Thomas Veracity Therapy

& Other Integrative Counseling

Theories and Techniques 2008

Developed by

Mrs. Lela M. Thomas, M.Ed.

Introduction

Thomas Veracity TherapyTo understand my eclectic form of counseling therapy, one must first understand the

definition of “veracity”.

Veracity Defined

• Adherence to the truth; truthfulness.• Acknowledgement of reality.• Conformity to fact or truth; accuracy or precision. • Habitual/consistent truthfulness.

Thomas Veracity Theory #1

Before transformation can effectively successful, we must first be honest and true to ourselves about our problems, set-backs, and dilemmas.

Thomas Veracity Therapy

This therapy involves an amalgamation of1. Reality therapy2. Goal Development Positive Self-Talk

Treatment 3. Insight therapy4. Twelve Step Therapy 5. Motivation therapy and techniques to build

positive intrinsic beliefs/self-esteem.6. Self-Discipline

My Beliefs About Man

My Beliefs About Man• Are derived from the beliefs of Confucius (551-479 B.C.E); a man who was far

ahead of his time.• In my belief, Confucius provides clear principles to live by that are still

comprehendible and universal for society today. His theory of human nature gives reasoning to why our society has become so corrupt and mentally out of touch.

• Although Confucius did not explicitly outline his view of human nature, he expressed that in certain areas of life- humans actively exercise “freedom of will”.

• Asserting that we have no control over our destiny, we can not- for example, determine our social status or longevity. We are free to reject or pursue morality and proper conduct.

• Therefore, humans have the “choice” and ability to either resist or conform to the Decree of Heaven, which is the true source of our virtue and elite goodness.

• He believed that the most important virtue that a human being can possess is benevolence; the achievement of moral perfection.

The Confucius View of Human Nature

• Confucius stressed that despite our circumstances, we have a choice as to how we live in any given situation.

• Humans are extremely malleable. Hence, we can become most anything.

• We are fundamentally “all” the same, we simply become differentiated due to our different ways of being.

• We are unfinished and impressionable, and in need of constant molding to achieve our ultimate end of moral perfection.

• Humans are often untrustworthy.• In accord with modern sociologists and psychologists, Confucius

suggests that our environment determines our character. • As a result, human life without carefully crafted culture produces

disastrous results.

The Confucius Diagnosis IGenerally speaking, the human condition is one of social discord

caused by selfishness and ignorance of the past.

• Humans are out of accord with the decree of heaven/spiritually. • Consequently, human interaction is marred by strife, attention to

personal gain, suffering of unjust burden, and social behavior in general is determined by egoism and greed.

• As a result, we have a miserable/ dismal state of human beings. • Selfish conduct, especially driven by profit is believed to

represent a lack of true respect for others. Confucius implies that this reveals the prevalence of improper relationships within families.

• Since families represent models that represent the basis of a “good society”, the lack of structure and morality causes social dysfunction that continually recycles.

Case in Point Examplesfrom the Ideals of Confucius

• A son who does not know how to treat his father is likely to become a very poor citizen.

• Corrupt individuals who have not cultivated the personal goodness necessary for proper family relationships often spread ill will throughout society.

• On the other hand, it is uncommon for an obedient son to have an inclination to transgress against his superiors/elders; suggesting the importance of a morally

grounded family structure. Quote by Confucius in reference to a Man’s

Deeds

“I used to trust a man’s deed after listening to his words. Now having listened to his

words, I go on to observe his deeds.”

The Confucius Diagnosis II

Confucius contended that action guided by profit leads to immoral circumstances and social disharmony where people selfishly look out for themselves alone.

What are the reasons for these distressing circumstances?1. People are attached to profit.

2. Society lacks the respect of filial piety.

3. The connection between ones word and their actions cannot often be trusted.

4. Ignorance of the Way of the sages/(virtuous) prevails.

5. Benevolence is absent from human affairs.

The Prescription I• The Confucian prescription for the ills of human existence is based

on “self-discipline”. • Doing for Nothing. Involves doing what is right simply because it is

morally right, and not for any other reason. This can serve as a shield for life’s disappointments.

• Righteousness is its own reward; therefore, one is never discontent in doing-even when their efforts go unrecognized.

• Confucius also suggests that humans should not overly consume/burden themselves with attaining high social rank/status or wealth in this world; your way to heaven does not involve this as a criteria.

• Moral Integrity and the cultivation of self is viewed as the only truth worth pursuing.

Quote“The gentleman is troubled by his own lack of ability, not the failure of

others to appreciate him.” -Confucius

The Prescription II• Benevolence toward people outside one’s family should

be an extension of the love one feels for member’s of one’s own family.

• Confucius believed that the most important relationship of all is between a son and his father, or emperor of the state. However, the father must rule by consistent moral example; hence, never failing to comply.

• A good son honors his father by following his ways. Quote

“If you set an example of being correct, who would dare to remain incorrect?” -Confucius

The Prescription II

Knowledge & Education• Confucius stated that knowledge is the key to ethical

action which essentially influences one’s correct behavior.

