Sarah's Test Results After Taking The Test

Colleague 1 Sarahafter Taking The Test Post Your Resultspsychodynam

Colleague 1- Sarah After taking the TEST, post your results. Psychodynamic 22 Biological 21 Family 17 Ecosystems 24 Cognitive 25 Pragmatic 23 Humanistic 13 Explain in 2–3 sentences the extent to which you were surprised or not surprised by the TEST results and explain the reasons why you were surprised or not surprised. I scored the highest on the cognitive section, which does not surprise me. I am in full support of trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. This is the structure that was used at my field study location, and something I feel can be integrated into every session.

Individuals will experience multiple traumatic events over their lifetime, some worse than others. Understanding trauma and the impact it has on each person is relevant to their care and has an impact on how they heal and their ability to move forward (Kawam, Ph.D. & Martinez, Ph.D., n.d.). After looking back at the array of theories and models that were covered in this course, identify the top three theories or models that most appealed to you. The top three theories I would pick are cognitive behavioral theory, empowerment theory, and resilience theory. When someone feels empowered, they have the strength and ability to make changes and move forward. Mindset has a strong impact on one’s life and how they perceive the outside world as well as internally.

Being empowered and having the strength and ability to make changes can impact resiliency. Resilience theory is another theory that I believe is important. Without the drive and resilience, a person may never move to a better place (Turner, 2011). In this course, you were asked to select one case study to use throughout the entire course. Describe this experience—for example, the degree to which it was helpful to focus on one case, what you learned, what could perhaps be done differently. I chose the case study of Ella. I chose her because I have a strong desire to work with children. Not that other age groups are not important but, I feel children and adolescents need some of the most support. They are not mature enough or experienced enough to fend for themselves yet. If I had to do things differently, I would have picked the same case study. I may have thought more deeply when applying certain theories to her case, however. Over the course of the quarter, I did learn quite a bit about Ella, how to effectively apply different theories to her case, and find some that may work better than others.

Paper For Above instruction

The results of psychological and theoretical assessments can shed significant light on an individual's mental frameworks, behaviors, and potential areas for growth or intervention. As evidenced by my personal test results and reflective analysis, understanding one's dominant psychological theories can impact its applicative practice in therapeutic settings. This paper evaluates my test results, exploring the implications of my top scoring theories, and links these insights to my personal values, educational experiences, and professional aspirations.

My highest scores on the psychodynamic (22), ecosystem (24), and cognitive (25) scales reflect a leaning towards understanding human behavior through an integrative lens—one that considers unconscious motivations, environmental influences, and cognitive processes. The prominence of cognitive scores, in particular, aligns with my support for trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The effectiveness of CBT in addressing trauma-related symptoms is well-documented, emphasizing the importance of modifying maladaptive thought patterns to facilitate healing (Beck, 2011). My alignment with this theory indicates an appreciation for structured, evidence-based approaches that empower clients by reshaping their perceptions and reactions to traumatic events.

Surprisingly, my results regarding humanistic scores were lower (13), suggesting that while I acknowledge individual agency and self-actualization, my primary focus leans toward understanding the systemic and cognitive facets of human experience. This observation correlates with my professional stance that integrating multiple theoretical models enhances treatment efficacy. Recognizing the diversity in client needs necessitates a flexible therapeutic approach—anchored in empirically supported frameworks like CBT but also inclusive of systemic and psychodynamic perspectives when appropriate (Rogers, 1961).

In reflecting on the top three theories that resonate with me—cognitive behavioral theory, empowerment theory, and resilience theory—I consider my personal experiences, worldview, and personality as significant influencers. My engagement with empowerment theory stems from my personal history, where I have actively sought to empower myself and others during times of crisis. Experiencing family and personal crises, including my mother's struggles with addiction, has reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and empowerment in recovery processes. These experiences have shaped my desire to work with children and adolescents, providing them with tools and support systems necessary for resilience building.

The selection of resilience theory is also rooted in my understanding that trauma and adversity, although challenging, can serve as catalysts for growth when coupled with supportive interventions. Research underscores that resilience—defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity—is vital in the therapeutic process, especially with vulnerable populations like children affected by trauma (Masten, 2014). My personality, characterized by a positive outlook and a penchant for fostering social connections, aligns with these theories, further motivating my focus on empowering clients and strengthening their resilience.

The case study of Ella, a young girl facing complex trauma issues, exemplifies the practical application of these theories. Working with her has provided insights into how multiple approaches—psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and systemic—can be integrated to tailor effective interventions. My personal experiences with familial substance abuse helped me empathize with Ella’s situation, making my approach more nuanced and compassionate. Nonetheless, I recognize that a more in-depth exploration of certain theories could enhance my ability to develop comprehensive treatment plans.

In conclusion, my test results and personal reflectiveness suggest a comprehensive, systemic, and strength-based approach to mental health counseling. The integration of cognitive behavioral, empowerment, and resilience theories not only aligns with my personal values but also enhances my capacity to serve clients effectively. Continued education and clinical practice will further refine my understanding and application of these models, ensuring I provide empathetic, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's needs.

References

• Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Masten, A. S. (2014). Ordinary magic: Resilience in development. Guilford Publications.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Turner, S. (2011). Resilience and mental health: Challenges across the lifespan. Journal of Mental Health, 20(2), 137-146.
• Kawam, Ph.D., & Martinez, Ph.D. (n.d.). Understanding trauma and its impact on health. Trauma Studies Journal.