Major Categories Of Direct Practice

As students enter the field of psychotherapy each and every one of them needs to find out what modality of treatment fits their own unique style. Postmodern theories allow the counselor or therapist to step out of the, I am in control role, handing that role over to the clients. Solution focused therapy looks for what the client is doing in their lives that is effective in the person’s situation (Shapiro, Friedberg, and Bardenstien, 2006). In the process, the therapist will identify these resources the individual is already utilizing throughout their daily routine to manage the problem identified by the client. Therefore, as the client describes the situation troubling them the therapist assists the client in seeing their strengths and

In this essay I will describe key elements of Psychodynamic theory, Person-Centred theory and Cognitive-Behavioural theory. I will also identify the key differences between the above theories. I shall also describe how counselling theory underpins the use of counselling skills in practise. I will then end with my conclusion.

Today, the majority of counselors and therapists operate from an integrative standpoint; that is, they are open to “various ways of integrating diverse theories and techniques” (Corey, 2009b, p. 449). In fact, a survey in Psychotherapy Networker (2007) found that over 95% of respondents proclaimed to practice an integrative approach (cited in Corey, 2009b, p. 449). Corey (2009a; 2009b) explains that no one theory is comprehensive enough to attend to all aspects of the human – thought, feeling, and behavior. Therefore, in order to work with clients on all three of these levels, which Corey (2009b) asserts is necessary for the

As a counseling student, it is very important to formulate a counseling theory tailored to ones’ own personality and beliefs. A counselor may choose a single theory to model when practicing therapy or pick and choose components and techniques from various theories, otherwise known as eclecticism. No theory is considered right or wrong. Understanding the different therapeutic approaches are important to effective counseling, however, counselors must also understand their own personal value, view of human nature, human behavior, counseling techniques and the purpose and goals of counseling. Understanding these components along with the different theoretical approaches will provide the counselor with a 9 knowledge of their own counseling, orientation and is essential to not only the productivity of counseling but the growth of the counselor as well.

“Life experience is richer than discourse. Narrative structures organize and give meaning to experience, but there are always feelings and lived experience not fully encompassed by the dominant story” (White & Epston, 1990, p. 20). Effective therapy is seen as an enjoyable experience presenting options for dialogue, rather than monologues, about the problem.

Within the case presentation, there was reflection on the different theories that could be applied in her intervention and how to use different elements of each, such as the miracle question to understand what the client wants out of therapy (DeJong & Kim Berg, 2013). It was on account of cumulative knowledge gained during previous coursework pertaining to cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) as well as the in-depth discussion of the narrative approach within the capstone class that had ultimately led to, while short term, some progress within the client’s care during her time of treatment prior to her move. The process of learning about how to engage the client had resulted in the start of a good therapeutic relationship where the client

Although this family has suffered trauma, they have some strengths to draw upon that can benefit them in their therapeutic process. Both Raul and Nora grew up poor. However, they have both managed to go on and secure reputable careers. Raul as a Master Builder and Nora, as a Physical Therapist. This is evidence that they possess the skills that are needed to overcome adversity and negative cultural expectations. Solution-Focused Therapy would come into play so that the practitioner would engage in conversation to ask questions to help Raul and Nora realize their strength. “The practitioner 's role in the solution-focused process is continually to invite clients to explore and define two matters: (1) what it is they want different in their lives (goals) and (2) what strengths and resources they can bring to bear on making these desired differences a reality. The practitioner affirms and amplifies client definitions of goals, past successes, strengths, and resources as they emerge through conversation. Consequently, these conversations focus more on building solutions than on solving problems.” (Berg and DeJong, 1996).

The theoretical orientation that best suites my personal style is a combination of both client-centered and brief therapy. In the first part of the paper, I try and describe the importance of developing a good client/therapist relationship using a client-centered approach. I like this approach the best because it helps the client to be more open and truthful with the therapist. There are several techniques that I find important in developing this bond such as: genuineness, unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and active listening. After building a relationship with the client, a therapist is now faced with identifying and solving a problem behavior. With this in mind, I found that the brief therapy method best fits my style.

