...Counseling or Psychotherapy Introduction This application paper will discuss my personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy in a number of different areas. Specifically, I will discuss the seven areas of interest. First, I will discuss and describe my basic view of human nature, Second, I will determine key factors that account for changes in behavior. Third, I will describe the nature of the therapist client relationship and its importance. Fourth, I will describe key functions and role of the therapist. Fifth, I will discuss the goals of therapy. Sixth, I will determine the techniques and theories of my approach. Seventh, I will discuss specific client issues best suited for my approach. (Walden University, 2012). In this paper I plan to describe and explain my own personal model for counseling. My personal model of counseling uses Gestalt Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy and Adlerian Therapy which I think complement one another well My Basic View of Human Nature My basic view of human nature is a combination of Person -Centered, Gestalt and Existential theories of counseling (Corey, 2013a). I believe that we are all searching for what it means to be human. I also believe that people are both the product and the process of their choices that are influenced by thoughts and emotions. Self-awareness in the individual leads to greater freedom in the...
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...Browning September 1, 2015 Joshua Paul Humanistic therapies are used to help patients gain insight into their feelings, emotions, and behaviors. The three main psychotherapies are client-centered therapy, existential therapy, and gestalt therapy. Psychotherapy has often been depicted as a complete personal transformation—a sort of “major overhaul” of the psyche. But therapy is not equally effective for all problems (Coon & Mitterer, 2013). Client-Centered Therapy was developed by Carl Rogers. Rogers referred to his Patients as clients rather than patients because he felt by calling them patients It made it sound as if they were sick and needed treatment in order to be cured. Rogers also thought that what may be right for the therapist may not be right for the client. It was Rogers that also allowed his clients to talk about what they wanted to talk about in their sessions together. Client- centered therapy focuses on finding one’s true self that is hidden deep within one’s own defenses (Coon & Mitterer, 2013). Existential Therapy has some similarities as client-centered therapy such as, both therapies promote self-knowledge. With that being said there are prominent differences as well. Existential therapists try to give clients the courage to make rewarding and socially constructive choices. Typically, therapy focuses on death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, the “ultimate...
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...Introduction Gestalt therapy, which was founded by Fritz and Laura Perls in the 1940s, teaches the therapists and their clients the phenomenological awareness method, where feeling, perceiving and acting are differentiated from interpreting and rearranging the pre-existing attitudes. Gestalt therapists and clients’ dialogue, thus communicating their phenomenological perspectives, and their differences in perceptions form the basis and focus of experimentation and continued dialogue. The desired outcome of the therapy process is for the client to become aware of their actions, how they are acting, and the ways they can change their actions and learn to accept and appreciate themselves. Here, the emphasis is mainly on the process rather than the content of the therapy, that is, what is happening rather than what is being discussed. Gestalt therapy was mainly considered for adults. However, Violet Oaklander (2007) says that it is also suitable to be applied to children since it involves the body and the senses, all of which fit the therapeutic works with the children. The purpose of this paper is to formulate a response in the manner a Gestalt therapist would work with children of ages between 4 and 12. Here, the general and Gestalt literature is explored, synthesized and evaluated on working with this particular population, their specific needs and particular ethical challenges that may emerge while working with them. A comparison is offered on how different modalities with the...
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...Thaliya Dublin Counseling and Theories MS D, Zack Introduction Gestalt Therapy was developed in the 1940's and 1950's by Frederick Peer’s a to the United States. Gestalt is German word that refers to completeness and the concept that a whole unit is more than the sum of its parts like person-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy tries to make the individual take responsibility for their own lives and personal growth and to recognize their ability for healing themselves. However, Gestalt therapy is being willing to use confrontational questions and techniques that help the individual to express their true feelings. The basic assumption for this model is that the body and its total developments are in some way bigger than the mind. The Gestalt therapy perceives the mind to be a way of blocking the total drive of the individual in some way. According to Perl's for most individuals the mind and the creations of the mind work against the body. They work against the best interests of the total individual. Therefore the mind is not the center of the individual on the contrary it is the center of the dishonesty that the individual has about himself. As a result, in order to come of age, to become somewhat dishonest about him/her the individual then becomes cast out of his/her own of defense he/she is cut off from reality, and the individual doesn’t see the real world as it is because he/she perceives it as a risk in a distorted way. Furthermore it may have in fact all started at childhood/...
