Chapter 11 Flashcards
Theory
-conceptual system-explanatory model (of human behavior and the change process)-allows to make predictions that can be tested
qualities of a good theory
coherent (no contradictions)comprehensive (explains more than less)parsimony (simplest explanation of two)testablepragmatic/useful
“the ultimate criterion for all counselling theories is how well they _________”
provide explanations of what occurs in counselling
humanistic theories
broad term that encompasses counselling theories that believe:-people essentially good-people naturally strive for growth and development-helping people best achieved by facilitating self-understanding by exploration of emotions
3 major humanistic theories
person-centered, existential, gestalt
person-centered view of human nature
phenomenological perspective: person’s perception of reality is more important than event itself (client’s worldview is what is most important)-positive-self-actualization
the self-concept (what we need for a healthy self…)
part of rogers’ person-centred-unconditional positive regard-CONGRUENCE between ideal self (person striving to be) and real self (what person is)-self-actualization
person-centred role of counsellor
non-directive facilitator.safe and supportive environment for clients to explore feelings (no need to apply defense mechanisms)
person-centered goals
.help clients identify, use/integrate personal resources TOWARD self actualization.so no need to apply defense mechanisms in ev. day life
person-centered counselling techniques (3)
-empathic understanding.feel with clients and convey understanding back to them-unconditional positive regard.deep & genuine caring for client as a person (prizing person just for being)-congruence/genuineness.being “real”, giving up roles and facades
person-centred strengths
-applicable to wide range of human problems, and to wide range of settings-short time to learn, used with paraprofessionals-positive view of human nature
person-centred weaknesses
-too simplistic or relaxed for clients in crisis who might need more structure/direction-depends on hard-working clients for best results-overly optimistic-deals with only surface issues-more attitudinal than technique based
exisential counselling founders
rollo may & viktor frankl
existential counselling view of human nature
-free will of choice/action (we are authors of our lives)-emphasis of meaning of life thru action-experience & sufferingWE’RE GOING TO DIE, so what do we do with the time we have???
TEXT according to existentialists, psychopathology is…
a failure to make meaningful decisions
TEXT frankl: can discover life’s meaning in 3 ways
1) doing a deed (achieving/accomplishing)2) experiencing a value (work of nature, culture, love)3) suffering (attitude towards unalterable fate)frankl also believed hiearchy of meaning (ultimate, day-to-day, moment-to-moment)
existential counselling: role of counsellor
-entering deep, personal, authentic rls with clients (not unusual for counsellor to share personal stories)-serve as MODEL of how to achieve individual potential and make decisions-focus on 4 “ultimate human concerns” (death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness)
existential counselling: goals
-help clients realize importance of meaning, responsibility, awareness, freedom, & potential-client becomes shaper of meaningful personal activity, embrace values for meaningful life
existential counselling: techniques
-very few, rl viewed as most important technique (authenticity, honesty, spontaneity, immediacy!)-can use whatever techniques they use, counsellors-CONFRONTATION-address 4 “ultimate concerns” (death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness)
existential counselling: strengths
-anxiety not necessarily negative, part of life, can be empowering-emphasizes uniqueness of each individual-effective in multicultural settings (global view of human condition)-can be combined with other approaches-research efficacy
existential counselling: limitations
-no fully developed model of counselling (that addresses developmental stages)-no formal training or education for it-no techniques to rely on-maybe not good for young counsellors w/ little life experience-difficult to implement beyond an individual level-too close to a philosophy than counselling theory
founder of gestalt
fritz perls, client is more than the sum of their parts
gestalt therapy: view of human nature
-phenomenological (phenomenological perspective: person’s perception of reality is more important than event itself (client’s worldview is what is most important)-experiential (here and now, don’t care about the client’s childhood)-anti-deterministic: free will yo, we gots it
gestalt therapy: role of counsellor
create an atmosphere that promotes self-exploration of what is needed to grow-active & directive!!-use of experiments and exercises-lots of immediacy!
gestalt therapy: goals
-integration of disowned parts of self, in tune-full experience of present (here & now)-help clients recognize patterns in their life (awareness)
gestalt therapy: techniques, dream work & empty chair
.dream work (experience parts of their dreams).empty chair (client talks to part of themselves, or switches between two chairs, e.g. talking to self as if friend)
gestalt therapy: techniques vs experiments
exercises - ready-made techniquesexperiments - activities that grow out of counsellor-client interaction (no planning, surprises!)
gestalt therapy: techniques, reversal technique and making rounds
.reversal technique: act opposite of what you’re acting (acting timid? act brave for next 5m).making rounds: “i can’t trust anyone,” have to go around room and say that to each person and explain why
gestalt therapy: may i feed you a sentence, i take responsibility
.”I take responsibility:” make statements about self, like i smoke, and TAKE responsibility for it.May I feed you a sentence? - counsellor takes a stab at client’s implicit feelings, and asks client to repeat it, see if accurate, playful
gestalt therapy: techniques, exaggeration
.exaggeration: counsellor sees unconscious gesture (tapping foot?), asks client to exaggerate it for insight, awareness of it
gestalt therapy: strengths
-incorporate the whole person-emphasis on resolving unfinished business (w/ parents for example)-emphasis on doing, rather than talking-appropriate for DSM affective disorders-flexible, lots of techniques
gestalt therapy: limitations
-too gimicky, no strong theoretical base-only deals with here and now… makes it limited-no diagnosis or testing-too concerned with individual development, self-centred!
Why apply theories in counselling?
-framework that directs attention and hypotheses-allows counsellors to organize information (what kind of questions you ask, what info you look for!)-guides choices of interventions (road map)-increases effectiveness, reduces risk of harm
60-70% of counsellors identify as….
eclectic!average of 4.4 theories
eclectism
using mastery of various theories and techniques to match clients’ needs.sensitivity to application of what approach, when, where, and how best for client
