Worldview and Theory Selection

Abstract

At the heart of every helping relationship, are a basic set of core values; tools for cultivating and grooming the client into a place of self-discovery. Many of those tools are determined by the helper in their worldview and the specific mode or integrated modes of theory orientation. The way we see the world can greatly shape and influence the way in which we see others. And our worldview can have an impact on our theoretical orientation. It is critical, as a professional in the helping field, to gain a better understanding of the many different theory orientations to better serve the client. The helping relationship is based on putting the focus on the client, and it is just as important to understand their worldview and how it may differ from our own.

Worldview

Worldview is the way in which an individual looks at the world. A person’s worldview can be shaped by many factors throughout their life. Worldview can be described as, “A worldview is a theory of the world, used for living in the world. A world view is a mental model of reality — a framework of ideas & attitudes about the world, ourselves, and life, a comprehensive system of beliefs” (Rusbult). It is a way in which we see the world around us. Two major common core types of worldview are a Christian worldview and a more Darwinism type of worldview based on the Evolution Theory. Christian worldview is based on the beliefs and faith practices set forth in the Bible. Whereas, a more scientific worldview base their ideas on logic and reason. They are driven by facts, whereas a Christian Worldview is driven by faith.

Culture plays a large role in our worldview. Each individual extracts ideas from the world around them and perceives the notion of what the world outside of their culture looks like. As stated by Kenneth Samples, “Everybody has one. A person may be educated or uneducated, liberal or conservative, rich or poor, nonbelieving or God-fearing, but all people act and live in certain ways because they are guided by particular worldviews.” (Samples). Culture generally addresses more of a communal base, it should be regarded when in the helping role and working with clients. There should always be maintained, a level of sensitivity to the client’s cultural background. Cultural differences can create boundaries between the helper and the client, especially if the two worldviews conflict with each other. It is imperative to consider the client’s worldview when working in the helping role, because the helper must also be sensitive to the client’s worldview, because it is their worldview that will drive their perception of the role of the helper, and how effective the helper is. While sensitivity about worldview differences must be maintained, ultimately, the focus of the helper is always to be placed highest on the client, regardless of what each person’s worldview dictates.

Theory orientation is hard to put into some hard and fast rule, because each person the helper may encounter will be as diverse as the culture they come from. It would be important to have a solid foundation as a helper by obtaining knowledge about each type of theory used in practice. Once you have gained that knowledge of each theoretical orientation, then it would be wise to choose the one that is a best fit for your style and become more familiar with it. According to Lynn Freidman, “In addition to choosing a special area of focus, it’s a good idea to develop an in-depth knowledge of at least one theoretical orientation. Of course, in order to do that you need a broad-based exposure to a range of theoretical orientations.” (Friedman). In essence, learn all of the types of theoretical orientation, then work on perfecting one for your practice. Keeping in mind that each theory is not a one size fits all practice, and you should not take that approach with any client. What works well with one client may not work for another client, so it is important to be flexible in your practice and adapt as necessary to meet the needs of the client. That flexibility should always include recognition of the client’s worldview and cultural background when considering a specific theory to work into the helping practice. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the role of the helper is about doing what is best and right for the client.

References

Friedman, Lynn. "Identifying Your Theoretical Approach to Psychotherapy." Psychologist Washington DC. Psychologist Washington DC, 01 Nov. 2015. Web. 02 July 2017.

Rusbult, Craig. "What Is a Worldview? — Definition & Introduction." ASA Blue Sky Banner. ASA, n.d. Web. 02 July 2017.

Samples, Kenneth. "What in the World Is a Worldview?" Reasons to Believe. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 July 2017.