Both authors express many overlapping elements of revealed truth in regard to the process of counseling and the problems that are derived in the life of clients and people suffering from disorders and psychologically unhealthy mindsets. Hawkins utilizes a theory of 5 concentric circles defining the human psyche and physiology. Hawkins goes on to relay his theory of counseling that utilizes 4 phases in which the counselor and the client work through the issues that hinder the client and formulate a plan of action in which the client is assisted in overcoming issues and able to become accountable and productive within the community. Crabb’s (1977) theory of

This paper will discuss the importance of having a theoretical orientation when working with individuals, families, and treatment groups. One of the main reasons for a theoretical orientation is because it gives the social worker a framework of reference to understand the therapeutic needs of the client. It provides the social worker with a theory-based framework for generating hypotheses about the client’s experience and behaviors, which in turn helps prepare the basis for a specific treatment intervention.

Counseling and delivering services under the “best practice” should always be the goal of a practitioner. In a field such as counseling, where the lives of others are being impacted, making specific choices on how to deliver services, and making a choice to choose one form of therapy over another is pertinent to not only the successful rehabilitation of a client, but to also ensure the longevity of yourself as a practitioner and as a counselor. Practicing techniques or alternative forms of therapy which are based off of literature which is not evidenced-based can lead a practitioner to unethical practices which can eventually mean revocation of

When comparing and contrasting the differences in the three approaches, I will review the relationship between client and counsellor. I will attempt to discover how the relationship is formed and how it is maintained during the therapeutic process. Once this has been established, I will then look at how the changes occur in the therapeutic relationship and which techniques will be used. I will compare and contrast the approaches of Carl Rogers, Sigmund Freud and Albert Ellis. I will look at how their theories have impacted on the counselling processes in modern times and throughout history.

The psychosocial approach helps us to develop a healthy questioning of the obvious. An open mind, imagination and knowledge of personality functioning, human behaviour and emotional suffering are inherent in the ideas; they assist in reaching;differential diagnoses and treatment plans. This is another way of saying that clients interact with their environments in unique ways and if we are to give service which is accurately targeted then, when appropriate, we have to comprehend underlying feelings and motives which can block people from making optimum use of such help. Freudian psychoanalytic ideas, particularly personality theory, began to feed into what became known as psychodynamic casework.

When i decided to pursue a career in counseling a concern of mine was how was I going to remember so many theories and be effective in helping my clients as a counselor. It was this course that i was introduced to the development of my therapeutic orientation, and am relieved to know that the process is one that will most likely never stop changing. As I continue to develop my theories orientation, my own values, beliefs, perceptions, and ideas will continue to factor into my choices. I have noticed a common theme in the tenets of the theories that I am drawn to, such as empowerment, self-actualization, self awareness, the past, spirituality, gender role socialization and others. What i have noticed is that i am drawn to theories such as Cognitive Behavior therapy, Person-Centered Approach, the Feminist Theory, Rational Emotive Therapy, as well as Transpersonal Therapy.

This type of therapy utilizes empathy in a profound way, looking at the client’s current behavior and evaluating it to past events, with a historical empathetic understanding with past life experiences. This type of therapy is long term and is not recommended for every client. Those individuals with more serious conditions, such as borderline personality disorder or psychotic disorder or those with expressing immaturity or poor ego functions are more likely to benefit from this type of therapy, the empathic invitation for a long term view of issues in more likely to empower such individuals, whereas a shorter type therapy orientation is more likely to stir up chaotic emotions (Wheelock, 2009). For some clients this empathic view of the past and the current situation can result in positive results that are often not accomplished in short term therapy (Wheelock, 2009). Finally, a strong empathetic relationship with a client is the cornerstone to successful outcome for