Counseling: An Analysis Of Psychodynamic Approach
Introduction
Counseling may be defined as a therapeutic skill that is used to help solve client’s problems. Also counseling has general principles that emphasize the client goal, relations and interactions. Counseling is the apparatus that is used to help the client to find good within their selves. Counseling is a change or growth in which the people who attend counseling are able to exhibit catharsis in a safe, but also in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. In addition to these attributes counseling services the client with beneficial or appropriate coping skills. In a humanistic approach counseling is practiced to help people to recognize and accept their own internal worth and to be congruent with their self.
Psychotherapy and …show more content…
counseling are almost interchangeable. There are a few ways to distinguish counseling from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a long-term collaboration between therapist and client. Psychotherapy also focuses in on the thought process while the counselor and the client work cohesively to solve a specific problem. Psychotherapy therapist treats the problem usually through prescribing medication. When disguising psychotherapy from counseling, counseling has a rapport or a bond with the clients while psychotherapy does not facilitate the same relationship.
Theory of Choice
Person Centered Therapy is a therapeutic skill that is used to help the client achieve self-actualization. It is believed that the client must be able to solve his or her own problems. In order for the client to achieve thus, the client must have support in a nurturing environment that will allow client to experience personal growth. Assuming that counseling needs to return to its roots and allow the client to be the expert of their lives. In general, people like to be in control in which in most scenarios situations are beyond ones control. Despite the presenting problem people want to control their situations. Using the Person-centered approach will allow the client to choose and direct their therapy while the therapist only purpose is solely to be in the moment with the client. Operating from a Person-centered style will enhance the client sense of power and control all while the client is solving their personal issue.
Historical Significance
Carl Roger began to research on his ideas many years ago. Roger believed that individuals have resources for self-understanding and have the ability to direct their own behavior. His philosophy became known as person-centered therapy. Throughout Carl Roger career he dedicated himself to humanistic psychology and is well known for his theory of personality development. It is that Carl Roger began developing his humanistic concept while working with abused children (Hall, 1997). Rogers attempted to change the perspective of psychotherapy when he claimed that psychoanalytic, experimental, and behavioral therapists were preventing their clients from ever achieving self-realization and self-growth due to their authoritative analysis. Roger contended that therapists should allow their clients to discover solutions for themselves. The therapy assumes that all individuals are inherently good, fundamentally rational, and trustworthy as well as have the capability to realize their own potential (Tosi, 1987). Rogers orientation trusted that an indivdual innate tendency is to behave rationally, constuctively and have the capablites to self actualize.
Roger theory emphasized that people are naturally motivated to self-actualize. At a basic level, infants are able to perceive, experience and organize events in their life (Tosi, 1987). Also Tosi (1987) indicated that infants does have inherent tendency to value experiences as positive or negative. As development continues through to adulthood the person integrates the experience to self-concept. When Roger created person-centered therapy he recognized that people have their own experiences and sometimes they are positive or negative experiences. If the experience is perceived and valued negatively then they are not congruent with self-concept.
Roger assumed that psychological evaluation is not essential to the counseling process. Roger trusted in the here and now with the client and counselor experience. Person centered view humans a trustworthy, positive, and have the ability to make life changes so they can live productive and effective life (Corey, 2013). Bearing in mind that Roger was a humanistic believer, he believed that humans neither are incapable of understanding their own behavior nor resolve their own problems without the direct help of a therapist.
Tosi (1987) projected the maturation process of person-centered therapy. The first step is the change in the relationship to feeling, more than likely before the client starts the therapy they do not recognize their own personal feelings. They usually don’t understand why they feel the way they do. Secondly is the change of experience, the client becomes more comfortable about their feelings and owning the fact that’s its acceptable to have negative thoughts. Next is the change in personal constructs. This refers to how the client interprets their personal experience. The client becomes less afraid of owing the negative thoughts and behavior. At this point the client confronts the idea and should be able to reflect on personal beliefs and the validity of them. The next step that Tosi (1987) noted the change in self-communication. At this point the client will stop blaming someone else and begin to take ownership of “I”. The second to last stage is the change in interpersonal relations. At this stage the client as well as the counselor has built a strong rapport and the client should be able feel safe to express true feelings. The client also should have found the courage to behave openly inside and outside the therapeutic session. Finally is the end experience, at this final phase the client becomes genuine and content and the client should have a balance of the positive and negative experiences as well as have the ability to communicate more effectively.
