Chapter 17- Conclusion

Chapter 17- Conclusion

In the final chapter of the text, the authors overview important factors in choosing a counseling style. Some of these factors include the individual's beliefs in a person's development, beliefs in what motivates an individual and empirical evidence for the theory. According to the chapter, a good theory is one that you feel comfortable with and one that you share similar beliefs. Other factors that are important, aside of what is best for yourself, is your clientele base. For instance, when working with low SES individuals, psychotherapy may not be the best option, as it often costly and timely. Hence, it does not create a a good client-therapist relationship, which makes the counseling style not the best match for yourself.

On reviewing some of the information on how to choose a counseling style, I believe the two that are most prevalent and useful in my current and future career are solution-focused and feminist approach, respectively. I believe based on my personality, history, beliefs and future aspirations feminist approach would help me best connect and empower my future clients, which may be students from historically underrepresented populations. However, based on my current position and my current clientele, solution-focused would allow me to help many students achieve their short term quick goals, which is improving their grades. While neither of these theories have extensive empirical evidence, I feel they are the best fit for both me and my clientele, thus they are good counseling styles, for me.