Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors

Diploma in Counselling Studies

Title

Describe the four major theories of counselling: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural, Behavioural and Humanistic with reference to relevant literature (3000 words).

Student: asdfdsf

Date: 28th May, 2014

Words: 3097

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 2

Introduction 3

Key Figures 4

Basic Assumptions and Key Concepts 7

Therapy – goals, clinical relationship and techniques 10

Conclusion 14

Appendix A – References 16

Introduction

This essay will present and contrast the workings of the three major theories of counselling psychology mainly – psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred. First I will describe what psychology is and what counselling entails, then I will explain why there are different schools of thought around counselling psychology, before introducing each in turn. My discussion will examine the three theories or approaches for a history of the founder and a rationale for why they were led to introducing a new therapy approach and a sketch of the key concepts. Further, I will look at methods and processes employed by each theory, the respective roles played by the therapist and the client and the various situations to which the theory can be applied. Finally I will examine the limitations of the theory and how well it integrates with other approaches. Throughout this paper I will offer my own view of the issues at hand and in so doing attempt a synthesis of the three theories.

Counselling is a therapeutic and growth relationship process concerned with helping individuals make adjustments to themselves, significant others and the environment in which they live (Hansen et al, 1986).