During the counseling session the client learns the value of personal freedom, the positive and negative impulses that the person feel, the client is free to exhibit those urges in the counseling session. The client also learns to take their feelings, behaviors and thoughts and integrate them and become more balanced and free. It seems that person centered therapy does not pressure the individual into verbally expressing their problems, the counselors role seem to be there for guidance and support. Although this may be true according to Witty (2007) the force that drives people to change is through this use of direction, in which therapists attempt to influence clients to consider making changes, rather than letting them explore themselves. Person centred threapy innates the idea that the enviorment that the client live in motivated their behavior but they do not recgonize it because they do not have the ablity to disgunish their actions. This may allude to the reason that maladaptive behavior occur.
According to the concepts of functional and dysfunctional behavior that Tosi (1987) provided gives insight on maladaptive behavior. The author states that “maladaptive behavior occurs when large discrepancies exist between an individual’s perception of self and the ideal self” (Tosi, 1987, p103). Person centered therapy assumes that people inherent motivation and the capacity to actualize their potential, it suggest that they have the ability to transcend biological, psychological, or social determinants of behavior if they are aware of them. Referencing the theory, a healthy person is spontaneous and wants to experience life so they can fulfill their ideal self. In addition to that a healthy behavior individual does not deny reality and is content with their experience as well as they have a high level of self-regard for themselves. The client will usually keep developing by continually seeking experiences that will enhance them to a greater self-acceptance.
Person centered therapy give the idea that psychopathology stems from incongruence.
The therapy suggested that the incongruent individual, who are always defensive and cannot be open to all experiences, is not functioning ideally and may even be malfunctioning. These types of individuals work hard at maintaining and protecting their self-concept. The theory covers and describes two concepts, which are distortion and denial. Distortion occurs when the individual perceives a threat to their self-concept. They distort the perception until it fits their self-concept and denial happens when the client block out the threating situation altogether. In order for incongruence to be removed there are certain aspects that must take place in the counseling in order for the client to achieve …show more content…
congruence.
Main Components
Using person the person centered approach there are three core conditions that must be implemented in order to effectively utilize the person centered approach. The three conditions are congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy. All three entities play a significant par in the attitude of the therapist to the client. There are also six conditions that are essential and sufficient for change is able to occur. First, two persons are in psychological contact. The client is experiencing some type of incongruence and the therapist is integrated in that relationship, the therapist also present unconditional regards to the client while simultaneously expressing empathy and actions to communicate to the client. The communication to the client positive regard and empathic understanding is to be kept to a minimal. Over time Roger hypothsized that change will occur durinng this threapy (Corey, 2013). Lastly, the entire session focus should be on the client so they can become congruent.
Main Intervention/Techniques
Person centered therapy does not focus on techniques but more so the experience or process.
The major techniques of person centered therapy are focusing, clarification and reflection of feeling (Tosi, 1987). Focusing facilitates the client awareness of their incongruences and allowing them to grasp their feelings in the counseling process. Clarification is when the client becomes aware of their emotion. Reflection is not only mirroring but it also encouragers the client to become deeper involved with their emotion. Roger believed that the goal of person centered lied upon these factors and would have a better progress with the client then any technique. Roger also believed that before a client is able to work toward a goal they must first get back into contacts with themselves by covering their true self up. Once the client uncover their superficial appearance then a person have the opportunity to become self-actualized. During the therapeutic process it became gradually actualized as having an open mind to experiencing, having trust within themselves and an internal foundation of evaluation and willingness to continue to grow (Corey, 2009). The goal of person-centered therapy is for the counselor to encourage these domains for a therapeutic movement. Also person-centered therapy leaves an open concept that gives the therapists the opportunity to add their own style to the person-centered
technique.
Change can occur quickly or slowly. The process depends strictly upon the person. Person centered is not a rushed processed, because the therapist does not have a direct influence on the client during therapy. Person centered therapy generally do not take the past history of the client, it avoids asking leading or probing questions and it does not make interpretation of the client behavior (Corey, 2009). In addition to these person centered does not evaluate the client’s ideas or plans nor does it decide length of the therapeutic process (Corey, 2009).
