFT, conceptualizes the model as an empirically supported,
integrative, experiential approach to treatment. Emotion-focused therapy is rooted
in a person-centered philosophy, but it is integrative in that it synthesizes aspects of
Gestalt therapy, experiential therapy, and existential therapy. Emotion-focused therapy blends the relational aspects of the person-centered approach with the active
phenomenological awareness experiments of Gestalt therapy.
The assimilative integration approach is grounded in a particular school of
psychotherapy, along with an openness to selectively incorporating practices from
other therapeutic approaches. Assimilative integration combines the advantages of
a single coherent theoretical system with the flexibility of a variety of interventions
from multiple systems. An example of this form of integration is mindfulness-based
cognitive therapy (MBCT), which integrates aspects of cognitive therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction procedures. As you may recall from Chapter 9, MBCT
is a comprehensive integration of the principles and skills of mindfulness that has
been applied to the treatment of depression (Segal et al., 2013).
The common factors approach searches for common elements across different
theoretical systems. Despite many differences among the theories, a recognizable core
of counseling practice is composed of nonspecific variables common to all therapies.
Lambert (2011) concludes that common factors can be a basis for psychotherapy
integration:
The common factors explanation for the general equivalence of diverse therapeutic interventions has resulted in the dominance of integrative practice in routine
care by implying that the dogmatic advocacy of a particular theoretical school is
not supported by research. Research also suggests that common factors can become
the focal point for integration of seemingly diverse therapy techniques. (p. 314)
Some of these common factors include empathic listening, support, warmth,
developing a working alliance, opportunity for catharsis, practicing new behaviors, feedback, positive expectations of clients, working through one’s own conflicts, understanding interpersonal and intrapersonal dynamics, change that occurs
outside of the therapy office, client factors, therapist effects, and learning to be
self-reflective about one’s work (Norcross & Beutler, 2019; Prochaska & Norcross,
2018).These common factors are thought to be far more important in accounting
for therapeutic outcomes than the unique factors that differentiate one theory from
another. Specific treatment techniques make relatively little difference in outcome
when compared with the value of common factors, especially the human elements
(Elkins, 2016). Among the approaches to psychotherapy integration, the common
factors approach has the strongest empirical support (Duncan et al., 2010).
Of all of the common factors investigated in psychotherapy, none has received
more attention and confirmation than a facilitative therapeutic relationship
(Lambert, 2011). The importance of the therapeutic alliance is a well-established
critical component of effective therapy. Research confirms that the client–therapist
relationship is central to therapeutic change and is a significant predictor of both
effectiveness and retention of therapy outcomes (Elkins, 2016; Miller et al., 2015).
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536 Chapter Fifteen
Advantages of Psychotherapy Integration
An integrative approach provides a general framework that enables practitioners to
make sense of the many aspects of the therapy process and provides a map giving direction to what practitioners do and say (Corey, 2019). One reason for the movement
toward psychotherapy integration is the recognition that no single theory is comprehensive enough to account for the complexities of human behavior, especially when the
range of client types and their specific problems are taken into consideration. Because
no one theory contains all the truth, and because no single set of counseling techniques
is always effective in working with diverse client populations, integrative approaches
hold promise for counseling practice. Norcross and Wampold (2019) maintain that
effective clinical practice requires a flexible and integrative perspective. Psychotherapy
should be flexibly tailored to the unique needs and contexts of the individual client.
Using an identical therapy relationship style and treatment method for all clients is
inappropriate and can be unethical (Norcross & Cooper, 2021; Norcross & Wampold,
2019). Norcross and Alexander (2019) conclude that “psychotherapy integration is an
intellectually vibrant, clinically popular, demonstrably effective, and maturing international movement” (p. 22). They predict that “psychotherapy integration will most
certainly be a therapeutic mindstay of the twenty-first century” (p. 22).
The 11 systems discussed in this book have evolved in the direction of broadening their theoretical and practical bases and have become less restrictive in their
focus. Many practitioners who claim allegiance to a particular system of therapy
are expanding their theoretical outlook and developing a wider range of therapeutic techniques to fit a more diverse population of clients. There is a growing recognition that psychotherapy can be most effective when contributions from various
approaches are integrated (Norcross & Goldfried, 2019).
Practitioners who are open to an integrative perspective will find that several
theories play a crucial role in their personal counseling approach. Each theory has
its unique contributions and its own domain of expertise. By accepting that each
theory has strengths and weaknesses and is, by definition, “different” from the others, practitioners have some basis to begin developing a theory that fits for them
and their clients. It takes considerable time to learn the various theories in depth. It
is not realistic for any of us to expect that we can integrate all the theories. Instead,
integration of some aspects of some theories is a more realistic goal. Developing an
integrative perspective is a lifelong endeavor that is refined with clinical experience,
reflection, reading, supervision, and discourse with colleagues.
