Theoretical Orientation and Practice of Nz Counsellors and Psychotherapists
THEORETICAL ORIENTATION AND PRACTICE OF NEW ZEALAND COUNSELLORS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS: A SURVEY OF INTEGRATION AND ECLECTICISM
INTRODUCTION
During the 20th century, counselling and psychotherapy approaches saw an evolution in theories and techniques from the use of one main perspective, toward perspectives that are integrative and eclectic in practice. This proposal will commence with an outline of theoretical trends within counselling over time, from psychoanalytic theory in the 19th century to the plethora of theories available to practitioners today. Integration and eclecticism is defined and studies are presented that offer contrary views on the efficacy of integrative and eclectic practice. One of two studies by Henry H. Hollanders & John McLeod (1999) will be highlighted. Their Practitioners¡¦ Theoretical Orientation Questionnaire (PTOQ) established the extent of integrative and eclectic practice among counsellors and other practitioners of psychological therapies in Britain. This research proposal is a partial replication of the first study. The aim of this proposal is to establish the extent of theoretical integration and eclectic practice by New Zealand counsellors and psychotherapists, taking into consideration the cultural nature of our society.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Prior to 1940 the main theoretical approach was psychodynamic, which included the theories of Adler (individual psychology), Jung (analytical psychology), and Erickson (psychosocial); but the most widely known approach was Freud¡¦s psychoanalytic perspective (Corey, 2001).
Post World War II to the late 1970¡¦s saw the rise to prominence of several main theoretical perspectives that rivaled and eventually overtook the psychodynamic approach. These perspectives were the behavioural and cognitive schools of thought. During this time, between 100 and 250 systems of counselling and psychotherapy were developed (Corsini, 1981; Parloff, 1979 cited in Hollanders & McLeod, 1999).
INTRODUCTION
During the 20th century, counselling and psychotherapy approaches saw an evolution in theories and techniques from the use of one main perspective, toward perspectives that are integrative and eclectic in practice. This proposal will commence with an outline of theoretical trends within counselling over time, from psychoanalytic theory in the 19th century to the plethora of theories available to practitioners today. Integration and eclecticism is defined and studies are presented that offer contrary views on the efficacy of integrative and eclectic practice. One of two studies by Henry H. Hollanders & John McLeod (1999) will be highlighted. Their Practitioners¡¦ Theoretical Orientation Questionnaire (PTOQ) established the extent of integrative and eclectic practice among counsellors and other practitioners of psychological therapies in Britain. This research proposal is a partial replication of the first study. The aim of this proposal is to establish the extent of theoretical integration and eclectic practice by New Zealand counsellors and psychotherapists, taking into consideration the cultural nature of our society.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Prior to 1940 the main theoretical approach was psychodynamic, which included the theories of Adler (individual psychology), Jung (analytical psychology), and Erickson (psychosocial); but the most widely known approach was Freud¡¦s psychoanalytic perspective (Corey, 2001).
Post World War II to the late 1970¡¦s saw the rise to prominence of several main theoretical perspectives that rivaled and eventually overtook the psychodynamic approach. These perspectives were the behavioural and cognitive schools of thought. During this time, between 100 and 250 systems of counselling and psychotherapy were developed (Corsini, 1981; Parloff, 1979 cited in Hollanders & McLeod, 1999).
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