Therapeutic change depends on the client’s perception of both, their own experience in therapy and of the counselor basic attitude. Congruence, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding are the essential factors of therapeutic change. If the counselor gives opportunity for self-evaluation then the client have the chance to explore their feelings, beliefs, behavior and their view of the world. The therapy relationship provides supportive structure within which client begins to self heal. Client and counselor relationship is about equality; Carl Roger believed that the process of change derived from the quality of an equal relationship. The client mirror the positivity the therapist says to them. Once the counselor accepts the client and listens to them in an accepting manner then the client learns how to accept their selves. As the client may notice the counselor caring for them and valuing them, the clients begin to see that they are worthy.
Multicultural components and/or application
A culturally skilled counselor should consistently become aware of personal biases about human nature and values. MacDougall (2002) noted in her study Rogers Person-centered approach: Consideration For Use In Multicultural Counseling, that in order to fully work within the lines of Carl Roger the therapist must understand that each client have a right to his or her own worth, dignity and respect. The client must be able to choose their own direction in response to his or her own values. MacDougall (2002) claimed that when a white counselor worked with culturally diverse clients, it is necessary for the white counselors to understand and accept the anger they may be directed toward them due to the pigment of the flesh. The author also noted that despite of the expressed cultural differences there is a person behind the cultural differences that is waiting to be discovered. Carl Roger viewed on family as a potential barrier to growth and moderated the values of family (MacDougall, 2002). Keeping in mind Roger view, the Asian client may not be receptive to the person-centered approach. The Asian culture relies on their family as support and confirmation. Clients such as Asians may not accept the self-direction approach because it may dispute their cultural values. Although Roger neglected to incorporate family, peers and community members, he did believe in validation from spouse. If client receive validation and approval from their significant other the client may then feel better about him or her self (MacDougall, 2002). Importantly, person centered approach gives the client the power and the rights to be the expert of their lives. Bearing in mind, the author argued that Roger believed that only the client knows and understands his or culture as well as social and historical context. Considering that the client is aware of all context the client should not self-direct his or her self in a manner that would contradict their own values and beliefs. Although the person-centered therapy approach is specific on how cultural differences may be addressed in a therapeutic setting all clients should always be treated equal. Corey (2013) noted some cultural limitations to the person-centered approach. In some cultures the client may prefer a more directive and structured approach for treatment. The individuals who are indirect with their communication may have trouble with the direct approach of empathy. As stated previously person centered does not have a direct approach, this will make it difficult to standardize treatment. The theory may not be applicable to diverse clients. Regardless of the client clitoral background the nondirective approach might not be essential due the fact it is not interpersonal.
Strengths and Weakness
The strengths of person-centered therapy approach are its impact on the field of human relations with diverse cultural groups (Corey, 2009). Corey (2009) gives insight on how Rogers work had a global impact amongst more then 30 countries. Another great asset is Roger philosophy purpose of person-centered therapy; he based it upon the importance of hearing the deeper message that the client tries to convey. Also, empathy and respecting others values are essential to the person centered therapy model which work exceptionally well with diverse cultures.
A study by Terry Hanley in 2008 evaluated the effectiveness of person centred threapy for people who have recent onset of mental illness. Hanley (2008) conducted a five year study measuring the usefulness of person centred threapy. He measured this study through an self assessment that had to be completed by the client before and after the counseling session. The assessment was used to determine the distress of the client before and after the threapy. The scores ranged from 0-4, four being at the most distress. The difference between the pre and post therapy scores was calculated and expressed as an improvement, a deterioration or no change. A change in scores must be greater than 0.5 in order for the change to be considered reliable. (Hanley, 2008). Sixy seven percent of the 697 paricpants showd improvement with the person centred counseling while the remaing showed no change (Hanley, 2008). Ninty percent of the people reported in the post assesment that the counseling was helpful even if they felt no bettter about their recent diagnoisis of mental illness (Hanley, 2008). The results strongly suggest that person centered hreapy is an effective intervention for common mental health problems. This study could be used to show how effective the theory is regardless the incongruence of the person. One purpose of the person centerted theory is for the client to look and to handle their situation diffrently and Hanley (2008) displayed this theory in his study.