The Challenge of Developing an Integrative Perspective
A survey of approaches to counseling and psychotherapy reveals that no common
philosophy unifies them. Many of the theories have different basic philosophies
and views of human nature (Table 15.1). As the postmodern therapists remind us,
our philosophical assumptions are important because they influence which “reality” we perceive, and they direct our attention to the variables that we are “set” to see.
A word of caution then: Beware of subscribing exclusively to any one view of human
nature. Remain open and selectively incorporate a framework for counseling that is
consistent with your own personality and belief system and that validates clients’
belief systems as well.
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An Integrative Perspective 537
Table 15.1 The Basic Philosophies
Psychoanalytic therapy Unconscious motives and conflicts are central in present behavior. Early development is
of critical importance because later personality problems have their roots in repressed
childhood conflicts.
Adlerian therapy Humans are motivated by social interest, by striving toward goals, by inferiority and
superiority, and by dealing with the tasks of life. People have the capacity to interpret,
influence, and create events. Each person at an early age creates a unique style of life, which
tends to remain relatively constant throughout life.
Existential therapy The central focus is on the nature of the human condition, which includes a capacity for
self-awareness, freedom of choice to decide one’s fate, responsibility, anxiety, the search for
meaning, being alone and being in relation with others, striving for authenticity, and facing
living and dying.
Person-centered therapy Positive view of people; we have an inclination toward becoming fully functioning. In the
context of the therapeutic relationship, the client experiences feelings that were previously
denied to awareness. The client moves toward increased awareness, spontaneity, trust in
self, and inner-directedness.
Gestalt therapy The person strives for wholeness and integration of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Some
key concepts include contact with self and others, contact boundaries, and awareness. As
an experiential approach, it is grounded in the here and now and emphasizes awareness,
personal choice, and responsibility.
Behavior therapy Behavior is the product of learning. We are both the product and the producer of the
environment. Contemporary behavior therapy has branched out in many directions,
including mindfulness and acceptance approaches.
Cognitive behavior therapy Individuals tend to incorporate faulty thinking, which leads to emotional and behavioral
disturbances. Cognitions are the major determinants of how we feel and act. Therapy
is primarily oriented toward cognition and behavior, and it stresses the role of thinking,
deciding, questioning, doing, and redeciding. This is a psychoeducational model, which
emphasizes therapy as a learning process and acquiring more effective ways of coping with
problems.
Choice theory/Reality therapy Based on choice theory, this approach assumes that we need quality relationships to
be happy. Choice theory is an explanation of human nature and how to best achieve
satisfying interpersonal relationships.
Feminist therapy Feminists criticize many traditional theories to the degree that they are based on genderbiased concepts. The constructs of feminist therapy include being gender fair, flexible,
interactionist, and life-span-oriented. Gender and power are at the heart of feminist therapy.
This is a systems approach that recognizes the cultural, social, and political factors that
contribute to an individual’s problems.
Postmodern approaches Based on the premise that there are multiple realities and multiple truths, postmodern
therapies reject the idea that reality is external and can be grasped. People create meaning in
their lives through conversations with others. The postmodern approaches avoid pathologizing
clients, take a dim view of diagnosis, avoid searching for underlying causes of problems, and
place a high value on discovering clients’ strengths and resources. Rather than talking about
problems, the focus of therapy is on creating solutions in the present and the future.
Family systems therapy The family is viewed from an interactive and systemic perspective. The family provides the
context for understanding how individuals function in relationship to others and how they
behave. Treatment deals with the family unit.
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538 Chapter Fifteen
Despite the divergences in the various theories, creative syntheses among some
models are possible. For example, an existential orientation does not necessarily preclude using techniques drawn from behavior therapy or from some of the cognitive
theories. Each point of view offers a perspective for helping clients in their search
for self. I encourage you to study all the major theories and to remain open to what
you might take from the various orientations as a basis for an integrative perspective
that will guide your practice.
In developing a personal integrative perspective, it is important to be alert to the
problem of attempting to mix theories with incompatible underlying assumptions.
Examine the key concepts of various theories as you begin to think about integration (Table 15.2). By remaining theoretically consistent, but technically integrative,
practitioners can spell out precisely the interventions they will employ with various
clients, as well as the means by which they will select these procedures.
