Counseling Theory What Is A Theory? – It provides structure and a framework from which to apply interventions. – It allows us to collect information or data and enables us to make sense of it through the lens of the theory. – A theory can be tested. – A good theory is comprehensive and explains a significant portion of events and situations. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Arguments For Using Theory – It allows counselors to work systematically. – It generates new ideas to be tested. – Counselors may miss vital information if not guided by a theory. – Having no theory is a theory all by itself. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Arguments Against Using Theory – It creates a false sense of security. – There are too many theories and counselors get confused. – It can make counseling rigid. – It makes the client conform to the counselor’s theory. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Basic Theoretical Stances – Pragmatic: The counselor only relies on personal experience. – Eclectic: The counselor chooses techniques and interventions from a number of different theories. – Personality Theorist: Uses only one favorite theory for every situation and every client. – Syncretism: Uses ideas from one or two theories but does not develop a coherent, consistent personal framework from which to work. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Commonalities Among Counseling Approaches – All theories state the belief that people can change. – Most theories recognize that behavior is not strictly caused by past incidents but is also influenced by the present and hopes for the future. – All theories work better when the counselor has confidence in what he or she is doing and this is conveyed to the client. – All theories aim to reduce the suffering of the client. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Differences Among Counseling Approaches – The counseling process is often different from theory to theory. – Some theories are more verbal than others. – Each theory uses different interventions. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud) – The unconscious is important. – People use defense mechanisms when uncomfortable. – Utilizes the concept of transference and countertransference. – People find relief through catharsis. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Cognitive-Behavioral Theories – Behaviorism is systematic and utilizes interventions that produce observable and measurable results. – It is based on research and its principles are empirically tested. – People who contributed to this field are: Ivan Pavlov, B. F. Skinner, Joseph Wolpe, John Watson, Albert Bandura and many more. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Humanistic Theories Person-Centered (Carl Rogers) – Believes in the power of nurturing relationships. – Believes in genuineness, trust, acceptance, caring and warmth. – Believes in exploring unexpressed feelings, clarifying experiences and helping the person feel understood. – Goal is to create greater self-awareness, self-responsibility and congruence. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Humanistic Theories Existential Theory – Believes in the development of insight. – Helps people create meaning in their lives. – Addresses issues of freedom, individual responsibility, alienation and death. – Helps people explore who they are and where they are going. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Humanistic Theories Gestalt (Fritz Perls) – Stresses the importance of unfinished business. – Uses active strategies such as role-playing. – Goal is to help people become more integrated and high- functioning. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Adlerian Theory (Alfred Adler) – Emphasizes the social context of behavior. – Emphasizes the role of choice in personal decision making. – Addresses feelings of inferiority. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Reality Therapy (William Glasser) – Action-oriented and problem-solving. – Helps people look at the consequences of their behavior. – People are helped to make responsible choices that will better fulfill their needs and get them what they want. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Transpersonal Theories – Examines the spiritual dimensions in individual growth. – Goes beyond the personal. – Takes into account spiritualism, intuition, mysticism, and psychic phenomena. – Uses meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and imagery among its interventions. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

Counseling Theory Major Theoretical Approaches (continued) Eclectic Approaches – E.g. Lazarus’s Multimodal Approach (BASIC ID) – Eclectic approaches tend to be holistic. “Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”