Counseling Theories Flashcards
Reality Theory
This therapy is a client-centered form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on improving present relationships and circumstances, with less concern and discussion of past events.
This approach is based on the idea that our most important need is to be loved, to feel that we belong and that all other basic needs can be satisfied only by building strong connections with others.
It sees behavior as choices, and it teaches us that while we cannot control how we feel, we can control how we think and behave. We choose to behave in certain ways and these choices can help or hamper the ability to satisfy essential needs and reach individual goals.
This therapy also uses choice theory, the behaviors we choose are key to our accountability and who we are. This therapy is less concerned with actual mental health diagnoses; the goal of this type of therapy is to help people take control of improving their own lives by learning to make better choices.
Autonomy
the state that exists when individuals accept responsibility for what they do and take control of their lives.
BCP
The theory that behavior is the control of our perceptions. What people call the real world is created in their mind.
Commitment
the act of sticking to a realistic plan leading to change in behavior
Control Theory
the view that humans are internally motivated and behave to control the world around them according to some purpose within them
Involvement
therapist interest in and caring for the client
Responsibility
The act of satisfying one’s needs in ways that do not interfere with others fulfilling their needs
Value judgments
Client evaluation of current behavior to decide whether it is working
Behavior Therapy
Is an umbrella term for types of therapy that treat mental health disorders.
This form of therapy looks to identify and help change potentially self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. It’s based on the idea that all behaviors are learned and that behaviors can be changed. The focus of treatment is often on current problems and how to change them.
Assertion Training
A set of techniques that involves behavioral rehearsal, coaching, and learning more effective social skills. Teaches people to express both positive and negative feelings openly and directly.
Behavior rehearsal
A technique consisting of trying out in therapy new behaviors that are to be used in everyday situations.
Contingency contracting
An agreement between two persons (or more) specifying the circumstances under which, who will do what, for whom.
Counterconditioning
The process of replacing a particular behavior by conditioning a response antagonistic to the maladaptive behavior.
Extinction
The process of removing an unwanted response by failing to reinforce it.
Modeling
Learning through observation and imitation.
Multimodal therapy
A model endorsing technical eclecticism. Uses procedures drawn from various sources without necessarily subscribing to the theory behind these techniques. Developed by Arnold Lazarus
Negative reinforcement
The termination of or withdrawal of an unpleasant stimulus as a result of performing some desired behavior.
Positive Reinforcement
A form of conditioning whereby the individual receives something desirable as a consequence of his or her behavior. A reward that increases the probability of its recurrence.
Punishment
An aversive event is a result of the individual’s engaging in certain behavior.
Reinforcement
A specified event that strengthens the tendency for a response to be repeated.
Self-instructional training
A therapeutic procedure aimed at replacing self-defeating thought with self-enhancing thoughts.
Self-monitoring
The process of observing one’s own behavior patterns as well as one’s interactions in various social situations.
Social-learning theory
A perspective holding that behavior is best understood by taking into consideration the social conditions under which learning occurs. Developed primarily by Albert Bandura
Systematic desensitization
A procedure based on the principles of classical conditioning. The client is taught to relax while imagining a graded series of progressively anxiety-arousing situations. Eventually, the client reaches a point at which the anxiety-producing stimulus no longer brings about the anxious response.
Thought stopping
A procedure used to inhibit unwanted or irrational thoughts that make it difficult for a person to concentrate on anything else.
Token-economy program
A procedure based on the principles of operant conditioning gives clients symbolic rewards for socially desirable behavior; the rewards are later exchanged for something the client values.
Adlerian Therapy
Adlerian therapy, also called individual psychology, is a short-term, goal-oriented, and positive psychodynamic therapy. Focus on feelings of inferiority versus superiority, discouragement, and a sense of belonging in the context of one’s community and society at large.
Existential Therapy
Key Concepts:
1. We have the capacity for self-awareness.
2. Because we are basically free beings, we must accept the responsibility that accompanies our freedom.
3. We have the concern to preserve our uniqueness and identity; we come to know ourselves in relation to knowing and interacting with others.
4. The significance of our existence and the meaning of our lives are never fixed once and for all; instead, we re-create ourselves through our projects.
5. Anxiety is part of the human condition.
6. Death is also a basic human condition, and awareness of it gives significance to living.
Existential Therapy
Focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning—often centering on the individual rather than on their symptoms. The approach emphasizes a person’s capacity to make rational choices and to develop to their maximum potential.
Humanistic Therapy
Emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life.
Core Concepts: People are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves.
neurosis
A mental condition that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behaviour, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality.
