Counseling Theories---- Introduction and Overview

1. Counseling Theories---- Introduction and Overview

2. Introduction and overview • No single model can explain all the facets of human experience • Three big counseling theories (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Cognitive-Behavioral theories) will be discussed • You can begin to acquire a counseling style tailored to their own personality • The process will take years • Different theories are not “right” or “wrong”

3. Introduction and overview • Is it enough to just learn the helping skills? • Who we are as a therapist, is critical • We need to think critically and scientifically • Is it enough to only be a good person with good intentions? • A knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, theories of personality, and supervised experiences are necessary • We need to use counseling theories to conceptualize cases and develop hypotheses and treatment plans.

4. Introduction and overview • What is your role in the therapy process? • the Therapist is not in business to change clients, to give them quick advice, or to solve their problems for them. • YOU are your own very best technique. • It is important for therapists to increase their own awareness and applying this material to yourself personally.

5. Introduction and overview • What are your attitudes in learning theories of psychotherapy and counseling? • Relate readings to your own experiences • Reflect on your own needs, motivations, values, and life experiences • Apply key concepts and techniques to your own personal growth • Develop a personalized style of counseling that reflects your personality

6. The criteria of theories of psychotherapy • Precision and Clarity • Should use operational definitions, which can be used to measure a variable (e.g., irrational beliefs, transference) • Comprehensiveness • Are comprehensive across gender, age, or cultures. • Testability • Must be tested and confirmed • Usefulness • Should be helpful to practitioners to understand clients and techniques to help them function better Source: Sharf, S. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases (3rd edition). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

7. Theoretical Orientations of American psychotherapists