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...A Theory in Progress Every theory begins with just a thought. One thought can change the course of history and the lives of many. Aristotle had a thought when he saw the shadow cast by the earth upon the moon. This thought led to the theory that the world is round, which people know to be true. There is no brilliance in coming up with a theory, only a thought that leads to a larger idea, which soon becomes a theory. Sigmund Freud's theories about the unconscious mind led him to what he calls psychoanalysis. In layman's terms, psychoanalysis is little more than a patient sitting in a room with another person discussing the issues that bother him or her in his or her life. When thinking about this on a broader scale, psychoanalysis is much more. Psychoanalysis with a well educated and trained individual can open the eyes to see deeper into the patients psyche. When the psychoanalyst gives the patient the right tools, he or she can help the patient overcome the obstacles that hold him or her hostage. Thought to Theory Some of the brightest minds in history made their theory into scientific data that people of all ages learn from. Each one; forming an idea in their mind and putting their idea into practice, and then ultimately becoming a theory. Theories are always changing and making better the ideas of the past. Not one person can truly know the human mind to its fullest, but with practice and theory people can learn more about the mind and obtain a better understanding of how...
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...put together to allow direction for future counseling sessions. Although each client has a unique situation, this theory can be a basis on how a counselor would start the interaction between herself and the client. This paper outlines philosophical assumptions, which includes how man is inherently evil, but there is still hope for growth. The next section will then discuss the model of personality, which talks about how man develops. This section combines counseling theories such as Gestalt and behavior therapy. The next two sections discuss psychological health and abnormality. This section looks at how a client will be able to set himself free from symptoms that are harming the client. The next section will conclude by talking about psychotherapy and how a counselor should look at the role of the counselor and client while using certain techniques. This paper will conclude with a discussion of the assignment. Overall, this theory could be used in a Christian or secular setting and is based off of personal beliefs. Counseling Theory Paper Each counseling theory includes various strengths that can be used in a counseling session. Since a counselor should make known that each client’s life situation is unique, a counselor should not settle on using just one theory. This paper analyzes different aspects of the nine major counseling theories and shows how they can be used together to provide a client with the counseling he or she needs to fulfill their ultimate goal. This counseling...
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...of insight therapy is “…to give people a better awareness and understanding of their feelings, motivations, and actions, in the hope that this will lead to better adjustment (p.527). The three major insight therapies are psychoanalysis, client-centered therapy, and Gestalt therapy. Psychoanalysis allows a person to express his or her thoughts using free association. During this process, the analyst remains quiet and out of sight. The advantage of this form of therapy allows people to recall past events and give them the opportunity to work through the feelings and beliefs that underlie their problems. However, this form of therapy may take five years or longer and many people cannot afford that length of treatment. Another disadvantage is that this form of therapy does not work immediately and is not effective with severely disturbed people. Client-centered therapy, according to Carl Rogers, “…is to help people become fully functioning, to open them up to all of their experiences and to all of themselves” (Morris & Maisto, 2002, p.529). In other words, Rogers believed that it is important to always follow the client’s lead in therapy and that the client is responsible for change. Gestalt therapy differs from psychoanalysis and client-centered therapy. “Gestalt therapy emphasizes the here-and-now and encourages face-to-face confrontations” (Morris & Maisto, 2002, p.530). In this form of therapy, the therapist is active and direct and their goal is to help the client become aware...
