Ch 4 (Theories of Counseling) Flashcards
What is the purpose of theoretical perspectives?
Provide framework for conceptualizing problems and determining interventions
What are ethical considerations of applying theories in practice?
- one size does NOT fit all (cultural and individual considerations)
- choose empirically sound theories/methods
- self-reflection, be intentional
What are the main theoretical paradigms?
- Psychodynamic
- Humanism/existentialism
- Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral
- Family Systems/Post-Modern
Psychodynamic Paradigm Theories
Insight-oriented, analytic, deterministic, subconscious focus.
- Psychoanalysis
- Adlerian
- Ego Psychology, Object-Relations
Humanistic/Existential Paradigm Theories
Relationship-oriented, present & future focused, freedom & responsibility, goodness & worth, empasize anxiety, freedom, values, responsibility, goodness & worth
- Person Centered/Rogerian
- Existential
- Gestalt
Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Paradigm Theories
Action-oriented, pursue specific changes in thought and behavior, observable progress.
- Behavioral
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Reality Therapy & Choice Theory
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Family Systems/Post-Modern Paradigm Theories
Systems-oriented, interactice
- Family Systems
- Narrative
- Constructionist
- Feminist
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
- problems: arise from early childhood
- goal: bring unconscious to conscious, develop insight
- techniques: “blank screen”/transference, dream analysis
- counselor role: expert/teacher
Adlerian Therapy
- problems: issues in social interest, early childhood (but not deterministic)
- goal: holistic, increase growth and social connection
- techniques: genogram, values clarification
- counselor role: teacher/educator
Person-Centered Therapy
- problems: low self-actualization; basic needs/need for approval not met
- goal: increase self regard
- techniques: build relationship (core conditions), reflection, active listening
- counselor role: guide, client is expert
Existential Therapy
- problems: anxieties, lack of meaning
- goal: pursue meaning and goals, come to terms with anxieties about universals of life
- techniques: here-and-now focus, socratic dialogue
- counselor: open & authentic, cautious self-disclosure
Gestalt Therapy
- problems: not moving towards wholeness/self-actualization; “unfinished business”
- goal:confront inconsistencies, correct misconceptions, have client take responsibility
- techniques: empty chair, role play, role reversal
- counselor: help client identify and pursue needs/goals
Behavioral Therapy
- problems: behaviors cause/reinforces thoughts & feelings
- goal: learn more adaptive behaviors, identify triggers; response maintenance for new behaviors
- techniques: modeling, behavior rehearsal, role-play, token economy
- counselor: highly directive; teaches, facilitates & conditions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- problems: inaccurate automatic thought patterns/schemas affect feelings and behaviors
- goal: challenge and change cognitive distortions
- techniques: HW, cognitive restructuring, thought identification
- counselor: active and directive
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
- problems: reciprocal relationship between thoughts, feelings & behavior; people have problems because of how they interpret things (irrationally)/”shoulds”
- goal: minimize negative emotions and behaviors, change thinking patterns; self & other acceptance
- techniques: challenge irrational beliefs and replace with irrational (Activating event Belief Consequence Dispute Evaluate)
- counselor: active, mildly confrontational
Reality Therapy/Choice Theory
- problems: choosing total behaviors that don’t match quality world/basic needs (love & belonging, freedom, fun, survival, power)
- goal: address current problem, have total behaviors match quality world, increase accountability
- techniques: humor, paradox, skillful questioning
- counselor: active, teach & encourage
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- problems: 3 basic musts (inaassumptions
- goal: fix current problems, small positive changes lead to big ones
- techniques: exception questions, miracle question, goal scaling, flagging the minefield
- counselor: directive but collaborative, not expert
Family Systems Paradigm
- problems: family (differentiation of self, triangulation, emotional cutoff, social learning, etc)
- goal: increase functioning of system or client and client within system
- techniques: genogram, differentiation, I statements
- counselor: interactive, family is expert
Narrative Therapy/Constructivist Theory
- problems: subjective construction of reality
- goal: reconstruct client’s perspective on life story
- techniques: questioning, investigating, sparkling moments, reframing (problem is separate from person)
- counselor: collaborative, recognize clients personal constructs/belief systems, find inconsistencies
Feminist Theory
- problems: systems of power and oppression
- goal: recognize interaction between systems of power and client, brainstorm ways to reduce their effects
- techniques: gender-role analysis, address societal perceptions
- counselor: support, respect, value culture/experience
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
- problems: interpersonal relationships/communication (attachment, communication & social theories)
- goal: relieve symptoms, examine conflict/loss in relationships, establish clients need to seek out positive social supports
- techniques: therapeutic alliance, communication analysis, role play, content & process
- counselor: collaborative, here and now focus
What should you consider in applying theory to practice?
- view of human nature
- goals of counseling
- role of counselor
- techniques/approaches used
Integrative vs Eclectic
Eclectic is more “haphazard”; integrative involves being flexible in working with each individual/concern and is more intentionally tailored to each client
