The Therapy : Self Empowerment

There are four main assumptions of the psychodynamic approach by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939). Firstly, our behaviour is determined through unconscious processes that we are unaware of. Secondly, instincts or drives motivate our behaviour and energise the mind. Thirdly, experiences in one's childhood may influence an adult's personality. Finally, the personality has three

This essay is based upon a study of my personal reflections, emotions and opinions of the five major psychotherapy theoretical frameworks that I have studied over a five week period as part of a postgraduate diploma in psychology: psychoanalysis; behaviour therapy; person-centred and humanistic therapies; cognitive behaviour therapy; and family therapy. The purpose is to assist in determining which framework is the best fit for me as a future therapist based on my personality, life experiences and beliefs. The main basis of this evaluation is a weekly reflective journal (refer to Appendix A) I have maintained in which I recorded a range of background theoretical information, ‘gut’ reactions, pertinent life experiences and reports on practical ‘homework’ activities. I begin by undertaking a qualitative analysis of my journal which provides the insight to make the most appropriate selection of psychotherapy theory. Once the selection is made, I then provide a more focused evaluation of the chosen theoretical framework, based on a review of the literature, interwoven with pertinent elements from my journal.

The therapist believes the clients are completely capable of healing themselves; he or she just needs the proper environment in which to realize this. The therapist focuses on the person rather than the problem, and with the aid of thorough discussion and a caring, empathetic environment the client will realize he or she can become self-reliant in creating goals and coping with problems.

The most important part of any therapy is the relationship that the counselor and the client is able to develop. Through the development of the client/counselor relationship we are able to support the client in working on the areas that need to be addressed while delivering a supportive and non-exploitive relationship (Frances, Miller, & Mack, 2011). However, while offering support to a client the client may begin to struggle with the accountability of their own emotions and behaviors; if the counselor is aware of possible implications, they will be better able to address the feelings and behaviors. The first issue that clinicians should be aware

Unconditional Empathetic Empowerment Therapy (UEET) is closely related to Person Centered Therapy to a certain degree. This particular model or approach of therapy is designed to meet the clients where they are, see the issues through their lenses, coach them on goal setting, help client become self-aware so that they can find their own way towards a more fulfilling life style. To be able to help develop and build on a client’s strength is an empowering method and tool that a client can apply and use on his or her daily life. When a client is knowledgeable about his or her own strength, it will empower the client to build on their strengths, goals and also to find new strengths and then be responsible to keep it

Sigmund Freud was the first to introduce the idea that personality traits derive from conflicts that are pushed into the unconscious mind. The theory of psychoanalysis, which is the process of bringing forth unconscious thoughts to the conscious mind, is what helps to gain insight and solve conflicts. A summarization of the importance of the unconscious mind is stated in the book Freud, “…The discovery that it is the unconscious, and not the conscious mind, which rules our emotional life and hence, ultimately, our relationship to everything” (Snowden 59). The repressed emotions of painful experiences are what shape emotional reactions to future encounters. Therefore each individual reacts to the same situation in various ways because past experiences govern how the situation is handled. The information that lies in the unconscious mind

Sigmund Freud believed that our development and cognitive behavior usually began in our childhood which leads to our decision –making processes throughout a lifetime. Traumatic effects may be hidden in the sub-conscious; and Freud believed these experiences become incorporated in our development, affecting our personality and emotional health.

While working with a client that strive to be independent is a good trait because it allows the client a chance to gain confidence in themselves. This will allow the problem to seek the solution to his own problem that is presented. Building a client confidence and letting them direct the treatment process includes person centered theory. This approach will allow the client to discover his own solutions. During this process the social worker is to listen without judging and acknowledge the client’s experience without moving the conversation in another direction(GoodTherapy, n.d.). They are to guide the process without interrupting and interfering with the client’s process of

It is my understanding in client-centered therapy the client knows what they need best and can set their own goals while monitoring the progress of these goals. Rogers calls this basic optimism. It is a trust and understanding of the counselor for the individual or group that encourages this process. The client sets the tone in the therapy process, the clients can choose their own therapist, the amount of time they spend in counseling, what they chose to share or not share in the sessions, and the opportunity to come to their own conclusions and solutions (Corsini, 1989). During this time though Rogers believes the individual is trying to solve an issue regarding self-concept. The individual has a distorted view of self-image so the conflict resides between their ideal-self and their perception of themselves. In most situations, the conflict with self is brought on by a self-esteem issue and the idea that who they want to be is not in line with how the client sees themselves here in the present (Corsini, 1989). As the client grows in self-esteem and awareness they are continuing to enhance their self- concept through self-actualization. This shift in thoughts and feelings for self moves the initial external-locus of evaluation to the internal-locus. Now the client can base the value of self on the inside by what they believe and not what others believe to

Roger’s proposed that the intention of therapy was not to find answers to the clients difficulties but rather help with the development process so clients can manage problems when they are recognised (Corey, 2013). By placing focus on helping change the personality of the person, it will assist the client with any future issues that

Engagement with the client is a vital yet challenging aspect in effective therapy. According to Thompson, Bender, Lantry and Flynn (2007), when the clients are engaged they are more likely to create a connection with their counselors or therapist, participate to a greater degree, endorse the treatment goals, remain longer in the treatment, as well as reporting higher levels of satisfaction. Once in the therapy room, multiple factors can assist in building accord and empathy and equally undermine it. It is, therefore, important for the therapist to utilize non-verbal techniques to validate the client and detect obstacles that may impede change (Gurton, 2015).

Ever since the father of psychology earned his title, there have been many different approaches to how and what therapies are best to use when treating a range of clients. Freud, Erickson, Maslow, and Carl Rogers are some of the few that recognized an importance in a type of therapeutic approach. However, while each man has their own different take on therapeutic approach, the main thing that is unavoidable between them all is that the beginning of healing starts with self.

These actions also helps the client develop meaningful relationships with one another. Another benefit of this therapy is that it helps the individual reach autonomy. Milieu

To begin the analysis, we first need to go back to the most prominent source of knowledge on psychoanalysis and look at Sigmund Freud’s thoughts on repressions and neuroses. A working definition of neurosis might be given in order follow along Freud’s interpretation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a mental and emotional disorder that affects only part of the personality”. As such, neuroses do not stop people from acting seemingly normally in society, but they

Jones and Butman (2012) view psychoanalysis as the forerunner of all psychotherapeutic methods. Freudian psychoanalysis theorizes that all human behavior is influenced by early childhood experiences. Freud argues that human behavior is mostly unconscious and driven by conflicting desires, feelings, fears, and motives. The goal of psychoanalysis is to resolve intrapsychic conflict by bringing into conscious awareness the unconscious desires and motives of an individual. Through free association, the unconscious is made conscious, and unresolved conflict or anxiety is resolved. Psychoanalysis also seeks to challenge self-defeating coping methods or defense mechanisms and aims to replace the negative coping methods with more effective coping mechanism (Jones & Butman, 2012)