New CPP & deadline: Seligman and Reichenberg’s text has discussed secular counseling theories that emphasize client background, emotions, thoughts, actions, and systems (family, etc.). The Tan integration text, class presentations, and various articles have addressed theological and Christian worldview aspects of applying various secular theories. You will combine these sources and additional outside research (ten additional sources) to describe your emerging “working theory” of counseling. In total, a minimum of 15 sources are required. Your working theory can focus mainly on one secular theory that you like or be a combination of several secular theories that you like

Emerging “Working Theory” of Counselling: Cognitive Behavioral Theory of Counselling Name: Institutional affiliation: Course: Date: Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc160945574 \h 2Background: Factors Influencing Distress PAGEREF _Toc160945575 \h 3Content: Theory-Based Treatment Strategies PAGEREF _Toc160945576 \h 4Underlying Mechanisms for a Meaningful Change PAGEREF _Toc160945577 \h 4Treatment Strateges and Intended Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc160945578 \h 6Integration of CBT into Christian Worldview PAGEREF _Toc160945579 \h 6Christian Worldview and Faith-Based Eclectic Working Theory PAGEREF _Toc160945580 \h 6Biblical Principles and Addressing Worldview Issues PAGEREF _Toc160945581 \h 6Example of Integrating a Christian Worldview into Counseling Practice PAGEREF _Toc160945582 \h 7Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc160945583 \h 9References PAGEREF _Toc160945584 \h 9 Introduction Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ranks as the best theory in counseling today because of its perceived effectiveness in reducing mental health symptoms. First proposed by Aaron Beck in 1960s, this conselling theory has been ranked effective by several studies in managing mental disorders including anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and personality disorder. Several other researches consider this theory effective in managing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other non-pyschiatric disorders such as migraines, irritable bowel syndorome, insomnia, and other related conditions. According to Luvira et al., (2023). CBT is a combination of two schools of psychotherapy namely behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy. Behavioral therapy is founded on the notion that behaviors are learned and therefore can be unlearned. Behavioral therapy seeks to identify the behaviors causing an individual problem and then replace such behaviors with good behaviors through behavior modelling or other conditioning techniques. On the other hand, cognitive theory places emphasis on changing the thoughts that are often the basis of such behaviors (Chand et al., 2023). This theory argues that the cognitive space is the center of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; and that people develop psychological problems due to inappropriate thoughts. Reshaping the inappropriate thoughts should therefore be the starting point for this theory to work. While this paper describes CBT as an emerging “working theory”, it does so from a wider perspective starting from factors contributing to distress ( i.e., background, emotions, thoughts, actions, and family) to theory-based treatment strategies and to the integration of a Christian worldview (CW) into the counselling profession and to the examination of how biblical practices can inform our overall understanding of human nature thus guiding therapeutic options and approaches. Background: Factors Influencing Distress According to life experiences distress is a result of a myriad of causes, with the most common ones being background, emotions, thoughts, actions, and family or cultural systems. Whenever a mental case is brought forth, counsellors first assignment is to understand the client’s life experiences and personal histories, as the two play a key role in a patient’s psychological wellbeing. Luvira et al., (2023) writes that family background issues are major predictors of mental health. For example, mental illness in parents or guardians often represent huge risk for children and the wider family. The risk as a result of background worsens when close people such as parents have complications such as anxiety disorder, Bipolar disorder, alcoholism and other drugs or depression. In worst case scenario, some mental health risk is inherited. Staying in an inconsistent environment increases the risk of developing mental illnesses almost two-fold. Knowing a client’s background in details is crucial for effective intervention. Secondly, emotions or sensations play a crucial role in triggering experiences that often impact an individual’s mental wellbeing. Ability to steer and regulate one’s emotions determines one’s feelings and reactions in life. Instances of emotional dysregulation such as easy frustrations, impulsive behaviors, mania, mood swing, losing temper, and anger during outburst triggers symptoms that often disrupt an individual’s social relationships, quality of life, work, among other (Tan, 2011). In worst cases, emotional dysregulation triggers mental health conditions such as disruptive mood disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, depressive disorders, among others. Understanding that emotions and sensations play a role in triggering distress among clients forms the basis for effective intervention. Thirdly, 70% of people suffering from mental disorders state that they think too much. Their thinking often revolves around key issues namely negative experiences or life problems. Ehring (2021) states that repetitive negative thoughts is a causal mechanism in development of psychopathology. More so, induced rumination triggers problems such as biased information processing, poor problem solving, and overall impairment in one’s interpersonal functions. Recurring instances of maladaptive thoughts such as negative self-talk have a tendency to accelerate depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a wider range of disorders such as substance use disorder, eating disorder, PTSD, among others. Any instance of maladaptive thoughts or repetitive negative thinking causes distress in a client, which can culminate to mental disorder over time. Fourthly, a client’s behavioral patterns and actions often serve as contributors to distress. In most instances, client’s resort to maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse and stress avoidance, which temporary relief them from problems, but rarely solve the underlying issues. A constant repeat of such maladaptive behaviors over time does not only causes distress but also exacerbates the underlying problems. Finally, family and cultural systems play a significant part in creating a client’s distress. Intergenerational patters, family experiences, beliefs and intergeneration patterns shape one’s interpersonal relationships and worldview thus impacting clients' overall mental well-being. For example, underlying beliefs shape people’s perceptions and overall interpretation of events. ...