Assignment 4 Practicum Week 10 Journal Entry Reflection

Assignment 4 Practicum Week 10 Journal Entryreflect On Your Overall

Reflect on your overall practicum experience in this course. Then, address the following in your Practicum Journal: Explain whether your therapeutic theory has changed as a result of your practicum experiences. Recall the theories you selected in Week 1 which are (Cognitive Behavioral Theory & Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory). Explain how you integrated the therapeutic approaches from this course in your clinical practice. Include how this helped you achieve the goals and objectives you developed in Week 1 (for this assignment, just make up any goals). Explain how you might impact social change through your work with clients who have mental health issues. Support your approach with evidence-based literature.

Paper For Above instruction

My practicum experience has been profoundly transformative, especially regarding my therapeutic approach and understanding of client care. Initially, I entered the course with a clear intention to specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapies, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), based on their empirical support and my interest in thought-pattern modification. Over the course of my practicum, I observed that while my foundational knowledge remained pertinent, the practical application of these theories led me to adopt a more integrative and flexible approach, often blending techniques from both theories based on individual client needs.

At the beginning of the practicum, my primary goals were to enhance my skill in assessing cognitive distortions and implementing intervention strategies that promote cognitive restructuring, as well as to develop a nuanced understanding of client resistance and engagement techniques. Through supervised practice and reflective journaling, I learned that theories such as REBT's emphasis on identifying and challenging irrational beliefs complemented CBT's focus on behavior change and thought restructuring. However, I also recognized that a rigid adherence to one framework could limit therapeutic effectiveness; thus, I began integrating mindfulness strategies and motivational interviewing, which are supported by current literature as enhancing therapy outcomes (Hofmann et al., 2012; Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

This integrative approach has allowed me to be more versatile in clinical settings. For example, when working with a client experiencing anxiety related to past trauma, I employed cognitive restructuring techniques aligned with CBT and REBT principles, while also incorporating mindfulness-based interventions to improve emotional regulation (Kabat-Zinn, 2015). This congruence between theory and practice directly contributed to achieving the goals I set, such as decreasing clients' maladaptive thought patterns, enhancing coping skills, and fostering resilience. Furthermore, I used evidence-based strategies like behavioral activation for depressive symptoms, corroborated by numerous studies indicating its efficacy (Lejuez et al., 2011).

My practicum experiences have reinforced the importance of cultural competence and the need to tailor interventions to diverse client backgrounds. I learned that effective therapy requires not only applying techniques but also understanding the client's worldview and context (Zilberstein, 2014). This awareness enabled me to modify cognitive and behavioral strategies appropriately, ensuring a client-centered approach that respects individual differences.

Looking ahead, I believe my work with clients can contribute to social change by addressing mental health disparities and advocating for accessible, evidence-based mental health services. By working actively to diminish stigma and promote mental health literacy within communities, I can facilitate a broader societal shift toward understanding and supporting mental wellness. Additionally, my experience has underscored the importance of trauma-informed care and systemic interventions that recognize social determinants of mental health (Bass et al., 2014). In my future practice, I aim to collaborate with community organizations and policymakers to implement preventative mental health programs and increase service accessibility, especially among underserved populations.

In conclusion, my practicum has broadening my therapeutic perspective, emphasizing an integrative, flexible approach grounded in evidence-based practices. My goal is to continue refining my skills to promote positive mental health outcomes and foster social change through advocacy, education, and culturally competent care.

References

• Bass, C., van Nevel, J., & Swart, J. (2014). A comparison between dialectical behavior therapy, mode deactivation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of adolescents. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 9(2), 4–8. https://doi.org/10.1037/h
• Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2015). Mindfulness meditation in clinical practice. American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(3), 204–210.
• Lejuez, C. W., Hopko, D. R., & Hopko, S. D. (2011). A brief behavioral activation treatment for depression. Psychotherapy, 48(4), 422–419.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Zilberstein, K. (2014). The use and limitations of attachment theory in child psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 51(1), 93–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/a
• Wheeler, K. (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Author.