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...Counseling Theories Final Project Anastasia Page Capella University Culture can have a major effect on what is defined as normal and abnormal. Behaviors that are considered different from what is considered to be the norm could be deemed as abnormal and unusual. It isn’t common for a culture to immediately label a behavior that is not accustomed to their culture as being abnormal behavior because it is defying the social norms of that culture. However, abnormal behavior cannot and should not be defined based on the social norms of a culture because what is abnormal in one culture may be normal in another (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). Abnormalities are defined as behaviors based on criteria of impairment, inefficiency, deviance or subjective distress by American psychologists (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). Due to their being advantages and disadvantages with each of those criteria categories, culture has also been included as a criterion to consider abnormal behavior. Cultures have their expectations of behaviors whether abnormal or normal. Normal behaviors are those that are considered acceptable, while abnormal behaviors are deemed unacceptable. The criteria for what is considered normal varies from culture to culture and what may be considered normal in one culture could be abnormal in another (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008). For instance, in America it may be considered normal that a girl would want to be play with a group of boys in middle school. However, in Palestine...
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...Person centered and Gestalt Therapy The Gestalt approach to therapy emerged during the 1950’s and was developed by Frederick Perls (1893-1970). The aim of Gestalt therapy is to increase awareness, so that the client comes to resolution of unfinished business and the integration of the thinking, feeling and sensing processes. In Gestalt therapy the emphasis is placed on the present experience, the perception of the individual as a whole and the direct awareness of emotions and action. Gestalt therapists believe that the emotional problems and frustrations that are experienced by individuals are attributed to the lack of recognition and understanding of their own feelings. In addition to this Gestaltist believe that many individuals lose parts of themselves when they are confronted with the overpowering task of coping in society. The role of therapist in Gestalt therapy is to encourage the client to acknowledge their emotions. This is by the therapist supporting the client to express their current feeling and experiences. The main focus for the client in Gestalt therapy is to stay in the ‘here and now.’ This is very important because it allows client to stay focused in the present when it comes to their feelings and experiences. Looking at past situations, experiences and future goals is not permitted in therapy because it can cause anxieties that bring forth excessive problems. This is why the ‘here and now’ is emphasized. Also within gestalt therapy the therapist helps the...
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...Developing Personal Style of Counseling Abstract Counseling is a profession, a unique relationship in which the counselor’s job is to hold a ‘mirror’ for the client to see himself or herself. The counselor understands that sometimes it takes a while for the client to see what he or she needs especially if there are more subtle things needing recognition. The counselor knows how to hold the ‘mirror’ in such a way that the client can see himself or herself from a caring, supportive and sympathetic perspective. Sometimes counselors may appear to be repeating what the client says or paraphrasing the clients rather than giving answers. When counselors are doing this there is a strategy behind it. Counseling is not about expect fixing problematic people, they just motivate people to pick up the broken pieces in their behaviors that need attention. Because counselors have a lot of experience witnessing human beings in various forms of life challenges, they use techniques or share observations that are more revealing than what friends or family members might say. With these revelations, clients make decisions and with the support of the counselor, clients take action towards positive growth in their lives. This paper is an expression of my current thinking regarding a theoretical approach of individual counseling. The counselor’s approach is unique based on his or her personal belief systems and values. I have adopted and integrated counseling approach to understanding...
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...Therapudeic Therapy In our society there are several forms of behavioral and social development concerns. To help people cope with these psychological concerns there are a wide range of therapies, techniques and approaches, such as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a systematic interaction between a therapist and someone who is suffering from mental or emotional issues, with the goal of providing support or relief to overcome their psychological disorder (Rathus, 2012). There are several therapeutic methods that can be used by therapists, but ultimately the situation and the client will dictate which one is appropriate. Psychoanalytic therapy, Humanistic therapy, Behavior therapy, Cognitive therapy, Group therapy, and Biological therapy are all effective therapeutic methods of helping clients cope with their psychological disorder. Psychoanalytic therapies is based upon the theories and work of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Using this method of therapy makes the assumption that psychological problems stem from early childhood experiences and internal conflicts. According to Sigmund Freud, these conflicts involve shifting of the three psychic structures, the id, ego, and superego (Rathus, 2012). Traditional psychoanalysis focuses on early childhood experiences and can spread for months to years. This is the method in which most people are familiar with. Usually it’s a one on one hour session with a therapist who wants and encourages to tell your story. Short-term...
