Is The Personal Theoretical? A Critical Incident Analysis of Student Theory Journals

Abstract

Journal entries from 23 masters students enrolled in a counseling theories course were analyzed using Critical Incident methodology to identify students’ self-disclosures and connection to counseling theories. Seven different patterns of connecting theoretical information to personal experiences emerged. The authors present a discussion of how the findings and resulting framework can contribute to the teaching of counseling theory and the reflective process of identifying theoretical orientation. Author's Notes Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Allison Hrovat at hrovata@strose.ed