Table 15.2 Key Concepts
Psychoanalytic therapy Normal personality development is based on successful resolution and integration of
psychosexual stages of development. Faulty personality development is the result of
inadequate resolution of some specific stage. Anxiety is a result of repression of basic
conflicts. Unconscious processes are centrally related to current behavior.
Adlerian therapy Key concepts include the unity of personality, the need to view people from their
subjective perspective, and the importance of life goals that give direction to behavior.
People are motivated by social interest and by finding goals to give life meaning. Other
key concepts are striving for significance and superiority, developing a unique lifestyle, and
understanding the family constellation. Therapy is a matter of providing encouragement
and assisting clients in changing their cognitive perspective and behavior.
Existential therapy Essentially an experiential approach to counseling rather than a firm theoretical model, it
stresses core human conditions. Interest is on the present and on what one is becoming.
The approach has a future orientation and stresses self-awareness before action.
Person-centered therapy The client has the potential to become aware of problems and the means to resolve them.
Faith is placed in the client’s capacity for self-direction. In therapy attention is given to the
present moment and on experiencing and expressing feelings.
Gestalt therapy Emphasis is on the “what” and “how” of experiencing in the here and now to help clients
accept all aspects of themselves. Key concepts include holism, awareness, unfinished
business and avoidance, contact, and energy.
Behavior therapy Focus is on overt behavior, precision in specifying goals of treatment, development of
specific treatment plans, and objective evaluation of therapy outcomes. Therapy is based
on the principles of learning theory. Normal behavior is learned through reinforcement
and imitation. Abnormal behavior is the result of faulty learning.
Cognitive behavior therapy Although psychological problems may be rooted in childhood, they are reinforced by
present ways of thinking. A person’s belief system and thinking is the primary cause of
disorders. Internal dialogue plays a central role in one’s behavior. Clients focus on examining
faulty assumptions and misconceptions and on replacing these with effective beliefs.
Choice theory/Reality therapy The basic focus is on what clients are doing and how to get them to evaluate whether their
present actions are working for them. The approach rejects the medical model, the notion
of transference, the unconscious, and dwelling on one’s past.
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An Integrative Perspective 539
One of the challenges you will face as a counselor is to deliver therapeutic services in a brief, comprehensive, effective, and flexible way. Many of the theoretical
orientations addressed in this book can be applied to brief forms of therapy. One of
the driving forces of the psychotherapy integration movement has been the increase
of brief therapies and the pressures to do more for a variety of client populations
within the limitations of 6 to 20 sessions. Short-term and very-short-term therapies
are increasing. Time-limited brief therapy refers to a variety of time-sensitive, goaldirected, efficiency-oriented methods. These methods can be incorporated in any
theoretical approach (Hoyt, 2015). Lambert (2011) believes the future direction of
theory, practice, and training will see (1) the decline of single-theory practice and the
growth of integrative therapies, and (2) the increase in short-term, time-limited, and
group treatments that seem to be as effective as long-term individual treatments
with many client populations.
An integrative perspective at its best entails a systematic integration of underlying principles and methods common to a range of therapeutic approaches. The
strengths of systematic integration are based on its ability to be taught, replicated,
and evaluated (Norcross & Beutler, 2019). To develop this kind of integration, you
will eventually need to be thoroughly conversant with a number of theories, be open
to the idea that these theories can be connected in some ways, and be willing to
continually test your hypotheses to determine how well they are working. Neukrug
(2016) reminds us that “the ability to assimilate techniques from varying theoretical
perspectives takes knowledge, time, and finesse” (p. 139).
Integration of Multicultural Issues in Counseling
Multiculturalism is a reality that cannot be ignored by practitioners if they hope to
meet the needs of diverse client groups. I believe current theories, to varying degrees,
can and should be expanded to incorporate a multicultural dimension. If contemporary theories do not account for the cultural dimension, they will have limited applicability in working with diverse client populations. For some theories, this transition
is easier than for others.
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Feminist therapy Core principles of feminist therapy are that the personal is political, therapists have a
commitment to social change, women’s voices and ways of knowing are valued and women’s
experiences are honored, the counseling relationship is egalitarian, therapy focuses on strengths,
and all types of oppression are recognized.
Postmodern approaches Therapy tends to be brief and addresses the present and the future. The person is not the
problem; the problem is the problem. The emphasis is on externalizing the problem and
looking for exceptions to the problem. Therapy consists of a collaborative dialogue in
which therapist and client co-create solutions. By identifying instances when the problem
did not exist, clients can create new meanings for themselves and fashion a new life story.