Counseling may be defined as a therapeutic skill that is used to help solve client’s problems. Also counseling has general principles that emphasize the client goal, relations and interactions. Counseling is the apparatus that is used to help the client to find good within their selves. Counseling is a change or growth in which the people who attend counseling are able to exhibit catharsis in a safe, but also in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. In addition to these attributes counseling services the client with beneficial or appropriate coping skills. In a humanistic approach counseling is practiced to help people to recognize and accept their own internal worth and to be congruent with their self.
Psychotherapy and …show more content…
counseling are almost interchangeable. There are a few ways to distinguish counseling from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a long-term collaboration between therapist and client. Psychotherapy also focuses in on the thought process while the counselor and the client work cohesively to solve a specific problem. Psychotherapy therapist treats the problem usually through prescribing medication. When disguising psychotherapy from counseling, counseling has a rapport or a bond with the clients while psychotherapy does not facilitate the same relationship.
Theory of Choice
Person Centered Therapy is a therapeutic skill that is used to help the client achieve self-actualization. It is believed that the client must be able to solve his or her own problems. In order for the client to achieve thus, the client must have support in a nurturing environment that will allow client to experience personal growth. Assuming that counseling needs to return to its roots and allow the client to be the expert of their lives. In general, people like to be in control in which in most scenarios situations are beyond ones control. Despite the presenting problem people want to control their situations. Using the Person-centered approach will allow the client to choose and direct their therapy while the therapist only purpose is solely to be in the moment with the client. Operating from a Person-centered style will enhance the client sense of power and control all while the client is solving their personal issue.
Historical Significance
Carl Roger began to research on his ideas many years ago. Roger believed that individuals have resources for self-understanding and have the ability to direct their own behavior. His philosophy became known as person-centered therapy. Throughout Carl Roger career he dedicated himself to humanistic psychology and is well known for his theory of personality development. It is that Carl Roger began developing his humanistic concept while working with abused children (Hall, 1997). Rogers attempted to change the perspective of psychotherapy when he claimed that psychoanalytic, experimental, and behavioral therapists were preventing their clients from ever achieving self-realization and self-growth due to their authoritative analysis. Roger contended that therapists should allow their clients to discover solutions for themselves. The therapy assumes that all individuals are inherently good, fundamentally rational, and trustworthy as well as have the capability to realize their own potential (Tosi, 1987). Rogers orientation trusted that an indivdual innate tendency is to behave rationally, constuctively and have the capablites to self actualize.
Roger theory emphasized that people are naturally motivated to self-actualize. At a basic level, infants are able to perceive, experience and organize events in their life (Tosi, 1987). Also Tosi (1987) indicated that infants does have inherent tendency to value experiences as positive or negative. As development continues through to adulthood the person integrates the experience to self-concept. When Roger created person-centered therapy he recognized that people have their own experiences and sometimes they are positive or negative experiences. If the experience is perceived and valued negatively then they are not congruent with self-concept.
Roger assumed that psychological evaluation is not essential to the counseling process. Roger trusted in the here and now with the client and counselor experience. Person centered view humans a trustworthy, positive, and have the ability to make life changes so they can live productive and effective life (Corey, 2013). Bearing in mind that Roger was a humanistic believer, he believed that humans neither are incapable of understanding their own behavior nor resolve their own problems without the direct help of a therapist.
Tosi (1987) projected the maturation process of person-centered therapy. The first step is the change in the relationship to feeling, more than likely before the client starts the therapy they do not recognize their own personal feelings. They usually don’t understand why they feel the way they do. Secondly is the change of experience, the client becomes more comfortable about their feelings and owning the fact that’s its acceptable to have negative thoughts. Next is the change in personal constructs. This refers to how the client interprets their personal experience. The client becomes less afraid of owing the negative thoughts and behavior. At this point the client confronts the idea and should be able to reflect on personal beliefs and the validity of them. The next step that Tosi (1987) noted the change in self-communication. At this point the client will stop blaming someone else and begin to take ownership of “I”. The second to last stage is the change in interpersonal relations. At this stage the client as well as the counselor has built a strong rapport and the client should be able feel safe to express true feelings. The client also should have found the courage to behave openly inside and outside the therapeutic session. Finally is the end experience, at this final phase the client becomes genuine and content and the client should have a balance of the positive and negative experiences as well as have the ability to communicate more effectively.
