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Counselling/Psychotherapy Theory To Practice

'Show Don’t Tell': Using Fiction To Apply Theory To Practice In Your Counselling/Psychotherapy Thesis

'Show Don't Tell' In Fiction

Although they also avoid it for specific effects, many fiction writers frequently follow the 'show don't tell' principle: they don't tell readers the story – they show them it.

TELL: Zane came home but was tired.
SHOW: Zane came home, slumped into bed and fell asleep.


First, consider issues with the 'tell' one. Next, identify positives of the 'show' one, then analyse the benefits of 'showing' in psychotherapy and counselling theses.

Counselling/Psychotherapy Theses: 'Showing'

Psychotherapy and counselling theses involve applying theory to practice or, in this context, 'showing' how you've used psychological, therapuetic and related theory in your practice. However, sometimes counselling and psychotherapy theses/students 'tell' their readers this when they should 'show' it.

TELL: I used empathy to build the therapeutic relationship with Zane and this worked because through it we became much closer and talked about deeper things.

Having only this approach weakens a psychotherapy or counselling thesis. Anybody can 'tell' examiners/supervisors and readers they did this; what the latter often want, though, is for you to 'show' them your application of theory to practice.

How To 'Show' In Therapy-Based Theses

So, how do we 'show' in psychotherapy/counselling theses?

First, rewrite the above example as 'showing'.

Next, check it. Avoid reporting it; instead, live it and convey what actually happened, giving specifics and actual action. Without delving into the various aspects of empathy, let's look at one possibility. Begin by introducing the relevant aspect of empathy you demonstrated; perhaps also cite some theory (or do this afterwards). Then write a brief interaction showing your use of empathy. For example:

Zane: He just says we'll have a chat about it, but we never do.
Therapist: He doesn't seem to understand its significance for you.
Zane: Not at all.
Therapist: And in such stressful circumstances.
Zane: Definitely. I can hardly sleep.
[Silence. Non-verbal contact (relate specifics)]
Zane: You know, I really feel ...


This very basic example is in extract form, but your counselling/psychotherapy thesis can be done in other ways (e.g. short/part in-line quotes). (Note the use of actual dialogue in these). As in the above example, also consider conveying non-verbal behaviour and other approaches to 'showing', but give more specifics than above.


This psychotherapy/counselling thesis article has only a very basic example and much more can be done, but build on it when writing your own counselling and psychotherapy thesis. If you require help, need to discuss anything further or want to use my proofreading, editing or rewriting services for counselling/psychotherapy theses, simply contact me now.