1. How Do People Change?- discuss your theory of how people change and grow in the counseling process. What does your theory suggest is necessary for someone to change? Are there specific things that need to happen to help a client change?
2. Counselor-Client Relationship- discuss what you believe is the best type of relationship that the counselor and client should maintain. Should it be one of close collaboration? Or should it be one where the therapist is more distant? Or somewhere in between? What about professional boundaries?
3. Counseling Techniques- discuss 2-3 foundational techniques that you think are vital for the counseling process.What is/are the theory(ies) behind why these techniques work in counseling?For example, what specific things should a therapist do in the early phases of therapy in orderto build a strong, collaborative relationship with a client? How best can a therapist help a client reduce their symptoms? Any techniques that you believe are generally helpful for all people seeking counseling?
4. Multicultural Competence- discuss your theory about the necessity of multicultural awareness and competence within the counseling process (i.e., why is it important to be aware of multicultural issues when counseling diverse populations?). What does research have to say about the value of multicultural competence in therapy?