During the counseling session the client learns the value of personal freedom, the positive and negative impulses that the person feel, the client is free to exhibit those urges in the counseling session. The client also learns to take their feelings, behaviors and thoughts and integrate them and become more balanced and free. It seems that person centered therapy does not pressure the individual into verbally expressing their problems, the counselors role seem to be there for guidance and support. Although this may be true according to Witty (2007) the force that drives people to change is through this use of direction, in which therapists attempt to influence clients to consider making changes, rather than letting them explore themselves. Person centred threapy innates the idea that the enviorment that the client live in motivated their behavior but they do not recgonize it because they do not have the ablity to disgunish their actions. This may allude to the reason that maladaptive behavior occur.
According to the concepts of functional and dysfunctional behavior that Tosi (1987) provided gives insight on maladaptive behavior. The author states that “maladaptive behavior occurs when large discrepancies exist between an individual’s perception of self and the ideal self” (Tosi, 1987, p103). Person centered therapy assumes that people inherent motivation and the capacity to actualize their potential, it suggest that they have the ability to transcend biological, psychological, or social determinants of behavior if they are aware of them. Referencing the theory, a healthy person is spontaneous and wants to experience life so they can fulfill their ideal self. In addition to that a healthy behavior individual does not deny reality and is content with their experience as well as they have a high level of self-regard for themselves. The client will usually keep developing by continually seeking experiences that will enhance them to a greater self-acceptance.
Person centered therapy give the idea that psychopathology stems from incongruence.
The therapy suggested that the incongruent individual, who are always defensive and cannot be open to all experiences, is not functioning ideally and may even be malfunctioning. These types of individuals work hard at maintaining and protecting their self-concept. The theory covers and describes two concepts, which are distortion and denial. Distortion occurs when the individual perceives a threat to their self-concept. They distort the perception until it fits their self-concept and denial happens when the client block out the threating situation altogether. In order for incongruence to be removed there are certain aspects that must take place in the counseling in order for the client to achieve …show more content…
congruence.
Main Components
Using person the person centered approach there are three core conditions that must be implemented in order to effectively utilize the person centered approach. The three conditions are congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy. All three entities play a significant par in the attitude of the therapist to the client. There are also six conditions that are essential and sufficient for change is able to occur. First, two persons are in psychological contact. The client is experiencing some type of incongruence and the therapist is integrated in that relationship, the therapist also present unconditional regards to the client while simultaneously expressing empathy and actions to communicate to the client. The communication to the client positive regard and empathic understanding is to be kept to a minimal. Over time Roger hypothsized that change will occur durinng this threapy (Corey, 2013). Lastly, the entire session focus should be on the client so they can become congruent.
Main Intervention/Techniques
Person centered therapy does not focus on techniques but more so the experience or process.
The major techniques of person centered therapy are focusing, clarification and reflection of feeling (Tosi, 1987). Focusing facilitates the client awareness of their incongruences and allowing them to grasp their feelings in the counseling process. Clarification is when the client becomes aware of their emotion. Reflection is not only mirroring but it also encouragers the client to become deeper involved with their emotion. Roger believed that the goal of person centered lied upon these factors and would have a better progress with the client then any technique. Roger also believed that before a client is able to work toward a goal they must first get back into contacts with themselves by covering their true self up. Once the client uncover their superficial appearance then a person have the opportunity to become self-actualized. During the therapeutic process it became gradually actualized as having an open mind to experiencing, having trust within themselves and an internal foundation of evaluation and willingness to continue to grow (Corey, 2009). The goal of person-centered therapy is for the counselor to encourage these domains for a therapeutic movement. Also person-centered therapy leaves an open concept that gives the therapists the opportunity to add their own style to the person-centered
technique.
Change can occur quickly or slowly. The process depends strictly upon the person. Person centered is not a rushed processed, because the therapist does not have a direct influence on the client during therapy. Person centered therapy generally do not take the past history of the client, it avoids asking leading or probing questions and it does not make interpretation of the client behavior (Corey, 2009). In addition to these person centered does not evaluate the client’s ideas or plans nor does it decide length of the therapeutic process (Corey, 2009).
