Chapter 17: Conclusion

   Of the 19 theories and therapy methods I've learned about in this class there have definitely been a few I found I agree with and others I did not like at all. Of these I have chosen two to talk about a little. One of these theories, or set of theories, I found I didn't like was psychoanalysis and neoanalysis. I believe part of the reason for this may be because of the inherent belief that humans are evil by nature, while I don't believe people are good I can't go as far as say they are evil. I also strongly disagreed with the idea that everything could essentially be tied back to some kind of sexual frustration, especially the concept of Penis envy. A theory I did like however was Solution-Focused Therapy. I like the concept that everyone is capable of solving their own problems, even if they need a nudge in the right direction occasionally. I also like that solutions are not forced or pushed onto individuals rather they are grown from and defined by the individual.

Chapter 16: Mindfulness Approaches

   Mindfulness approaches in this chapter are described as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectual Behavior Therapy (DBT). These approaches share origins in cognitive and behavior therapies as well as the integration of mindfulness and acceptance principles. ACT was founded by Steven Hayes. This theory identifies 6 critical processes of human function: acceptance, being present, cognitive diffusion, self as perspective, values, and committed action. DBT was established by Marsha Linehan to treat individuals with parasuicidal tendencies, or suicide attempts and self-harming behavior without suicidal intention. The D in DBT or Dialectics refers to a holistic approach where context is important. Another construct of this therapy method, emotion regulation, refers t an individuals ability to pay attention to their emotions and decipher and understand the experiences attached to them.
   Mindfulness is an important aspect for an student placed in culturally diverse situations. The Mindfulness aspect of ACT is built up to by its other parts of being present, acceptance, cognitive diffusion and self as perspective. Each of these too are key to truly successful experiences abroad. Without acceptance a student maybe in a situation of constant rejection of all around them. They must be present in order to truly process and understand what is happening around them, as well as recognize a though as just that, a though, not an absolute truth they blindly follow. All of this can turn what should be an enriching experience into a dark stain negatively affecting the rest of their life.