Introduction Theories of Counseling

Case Conceptualization 2

Theoretical framework from which to understand or explain a client’s presenting concerns -- symptoms personality characteristics cognitions feelings behaviors 3

Case Conceptualization Leads to specific Explanations of origin of clients’ concerns Counseling Goals Counseling Interventions 4

5 Major Approaches o Psychodynamic Freud Psychoanalysis Neo-Freudians ( Objects Relations, Adler, Jung, Erikson, Sullivan Otto Rank) Humanistic Person Centered ( Rogers, Motivational Interviewing ) Existential ( Frankle, May, Yalom, Maslow) Gestalt ( Perls )

6 Major Approaches Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral Rational Emotive Therapy (Ellis) Beck, Meichenbaum Feminist Post Modern Approaches Brief Solution Focused Therapy

7 Content of the course Constructs that characterize the major psychological theories applied to counseling relationships Application of major constructs to: conceptualize clients issues (generate hypotheses) identify counseling goals devise interventions

8 Is Therapy Effective? Which Therapy is Most Effective? Fiedler, F. E. (1950). A comparison of therapeutic relationships in psychoanalytic, nondirective, and Adlerian therapy. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 14, Heine, R. W. (1953). A comparison of patients’ reports of psychotherapeutic experiences with psychoanalytic, nondirective, and Adlerian therapists. American Journal of Psychotherapists, 7,

Heine, R. W. (1953): Findings Card Sort 120 cards Aspects therapy clients considered important in change process Differences across three therapies in only 20 cards: Psychoanalytic: transference, free association Non-directive: self-determination Beneficial FactorsAsking to clarify feelings Reflection of feelings Trust, feeling understood Independence to reach own solutions Non-beneficial FactorsDirect and specific advise Emphasis on past history Demands for changes in specific timeline Dismissal of symptoms as imaginary 9

10 Is Therapy Effective? Which Therapy is Most Effective Smith, M. L., & Glass, G.V. (1977). Meta-analysis of comparative therapy outcome studies. American Psychologist, 32, The average therapy patient is better off than 75% of untreated individuals. Wampold, B. F. (2000) Outcomes of Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Empirical Evidence Addressing Two Fundamental Questions. (Chapter Handbook of Couseling Psych)

11 Consumer Report (Nov.1995). Does Therapy Help? Among respondents who at the beginning of therapy felt very poor, at the end: 44% felt very good; 54% felt a lot better Among respondents who at the beginning of therapy felt fairly poor, at the end 43% felt improved

12 What components of treatment are responsible for therapy effects? Specific Ingredients unique to each therapy approach Common Factors underlie most approaches: Relationship Rosenzweig (1936) had proposed that “all methods of therapy when competently used are equally successful.”

13 Components Shared by Approaches to Psychotherapy (Wampold, 2000) Emotionally charged, confiding relationship In a healing setting Rationale, conceptual scheme, or myth to explains patient’s symptoms There is a ritual or procedure that engages client and therapist based on the rationale ( Frank & Frank, 1991 ).

14 Common Elements in Therapeutic Rituals and Procedures (1/2) The relationship helps combat clients’ feelings of alienation The process of therapy provides hope for improvement Therapist provides new learning experiences

15 Common Elements in Therapeutic Rituals and Procedures (2/2) Client’s emotions are aroused as a result of therapy and the client expects to improve Therapist enhances client’s sense of mastery and self-efficacy Therapist provides opportunities for practice

16 Wampold concluded that: Specific theoretical ingredients are not differentially related to outcome Specific ingredients are necessary to construct a coherent treatment In which therapists have faith, and provides a convincing rational for clients Therefore, knowledge of theoretical approaches is necessary to build coherent interventions and treatments

17 CPCE and NCE Exams I. Human Growth and Development II. Social and Cultural Foundations III. The Helping Relationship IV. Group Dynamics, Processes and Cng V. Life Style and Career Development VI. Appraisal of Individuals VII. Research and Evaluation VIII. Professional Orientation

18 III. The Helping Relationship Philosophic Bases Counseling Theory Counseling Practice Consultation Theory Consultation Practice