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...of Counseling or Psychotherapy Introduction This application paper will discuss my personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy in a number of different areas. Specifically, I will discuss the seven areas of interest. First, I will discuss and describe my basic view of human nature, Second, I will determine key factors that account for changes in behavior. Third, I will describe the nature of the therapist client relationship and its importance. Fourth, I will describe key functions and role of the therapist. Fifth, I will discuss the goals of therapy. Sixth, I will determine the techniques and theories of my approach. Seventh, I will discuss specific client issues best suited for my approach. (Walden University, 2012). In this paper I plan to describe and explain my own personal model for counseling. My personal model of counseling uses Gestalt Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy and Adlerian Therapy which I think complement one another well My Basic View of Human Nature My basic view of human nature is a combination of Person -Centered, Gestalt and Existential...
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...believe a person’s theoretical orientation will narrow, but will also continue to evolve. The core belief system that a therapist begins with is still there, but the platform that a therapist connects most with eventually becomes a therapist’s model. I am aware that my current orientation is rather eclectic in nature. I find a basic connection with Freud and agree that we do have instincts that are innate to every human (Corey, 2013), in essence we are all animals (Freud, 1961) of sorts. Adler was correct when he expounded on Freud’s work and introduced the idea that we are not solely shaped by our childhood experiences. Frankl, May, and Yalom have led me to the idea that there is no step by step instructional book on how to counsel clients. My experience in the military working with a multitude of different people of various religions, ethnicities, and languages has led to my acknowledgement that we are all different and are motivated and driven by many different things. Each person is different; this is what makes us special. No single solution is perfect for any two people, and there are always different variables involved with each person. Also incorporated into my view of human nature is Perls’s concept that places emphasis on what is being experienced in the here and now as being of great importance and that “the power is in the present” (Polster & Polster, 1973). At the same time it is important to recognize that what we have experienced in the past has had a...
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...PSY/210 “Psychotherapy is a systematic interaction between a therapist and a client that brings psychological principles to bear on influencing the clients thoughts, feelings, or behavior to help that client overcome abnormal behavior or adjust to problems in living” (University of Phoenix, 2012). Psychoanalysis is a method of psychotherapy, which helps people develop awareness. During psychoanalysis the client is comfortable generally on the couch and asked to speak freely about anything that comes to mind, which is called, free association. Also during this process most clients will show resistance and transference. Modern approaches of the psychoanalyst are known as ego analyst. Human existential therapy include, client centered therapy, which emphasizes the creation of a warm, therapeutic atmosphere that frees clients to engage in self-exploration and self-expression. Client centered is nondirective, positive, and genuine. Human existential therapy includes Gestalt therapy, which integrates conflicting parts of the personality through directive methods designed to help clients perceive their whole selves. Behavior therapy is a form of therapy that applies principles of learning to help people make desired behavioral changes. Fear reduction methods, which include, flooding, gradual exposure, systematic desentization, and modeling. “Adverse therapy which is a behavior therapy technique in which stimuli associated with undesired responses become aversive by pairing...
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...MOODULE 2: THEORIES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING THE BEHAVIOURIST THEORY OF COUNSELLING Introduction to Theories A theory can be defined as a systematic way of explaining a fact or an event. It refers to procedure that has been put forward empirically tested that explains a situation as a phenomena. Importance of Theory in Counselling Theories help a counselor to; • Explain the existence of a behaviour by understand if how it’s conceptualized, perpetuated and its manifestations. • Theories also help a counsellor to predict behaviour. The prediction of behaviour is quite important in the cases where a client manifests destructive behaviour. • Finally theories also help a counsellor to control behaviour. This is also important in cases where behaviours are destructive. Each theory has stipulated techniques which are meant to control behaviour. Types of Theories There are several types of theories which helps a counsellor to understand, predict and control behaviour. But for this course, emphasis will be placed on the following theories: • Psychological Theory • Behaviour Theory • Poison Centred Theory • Cognitive Behavioural Theory THE PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY Background Before the development of the psychological view point in terms of understanding, the human behaviour, in the late 18th Century and Mid 19th Century by Mesmer, Dr. John Breur, Dr. Jean Charcot among others. Psychological disorders and disturbances was mainly looked...
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