Therapeutic change depends on the client’s perception of both, their own experience in therapy and of the counselor basic attitude. Congruence, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding are the essential factors of therapeutic change. If the counselor gives opportunity for self-evaluation then the client have the chance to explore their feelings, beliefs, behavior and their view of the world. The therapy relationship provides supportive structure within which client begins to self heal. Client and counselor relationship is about equality; Carl Roger believed that the process of change derived from the quality of an equal relationship. The client mirror the positivity the therapist says to them. Once the counselor accepts the client and listens to them in an accepting manner then the client learns how to accept their selves. As the client may notice the counselor caring for them and valuing them, the clients begin to see that they are worthy.
Multicultural components and/or application
A culturally skilled counselor should consistently become aware of personal biases about human nature and values. MacDougall (2002) noted in her study Rogers Person-centered approach: Consideration For Use In Multicultural Counseling, that in order to fully work within the lines of Carl Roger the therapist must understand that each client have a right to his or her own worth, dignity and respect. The client must be able to choose their own direction in response to his or her own values. MacDougall (2002) claimed that when a white counselor worked with culturally diverse clients, it is necessary for the white counselors to understand and accept the anger they may be directed toward them due to the pigment of the flesh. The author also noted that despite of the expressed cultural differences there is a person behind the cultural differences that is waiting to be discovered. Carl Roger viewed on family as a potential barrier to growth and moderated the values of family (MacDougall, 2002). Keeping in mind Roger view, the Asian client may not be receptive to the person-centered approach. The Asian culture relies on their family as support and confirmation. Clients such as Asians may not accept the self-direction approach because it may dispute their cultural values. Although Roger neglected to incorporate family, peers and community members, he did believe in validation from spouse. If client receive validation and approval from their significant other the client may then feel better about him or her self (MacDougall, 2002). Importantly, person centered approach gives the client the power and the rights to be the expert of their lives. Bearing in mind, the author argued that Roger believed that only the client knows and understands his or culture as well as social and historical context. Considering that the client is aware of all context the client should not self-direct his or her self in a manner that would contradict their own values and beliefs. Although the person-centered therapy approach is specific on how cultural differences may be addressed in a therapeutic setting all clients should always be treated equal. Corey (2013) noted some cultural limitations to the person-centered approach. In some cultures the client may prefer a more directive and structured approach for treatment. The individuals who are indirect with their communication may have trouble with the direct approach of empathy. As stated previously person centered does not have a direct approach, this will make it difficult to standardize treatment. The theory may not be applicable to diverse clients. Regardless of the client clitoral background the nondirective approach might not be essential due the fact it is not interpersonal.
Strengths and Weakness
The strengths of person-centered therapy approach are its impact on the field of human relations with diverse cultural groups (Corey, 2009). Corey (2009) gives insight on how Rogers work had a global impact amongst more then 30 countries. Another great asset is Roger philosophy purpose of person-centered therapy; he based it upon the importance of hearing the deeper message that the client tries to convey. Also, empathy and respecting others values are essential to the person centered therapy model which work exceptionally well with diverse cultures.
A study by Terry Hanley in 2008 evaluated the effectiveness of person centred threapy for people who have recent onset of mental illness. Hanley (2008) conducted a five year study measuring the usefulness of person centred threapy. He measured this study through an self assessment that had to be completed by the client before and after the counseling session. The assessment was used to determine the distress of the client before and after the threapy. The scores ranged from 0-4, four being at the most distress. The difference between the pre and post therapy scores was calculated and expressed as an improvement, a deterioration or no change. A change in scores must be greater than 0.5 in order for the change to be considered reliable. (Hanley, 2008). Sixy seven percent of the 697 paricpants showd improvement with the person centred counseling while the remaing showed no change (Hanley, 2008). Ninty percent of the people reported in the post assesment that the counseling was helpful even if they felt no bettter about their recent diagnoisis of mental illness (Hanley, 2008). The results strongly suggest that person centered hreapy is an effective intervention for common mental health problems. This study could be used to show how effective the theory is regardless the incongruence of the person. One purpose of the person centerted theory is for the client to look and to handle their situation diffrently and Hanley (2008) displayed this theory in his study.