Each stage of my life has been important to me because it will help determine the future that awaits me at the end of my journey. Choosing a theoretical focus is an important decision for me as a graduate student seeking to become a licensed professional counselor. After being introduced to several theoretical orientations, it was difficult to make a final decision on which one to choose because each had ideas that I agreed with. As I read through these theories, I realize that many of them had opinions that I agree with or believe in, which made it harder to choose one in particular. Initially, Carl Rogers' person-centered approach captivated my attention with his perspective and the way he develops theory. He believed that no one was born to be sneaky towards others and I agree with him (Rogers, 1961). I believe that no one is born with the intention of harming others, but certain experiences that individuals have throughout their lives can lead them to harm others. I once saw a photo depicting a white baby on a bus touching the hand of a black man sitting next to his mother. The mother appeared to have a disgusted face while looking away to avoid eye contact with the man. The photo said, “No one is born racist,” and in that moment I thought about the importance of what children are exposed to every day and the importance of what parents teach their children about life. Holdstock and Rogers (1977) mentioned that each individual is biologically and psychologically unique, which helps each person experience their environment in their own way. I agree that each person is unique in their own way, but ultimately each individual chooses to be different from others to...... middle of paper ...... in my reality. , T.S. (2013). Advising a global profession (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.Hill, CE (2009) Helping Skills: Facilitation, Exploration, Insight, and Action (3rd edition). Washington DC: American Psychological Association Holdstock, TL & Rogers, CR (1977). Person-centered theory. In RJ Corsini (Ed), Current theories of personality (pp. 125–152). Itasca, IL: Peacock. Rogers, C.R. (1961). A therapist's perspective on psychotherapy. Become a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Rogers, C.R. (1979). The foundations of the person-centered approach. Education, 100(2), 98. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4727029&site=ehost-liveSharf, RS (2008). Theories of psychotherapy and counseling: counseling and cases (5th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole