1. Counseling Theories---- Introduction and Overview

2. Introduction and overview
No single model can explain all the facets of human experience
Three big counseling theories (Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Cognitive-Behavioral theories) will be discussed
You can begin to acquire a counseling style tailored to their own personality
The process will take years
Different theories are not “right” or “wrong”

3. Introduction and overview
Is it enough to just learn the helping skills?
Who we are as a therapist, is critical
We need to think critically and scientifically
Is it enough to only be a good person with good intentions?
A knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, theories of personality, and supervised experiences are necessary
We need to use counseling theories to conceptualize cases and develop hypotheses and treatment plans.

4. Introduction and overview
What is your role in the therapy process?
the Therapist is not in business to change clients, to give them quick advice, or to solve their problems for them.
YOU are your own very best technique.
It is important for therapists to increase their own awareness and applying this material to yourself personally.

5. Introduction and overview
What are your attitudes in learning theories of psychotherapy and counseling?
Relate readings to your own experiences
Reflect on your own needs, motivations, values, and life experiences
Apply key concepts and techniques to your own personal growth
Develop a personalized style of counseling that reflects your personality

6. The criteria of theories of psychotherapy
Precision and Clarity
Should use operational definitions, which can be used to measure a variable (e.g., irrational beliefs, transference)
Comprehensiveness
Are comprehensive across gender, age, or cultures.
Testability
Must be tested and confirmed
Usefulness
Should be helpful to practitioners to understand clients and techniques to help them function better
CBT is easier to operate (e.g., irrational beliefs), define, and implement to research.
However, some constructs are difficult to translate to research (e.g, transference).
So, it is easier to conduct research in CBT approach for empirically supported treatment.
Source: Sharf, S. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases
(3rd edition). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

7. Theoretical Orientations of American psychotherapists
What do you observe in this Table?
Which approach is the most popular among mental health professional?