Choosing a Theoretical Orientation in Graduate School

By Concentric Counselor Myron Nelson, LCPC

Excerpt from Online Counseling Programs blog:  How to Choose a Theoretical Orientation

It is easy to be awestruck by an influential author or enamored by a theory’s concepts but that does not automatically translate into successful treatment. I will pass on advice that was given to me and served me well.

Choose a theoretical orientation based on how comfortable and effective it is for you in practice. Explore the boundaries of what you understand and enjoy about using a theoretical framework beyond the textbook.  Your clinical orientation is extremely important to your work as it provides a foundation and language for therapy. At the same time, don’t let it overshadow the other critical factors of your work including how you present and relate to others.

For more thought-provoking concepts and tips on identifying a theoretical orientation (or even orientations and models -- plural) on counseling, psychotherapy, and psychology, you are encouraged to read the entire post here.  This blog post is particularly useful for graduate students or new grads who are in the exploration phase of selecting a good theoretical fit.