Socratic Dialouge
Identify and analyse the key components of collaboration and Socratic Dialogue and contrast with previous practise.
By using Socratic dialogue in the approach of cognitive therapy methods I have used the dialogue to change the client’s thinking which resulted in a change of behaviour and feelings, I have found when I have directed questions in a discovery way such as; how does this relate to what you told me earlier or do you see any connection ,unlike ‘self-directed’ (as in PCT) I have found that there are recurrent themes in cognitive therapy methods of management, control and monitoring, particularly around behaviour. Whereas from the outset person centred therapy notes that the client is their own best authority the focus of PCT is always on the client’s own feelings and thoughts. Conceptualisation involved devising a ‘mini-theory’ of the client’s problems with her agreement (McLeod, 2003). PCT typically does not give advice or interpretations as Rogers believed that people are trustworthy with a great potential for self awareness and self-directed growth (Cooper, 2007). Therefore working in this way with my client using the skill of Socratic dialogue and work collaboratively has enabled the client to identify and prioritise difficulties and look for solutions.
Ellis (1973) actually claimed that there were virtually no legitimate reasons for a client to be upset, emotionally disturbed or hysterical, regardless of any psychological or verbal stimuli impinged on them. For me to imply that a client may be irrational might be considered concerning, within the person centred theory. In the past as a counsellor I would have worked in a way that encouraged clients to encounter themselves and become more intimate with their own thoughts, feelings and meanings. Person centred counsellors aim to help the client develop a framework for understanding life, rather than aiming to ‘fix people’ like Ellis implies. Yet for my client I could clearly identify that
By using Socratic dialogue in the approach of cognitive therapy methods I have used the dialogue to change the client’s thinking which resulted in a change of behaviour and feelings, I have found when I have directed questions in a discovery way such as; how does this relate to what you told me earlier or do you see any connection ,unlike ‘self-directed’ (as in PCT) I have found that there are recurrent themes in cognitive therapy methods of management, control and monitoring, particularly around behaviour. Whereas from the outset person centred therapy notes that the client is their own best authority the focus of PCT is always on the client’s own feelings and thoughts. Conceptualisation involved devising a ‘mini-theory’ of the client’s problems with her agreement (McLeod, 2003). PCT typically does not give advice or interpretations as Rogers believed that people are trustworthy with a great potential for self awareness and self-directed growth (Cooper, 2007). Therefore working in this way with my client using the skill of Socratic dialogue and work collaboratively has enabled the client to identify and prioritise difficulties and look for solutions.
Ellis (1973) actually claimed that there were virtually no legitimate reasons for a client to be upset, emotionally disturbed or hysterical, regardless of any psychological or verbal stimuli impinged on them. For me to imply that a client may be irrational might be considered concerning, within the person centred theory. In the past as a counsellor I would have worked in a way that encouraged clients to encounter themselves and become more intimate with their own thoughts, feelings and meanings. Person centred counsellors aim to help the client develop a framework for understanding life, rather than aiming to ‘fix people’ like Ellis implies. Yet for my client I could clearly identify that