Family systems therapy Problems in relationships are likely to be passed on from generation to generation. Key
concepts vary depending on specific orientation but include family-of-origin dynamics,
functional versus dysfunctional interaction patterns, and dealing with here-and-now
interactions. The present is more important than exploring past experiences.
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540 Chapter Fifteen
Clients can be harmed if they are expected to fit all the specifications of a
given theory, whether or not the values espoused by the theory are consistent
with their own cultural values. Rather than stretching the client to fit the dimensions of a single theory, practitioners need to tailor their theory and practice to
fit the unique needs of the client. This calls for counselors to possess knowledge
of various cultures, to be aware of their own cultural heritage, and to have skills
to assist a wide spectrum of clients in dealing with the realities of their culture.
Psychotherapy integration stresses tailoring interventions to the individual client rather than to an overarching theory, making this approach particularly well
suited to considering cultural factors and the unique perspective of each client.
Comas-Diaz (2019) believes that cultural competence enables counselors to work
effectively in most clinical settings. Practitioners demonstrate their cultural competence by becoming aware of their own and their clients’ worldviews, and by
being able to use culturally appropriate interventions to reflect their cultural
beliefs, knowledge, and skills. This is a good time to review the discussion of the
culturally skilled counselor in Chapter 2 and to consult Tables 15.7 and 15.8,
which appear later in this chapter.
In your role as a counselor, you need to be able to assess the special needs of
clients. The client’s ethnicity and culture and the concerns that bring this person to
counseling challenge you to develop flexibility in utilizing an array of therapeutic
strategies. Some clients will need more direction and guidance; others will be hesitant to talk about themselves in personal ways, especially during the early phase of
the counseling process. What you may see as resistance could be the client’s response
to years of cultural conditioning and respect for certain values and traditions. Basically, it comes down to your familiarity with a variety of theoretical approaches
and your ability to employ and adapt your techniques to fit the person-in-theenvironment. It is not enough to merely assist your clients in gaining insight,
expressing suppressed emotions, or making certain behavioral changes. The challenge is to find practical strategies for adapting the techniques you have developed
to enable clients to examine the impact their culture continues to have on their life
and to make decisions about what, if anything, they want to change.
Being an effective counselor involves reflecting on how your own culture
influences you and your interventions in your counseling practice. This awareness
is critical in becoming more sensitive to the cultural backgrounds of the clients
who seek your help. Using an integrative perspective, therapists can encompass
social, cultural, spiritual, and political dimensions in their work with clients.
Integration of Spirituality and Religion in Counseling
The counseling process can help clients gain insight into the ways their core beliefs
and values are reflected in their behavior. Current interest in spiritual and religious
beliefs has implications for how such beliefs might be incorporated in therapeutic
relationships (Frame, 2003; Johnson, 2013; Young & Cashwell, 2020). Survey data
from members of both the American Psychological Association and the American
Counseling Association indicate that spiritual/religious values are therapeutically
relevant, ethically appropriate, and potentially significant topics for the practice of
counseling in secular settings (Delaney et al., 2007; Young et al., 2007).
LO5
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An Integrative Perspective 541
Worthington (2011) asserts that the increasing openness of therapists to clients’
spiritual and religious concerns and interests has been fueled by the multicultural
evolution. The emphasis on multiculturalism has empowered people to define themselves from a cultural perspective, which includes their spiritual, religious, and ethnic
contexts. Johnson (2013) views spiritually informed therapy as a form of multicultural therapy. The first step is for therapists to be sincerely interested in clients’ spiritual beliefs and experiences and how they find meaning in life. Johnson believes that
a client-defined sense of spirituality can be a significant avenue for connecting with
the client and can be an ally in the therapeutic change process. However, the emphasis is on what the client wants, not on the therapist’s spiritual experiences or agenda
for the client.
Clients who are experiencing a crisis situation may find a source of comfort,
support, and strength in drawing on their spiritual resources. For some clients, spirituality entails embracing a religion, which can have many different meanings. Other
clients value spirituality but do not have any ties to a formal religion. Whatever one’s
particular view of spirituality, it is a force that can help the individual find a purpose
(or purposes) for living. Spiritual or religious beliefs can be a major sustaining power
that supports clients when all else fails. Other clients may be affected by depression
and a sense of worthlessness due to guilt, anger, or sadness created by their unexamined acceptance of spiritual or religious dogma. Counselors must remain open and
nonjudgmental in conversations about religion or spirituality. Furthermore, counselors cannot ignore a client’s spiritual and religious values if they want to practice
in a culturally competent and ethical manner (Johnson, 2013; Young & Cashwell,
2020). It is essential for counselors to be aware of and understand their own spiritual
or religious attitudes, beliefs, values, and experiences if they expect to facilitate an
exploration of these issues with clients.
