Theories of Counselling
“Psychoanalytic therapy is based largely on insight, unconscious motivation & reconstruction of the personality” Corey (2013, pg )
As aspiring counsellors and psychotherapists it is important to familiarize ourselves with the mainstream therapeutic approaches. No theories are considered “right” or “wrong” although there are better suited therapies for some individuals & therapies that can be successfully integrated.
This essay will be focusing on one humanistic theory (Person Centered Therapy) One Post Modern approach (Solution Focused Brief Therapy) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Furthermore, it will be looking at the advantages and disadvantages in the integration of therapies.
Person Centered Therapy (PCT)
Unlike many other counselling approaches, who view the therapists as the prime facilitator for change, Carl Rogers believed that as human beings we are more than capable of understanding ourselves and resolving our own problems without direct interventions from a therapist. He believed that we are capable of self-growth and change if we are involved in a specific kind of therapeutic relationship. Corey (2013, pg. 160)
Although the main source of successful psychotherapy is the client, it is vital that the therapist have a genuine, empathic understanding of the clients inner world and has the ability to communicate a nonjudgmental stance to the client in order to build an effective therapeutic relationship, one that will facilitate the client to explore and utilize their inner and outer resources. Corey (2013, pg. 162)
PCT aims to empower and encourage independence in the client by helping clients to define and clarify their own goals. Its main focus is to provide the client with the ability to cope with and identify problems. This can be achieved through the therapeutic relationship and the therapist 's ability to understand sensitively and accurately the client 's experience and feelings in the here-and-now and to communicate to them
As aspiring counsellors and psychotherapists it is important to familiarize ourselves with the mainstream therapeutic approaches. No theories are considered “right” or “wrong” although there are better suited therapies for some individuals & therapies that can be successfully integrated.
This essay will be focusing on one humanistic theory (Person Centered Therapy) One Post Modern approach (Solution Focused Brief Therapy) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Furthermore, it will be looking at the advantages and disadvantages in the integration of therapies.
Person Centered Therapy (PCT)
Unlike many other counselling approaches, who view the therapists as the prime facilitator for change, Carl Rogers believed that as human beings we are more than capable of understanding ourselves and resolving our own problems without direct interventions from a therapist. He believed that we are capable of self-growth and change if we are involved in a specific kind of therapeutic relationship. Corey (2013, pg. 160)
Although the main source of successful psychotherapy is the client, it is vital that the therapist have a genuine, empathic understanding of the clients inner world and has the ability to communicate a nonjudgmental stance to the client in order to build an effective therapeutic relationship, one that will facilitate the client to explore and utilize their inner and outer resources. Corey (2013, pg. 162)
PCT aims to empower and encourage independence in the client by helping clients to define and clarify their own goals. Its main focus is to provide the client with the ability to cope with and identify problems. This can be achieved through the therapeutic relationship and the therapist 's ability to understand sensitively and accurately the client 's experience and feelings in the here-and-now and to communicate to them
References: Corey, G. (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Brooks/Cole: Cengage Learning. McLeod, S. A. (2008). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Retrieved 14/04/13 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive-therapy.html Cognitive-behavioral therapy Cepeda, L.M.,&Davenport, D. S. (2006). Person-centered therapy and solution-focused brief therapy: An integration of present and future awareness. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 43(1), 1–12. Lipchik, E. 1997. My story about solution-focused brief therapist/client relationships. Journal of Systemic Therapies. 16:159-172. 371.Miller, S.D., and Berg, I. Working with the problem drinker: A solution-focused approach. Arizona Counseling Journal. 1991;16(1):3–12. De Shazer, S. (1988). Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy. New York: W.W.Norton. Guterman, J., & Rudes, J. (2005). A solution-focused approach to rational-emotive behavior therapy: Toward a theoretical integration. [Electronic version]. Norcross, J.C. (2011) (Ed.) Psychotherapy Relationships That Work. (2nd edition). New York: Oxford. Journal of Rational &Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy ,23(3), 223-244. Retrieved April 04, 2013, from ProQuest database Frankl, V