Historical & Professional foundation of counseling

1. Jimma University, college of education and Behavioral science, Psychology Department, Counseling psychology PhD program, Course work presentation Birhane Siyoum Girgir Foundation in Counseling and Techniques (8111) Title: Historical and Professional Foundation of counseling January, 2025 Jimma University, Jimma , Oromia, Ethiopia

2. Historical and Professional Foundations of Counseling The Evolution of counseling through time

3. Contents of the presentation

4. To witness counseling is working 499,999,9992010-2020 worldwide

5. Evolution of Counseling Through Time 01 02 03 Counselign in the Ancient Medieval time Modern counseling Ancient civilization, Philosophy Religion Reemerging philosophies & Religion Development of education WWI &II, social movement Paradigm shift from medical, movement 19th & 20th century Emergence of modern counseling Industrialization & Urbanization Early 19s rapid social change Increased demand of guidance, work and balanced life Education Developed need of school guidance and vocational counseling Demand for Prevention & Support Prevention of MH problems Poor choice A need to find meaning in life

6. Debates of counseling paradigms Counselor-Client Relationship: View of Human Nature: Expert-patient model vs. collaborative and egalitarian relationship. Pessimistic (driven by unconscious conflicts) vs. optimistic (inherently good and capable of growth Source of psychological Problems: Consensus on Definition Internal (biological/genetic) vs. external (environmental) Counseling as a professional relationship empowering individuals, families, and groups to achieve various goals (Defined by: 29 counseling associations Vs counseling is a scientific profession of heling. Universality/ Cultural Sensitivity: Universal treatment approaches vs. culturally sensitive interventions.

7. Theoretical foundation of counseling About theories of counseling 01 02 03 • Structured frameworks about behavior • Guiding counselors in understanding clients' thoughts, emotions, and actions. • Inform practice by providing techniques for intervention, aid in assessment, and facilitate communication among professionals. Major theories Sub-theories Emerging theories • comprehensive, widely accepted and supported by extensive researches. • specific extensions or adaptations of major theories • New developing concepts to respond the contemporary needs and findings. Reductionist approach Today’s focus is on the major theories

9. Psychodynamic theory/ psychotherapy Basice Concepts (Core Ideas) Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind. Exploration of childhood experiences and repressed memories, Structure of personality, defense mechanisms Therapeutic Techniques Free association, dream analysis, transference, countertransference, interpretation, resistance analysis. Therapeutic Goal To bring unconscious material into conscious awareness for insight and healing. Key figure is Sigmund Freud followed by Adler, Jung and other Neo-Freudian.

10. Humanistic theory of counseling Core Principles Therapist's Role Therapeutic orientation Innate capacity for growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment and people are good Focus on client's uniqueness and inherent strengths. Creating a supportive and empathetic environment. Providing unconditional positive regard and genuine acceptance. Client incongruence, therapist congruence, empathy Exploring death, meaning, purpose, identity, spirituality, and social justice • Existentialism, Gestalt, Person-Centered, etc. are sub-theories of humanistic theory

11. Behavioral theory of counseling Core Assumption Learning Principles for change Behavior is learned and can be unlearned through environmental influences. Problem is faulty learning , solution is relearning Classical conditioning (Pavlov), operant conditioning (Skinner), social learning (Bandura). Techniques Key Figures Therapeutic Approaches Reinforcement, punihsement, exposure, systematic desensitization, relaxation techniques, psycho-education etc. Watson, Pavlov, Skinner, Bandura & Thorndike CBT, DBT, ABA, Exposure Therapy, REBT, Social Learning approach etc.