Common Goals Spiritual values have a major part to play in human life and struggles. Exploring these values has a great deal to do with providing solutions for
clients’ struggles. Because spiritual and therapeutic paths converge in some ways,
integration is possible, and dealing with a client’s spirituality will often enhance
the therapy process. Themes that have healing influences include loving, caring,
learning to listen with compassion, challenging clients’ basic life assumptions,
accepting human imperfection, and going outside of self-oriented interests (social
interest). Both a spiritual perspective and counseling can help people ponder
questions of “Who am I?” and “What is the meaning of my life?” Pursuing these
existential questions can foster healing.
Implications for Assessment and Treatment Traditionally, when clients come to
a therapist with a problem, the therapist explores all the factors that contributed to
the development of the problem. A background of involvement in religion can be
part of a client’s history, and thus it can be a part of the intake assessment and can be
explored in counseling sessions. Frame (2003) presents many reasons for including
spirituality in the assessment process: understanding clients’ worldviews and the
contexts in which they live, assisting clients in grappling with questions regarding the
purpose of their lives and what they most value, exploring religion and spirituality as
client resources, and uncovering religious and spiritual problems. This information
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542 Chapter Fifteen
will assist the therapist in choosing appropriate interventions. Young and Cashwell
(2020) maintain that counselors must assess whether clients’ spiritual or religious
beliefs may be exacerbating or helping clients’ psychological problems.
Your Role as a Counselor It is critical that counselors not be judgmental when it
comes to their clients’ beliefs and that counselors create an inviting and safe climate
for clients to explore their values and beliefs. There are many paths toward fulfilling
spiritual needs, and it is not your role as a counselor to prescribe any particular
pathway. By conducting a thorough assessment on a client’s background, you will
obtain many clues regarding personal themes for potential exploration. If you
remain finely tuned to clients’ stories and to the purpose for which they sought
therapy, clients’ concerns about spiritual or religious values, beliefs, and practices
will surface. It is critical that you listen for how clients talk about existential
concerns of meaning, values, mortality, and being in the world. Remain open to
how your clients define, experience, and access whatever helps them stay connected
to their core values and their inner wisdom (Johnson, 2013).
Ethical and clinical considerations are equally important when providing
therapy for clients who are nonreligious (Sahker, 2016). These clients may need
a safe place to discuss their doubts related to internal conflicts involving nonbelief. Some who have left the religion of their family of origin may have been
rejected by family members and may want to express and explore the pain they
experience as a result of their choice. To practice ethically and effectively with
these clients, therapists must gain competence in making assessments and in
providing appropriate treatment.
From my vantage point, the emphasis on spirituality will continue to be
important in counseling practice, which makes it imperative that you prepare
yourself to work competently with the spiritual and religious concerns that your
clients bring up. For further reading on the topic of integrating spirituality and
religion into counseling, I highly recommend Integrating Spirituality and Religion
Into Counseling: A Guide to Competent Practice (Cashwell & Young, 2020) and Spirituality in Counseling and Psychotherapy: An Integrative Approach That Empowers Clients
(Johnson, 2013).
Processes and Procedures of Therapy
Therapeutic Goals
The goals of counseling are almost as diverse as are the theoretical approaches
(Table 15.3). Some possible goals include the following:
◆ Restructuring the personality
◆ Uncovering the unconscious
◆ Creating social interest
◆ Finding meaning in life
◆ Curing an emotional disturbance
◆ Examining old decisions and making new ones
◆ Developing trust in oneself"


Integrative Counseling
Be sure to indent the first sentence of each paragraph. You are introducing the reader to the content of your paper and establishing your position. 
Integrated Counseling Perspective
Be sure you are citing sources used to respond to each topic. Be thorough and thoughtful with each section using critical thinking to respond to the topics. 
My Integrated Perspective  
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Advantages and Disadvantages of the Integrated Perspective
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Factors Determining My Integrative Approach
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Primary Theory Choice and Why
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Conclusion 
References
Be sure to add APA formatted references for each cited source used. Remember, citations and references go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.
References (Example: Use your own References)
Anderson, K. (2017). I am making this up too. Another Journal of Made up Stuff, 234(567), 891-999. doi: 1234567898998767 
Corey, G. (2024). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (11th Ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning. In-text citations would be (Corey, 2024).
Smith, J. (2019). I am making this up. Journal of Made up Stuff, 123(1), 256-392. Retrieved from www.jomus.com