Counseling Theories

Question 1

Reality Theory

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Autonomy

Answer 2

the state that exists when individuals accept responsibility for what they do and take control of their lives.

Question 3

BCP

Answer 3

The theory that behavior is the control of our perceptions. What people call the real world is created in their mind.

Question 4

Commitment

Answer 4

the act of sticking to a realistic plan leading to change in behavior

Question 5

Control Theory

Answer 5

the view that humans are internally motivated and behave to control the world around them according to some purpose within them

Question 6

Involvement

Answer 6

therapist interest in and caring for the client

Question 7

Responsibility

Answer 7

The act of satisfying one’s needs in ways that do not interfere with others fulfilling their needs

Question 8

Value judgments

Answer 8

Client evaluation of current behavior to decide whether it is working

Question 9

Behavior Therapy

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Assertion Training

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Behavior rehearsal

Answer 11

A technique consisting of trying out in therapy new behaviors that are to be used in everyday situations.

Question 12

Contingency contracting

Answer 12

An agreement between two persons (or more) specifying the circumstances under which, who will do what, for whom.

Question 13

Counterconditioning

Answer 13

The process of replacing a particular behavior by conditioning a response antagonistic to the maladaptive behavior.

Question 14

Extinction

Answer 14

The process of removing an unwanted response by failing to reinforce it.

Question 15

Modeling

Answer 15

Learning through observation and imitation.

Question 16

Multimodal therapy

Answer 16

A model endorsing technical eclecticism. Uses procedures drawn from various sources without necessarily subscribing to the theory behind these techniques. Developed by Arnold Lazarus

Question 17

Negative reinforcement

Answer 17

The termination of or withdrawal of an unpleasant stimulus as a result of performing some desired behavior.

Question 18

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Punishment

Answer 19

An aversive event is a result of the individual’s engaging in certain behavior.

Question 20

Reinforcement

Answer 20

A specified event that strengthens the tendency for a response to be repeated.

Question 21

Self-instructional training

Answer 21

A therapeutic procedure aimed at replacing self-defeating thought with self-enhancing thoughts.

Question 22

Self-monitoring

Answer 22

The process of observing one’s own behavior patterns as well as one’s interactions in various social situations.

Question 23

Social-learning theory

Answer 23

A perspective holding that behavior is best understood by taking into consideration the social conditions under which learning occurs. Developed primarily by Albert Bandura

Question 24

Systematic desensitization

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Thought stopping

Answer 25

A procedure used to inhibit unwanted or irrational thoughts that make it difficult for a person to concentrate on anything else.

Question 26

Token-economy program

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Adlerian Therapy

Answer 27

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.

Question 28

Existential Therapy

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

Existential Therapy

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Humanistic Therapy

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

neurosis

Answer 31

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.