A Critique of a Theoretical Counseling Model

A Critique of a Theoretical Counseling Model

Hurt People Hurt People by Sandra D. Wilson, Ph.D.

In her book, Hurt people hurt people, Sandra Wilson presents a theoretical self-help

model for dealing with residual childhood hurts and breaking generational patterns of hurting others.This examination of Dr. Wilson’s approach to correcting maladjusted behavioral patterns briefly summarizes both the theoretical and theological orientation of her proposed model, considers the model in the context of Dr. Hawkins concentric circle theory of personality, and presents a critique with regard to the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the approach.

Overview of theoretical orientation and process

The title of her book, Hurt people hurt people, more than adequately summarizes Dr.

Wilson’s (2001) thesis.Dr. Wilson (2001) asserts that no living being is exempt from the reality of being deeply wounded, and consequently wounding others. From her perspective wounded souls are at the root of most maladaptive adult behaviors (Wilson, 2001, p. 85). She suggests that those wounds are the result of early childhood solutions to a real, or at the very least a perceived, threat to an innate survival instinct. Dr. Wilson (2001) postulates that behavioral patterns and personality develop over time as a result of repeatedly answering questions with regard to a need for“trust, identity, andatt achm en t” (Wilson, 2001, pp. 73-83).

Additionally, she suggests that a deep sense of binding shame, developed during

childhood, in response to demands for perfection and a misguided understanding of the word of God, exacerbates adult life problems. Binding shame is a term Dr. Wilson (2001) uses todescribe a deep seated belief in one’s lack of value. She asserts that a person who is bound by shame is fettered by a debilitating sense of being “worth less” (Wilson, 2001, p. 17) than others. Many of life’s problems begin when the lies associated with binding shame begin to take root. They...