• Confucius said: “A gentleman never deserts benevolence, not even for as long as it takes to eat a meal”.

• Therefore, the goal is to let benevolence determine all aspects of one’s life without straying.

Goals of the Therapeutic Process

Main Therapeutic Goals• The main goal is to assist clients in achieving an effective and

satisfactory adjustment or change.• To employ techniques for helping one discover what they

really want. • Assist with bringing awareness of strengths, weaknesses,

goals, and positive attributes.• Build confidence and motivation intrinsically• Uplift hopes and generate a desire of higher self-expectations• Encourage client to acquire additional self-improvement

skills. (Ex. Finishing/beginning school, music lessons, or developing a hobby)

• Provide client with ideas and life strategies that will help them to make consistent progress.

• To ensure that client has obtained the necessary information and resources needed to be pro-active in recovery.

Role of the Therapist

Role of the Therapist• Therapist should focus on building trust,

respect, and a positive relationship with client.

• A therapist should possess knowledge and skill • Remain non-judgmental, un-biased and non-

coercive. of craft.• Not to release any personal information until

transference takes place.• Teach clients that legitimate or not, excuses

stand directly in the way of their making needed connections.

• In addition, the therapist needs to display empathy and concern.

Role of the Client

Role of the Client• Display Willingness• Make Positive Efforts & Conscious

Choices Consistently• Strive to Self-Motivate• Challenge Self Positively• Utilize the 12 Step Process• Set, Develop, and Assess Goals• Develop methods to release stress-

ex. exercise, work, reading…• Seek Outside Spiritual/Faith Based

Guidance as Added Support • Use other professional outside

resources when necessary

Stressed Clients PrayerGrant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,The courage

to change the things I cannot accept,And the wisdom

to hide the bodies of those I had to kill today because they got on my nerves.And also, help me to be careful of the toes I step on today,

as they may be connected to the feet I may have to kiss tomorrow.Help me always to give 100% at work…

12% on Monday,23% on Tuesday,

40% on Wednesday,20% on Thursdayand 5% on Friday

And help me to remember…When I’m having a bad day

and it seems that people are trying to wind me up,it takes 42 muscles to frown,

28 to smileand only 4 to extend my arm and smack someone in the mouth!

Just kidding…

Techniques & Methodology Employed

By

Thomas Veracity Theory

Reality Check!• First, a client must awaken to

“reality” by acknowledging the veracity or truth of his or her situation or problem.

• Understand the reality, own it, and then embark on accepting it for what it is.

Goal Development Plan• It is impossible to be

productive in life without a guideline of goals and ambitions.

• In order to be successful, clients should work to create a specific goal development plan; both short and long-term.

• Goals should include precise individualized steps, even if they have to be altered later.

Positive Self-Talk• This strategy is used to

motivate and re-build potential problems in an individual’s self-esteem.

• Negative comments can severely deteriorate one’s self-worth. Therefore, positive self-talk is an excellent method to reconstruct

confidence and alter the ego.

Damn! I sure look handsome.

Self-Discipline• No one other than you can make

you become self-disciplined; it is ultimately your choice to make a decision towards change.

• Self-discipline is the conscious decision to make the right choices on a consistent basis without needing to be urged by somebody else .

• My clients would be encouraged to incorporate this technique into their daily lives for at least thirty days. As a result, the habitual practice should direct a change in behavior.

My Implemented Theories I

1. Reality therapy-is the fundamental idea is that no matter what has happened in the past, our future is ours and success is based on the behaviors we choose. This reverts back to some of the beliefs of Confucius, who also concurred that “choice” is a significant factor of human nature- and adverse/triumphant results. Reality Therapy emphasizes the client's responsibility and self-empowerment. A positive change in behavior is often realized in clients of Reality Therapy. Note: In my theory, would not enforce discussing the past; although conversely, I would not specifically rule it out.

My Implemented Theories II

2. Insight therapy-also known as, psychodynamic psychotherapy is a group of different therapy techniques that assume that a person's behavior, thoughts, and emotions become disordered as a result of the individual's lack of understanding as to what motivates him or her. By using an insight approach, we're intending to understand these stuck places in your psyche so that the “stuck ness”—the inability to move forward in your life—can relax with the awareness of new options. When you really see that now, in your current life, you actually have fresh possibilities for action, the old painful dilemmas naturally melt away.

12 Step Process1. Admitting powerlessness over our situation. 2. Come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Make a decision to “turn our will and our lives” over to the care of God as we understood Him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure

them or others. 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we

understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His Will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we strive to carry a message to others in our situation and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Note:

This 12 step process was adapted from the same system that has been highly effective in Alcoholics Anonymous; however, I have altered the wording to universally conform to a variety of dilemmas.

Theory Used in Multicultural Situations

Multicultural Perspectives

• My therapy technique is both essential and universal to people from multicultural backgrounds because it explores techniques and methods that are “cross-cultural”.

• Anyone from any culture can relate and benefit from exercising positive self-talk, self-discipline, goal development, and the 12 step program.

• As a result, my veracity/truth theory is highly accommodating across the spectrum.

Thank You!I hope you enjoyed…

The End