12. Cognitive Theory of Counseling • Maladaptive behaviors stem from distorted thinking and unrealistic beliefs. • Main Concept • Counseling Focus • Identifying and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns, challenging negative automatic thoughts and core beliefs (schemas), schema modification and restructuring Aaron Beck • Cognitive restructuring, identifying cognitive distortions (all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, etc.). • Techniques • Sub-Approaches • CBT, REBT because later, it merged with Behavioral therapy

13. Eclectic approach to counseling Main Concepts Therapeutic direction Combining techniques and theories from multiple approaches to create a personalized treatment plan. Directive vs. Non-Directive Approach: Balancing counselor guidance with client self-discovery. Flexibility and Adaptability Sub-Theories No single approach fits all clients More comprehensive and effective treatment for complex situations Brief eclectic therapy, multimodal therapy, cognitive-interpersonal therapy, trans-theoretical, etc are some examples of Eclectic. Paul Wachtel, Gourge Kelly and AroldLazzarus

14. Cultural Foundation of Counseling Moving Beyond Universalism Development of research and validation to assess the effectiveness of culturally adapted approaches. Concerns about cultural sensitivity and avoiding cultural appropriation in research and practice of counseling Imposing Western models on diverse cultures. Developing counseling methods that respect and integrate local values, beliefs, and practices. Working with indigenous healers and community leaders contributed to think about culturally appropriate interventions.

15. Western Approach to counseling Formalization of counseling professions in the mid-20th century (USA, Europe). E.g. APGA, ASCA, APA Division 17. Euro-American Approach of counseling Shifting Perspectives: Growing recognition of the need for culturally sensitive and adapted approaches (multicultural counseling or indigenous counseling). Influential Movements of Psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy. Expansion of Western theories and practices worldwide, leading to debates about internationalization vs. colonization. Criticisms: Lack of cultural adaptation, potential marginalization of indigenous healing practices, dependency on Western expertise.

16. The Eastern Approach of counseling Challenges of Western Models in Collectivist Cultures Clash between individualistic Western approaches and collectivist Eastern values. Increased interest in yoga, mindfulness, and philosophical counseling. Buddhist Influence:-thinking to address suffering through non-attachment, meditation, and mindfulness. Restoring balance, promoting acceptance, and connecting with social and spiritual meaning. Emphasis on restoring holistic well-being, fostering strengths and facilitating collective meaning-making.

17. African cultural approach of counseling Need for more research and documentation of indigenous African counseling practices. Emphasis is on restoring natural order, community support and cultural narratives. Traditional Healing Practices with Integration of rituals, community support, and herbal remedies. Challenges: Lack of unified framework, inconsistencies in approaches, tension between indigenous and contemporary practices. Limited Academic Literature It needs to work more on recognition and integration of traditional practices into contemporary mental health frameworks.

18. Ethiopian Counseling approach Ethiopia is a country of long rooted domestic conflict and trauma that urge for culturally sensitive approaches to address the psychological impact of conflict, poverty and hardship or difficult living condition. Bridging the gap between indigenous and contemporary approaches, developing culturally relevant training programs is a home work for professionals in the area. Indigenous healing practices rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. Religious blessings, traditional healers, community support. Challenges: Insufficient integration of traditional practices into formal mental health systems. Lack of standardized practices and scientific validation.

19. Dilemma of the scientific and clinical practices of counseling Conceptual Dilemma Integration & boundary dilemma What is counseling? A profession or professional relationship Level of specialization/ multilayered perspective … Do we all Z same counselors? Case differentiation ….what psychological emergency? Theoretical integration VS multidisciplinary integration The boundary between psychotherapy, other directional supports, other CB support disciplines Ethical Dilemma Evidence Gap Informed consent VS assent…. Question of power to say “NO” Duty of warning PSHEA Plenty of literatures are on intervention rather than MH promotion and wellness Lack unique approach

20. Counseling in the future Digital era Human intelligence Technology for Enhanced Client Care Tele-counseling, awareness & accessibility, inter-disciplinary & collaboration, advocacy & wellbeing Lacks value of human entity like non verbal Collaboration of humans and AI for practical counseling Emerging self counseling approaches Individualized unique approach Human instability Multi-Culturalism & Individualism In the upcoming future the value of counseling will advance due to: terrorism, war, violence, cyber crime, global & technological assimilation Biological & psychological warfare Challenges and opportunities due to Accessibility of local counselors, adaptable approach, opportunities to PM+ & SH+ in individual and local groups Digital literacy as a challenge in most societies

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