...thing that is constant is change,” is true, then one must wonder how the mental health field resisted change for so long. In light of the modern age, characterized by scientific methodologies, the mental health field advanced rapidly. Amazingly, the human condition could be put to test, understood and categorized. Sadly, anything falling outside the “norm” became “abnormal.” Once a person was identified as “abnormal,” they were the lucky recipients of a label they carried with them for life, or until they “recovered.” Mental health labels carry with them a certain stigma that communicates to the person they are different, perhaps less of a person and that “normal” may never be a reality with their “illness.” Recovery would be based on becoming symptom-free, or at the very least, a significant reduction in symptoms (Gehart, 2012). The mental health field has experienced tremendous growth in terms of understanding the plethora of conditions people experience, as well as in treatment of those conditions. However, one thing remained unchanged until recently. The idea behind recovery shifted from coercive treatment to person-centered change (Onken, et al, 2007). Gehart states is this way, “instead of using the medical paradigm of disease, the recovery paradigm approached mental “illness” using a social model of disability that emphasizes psychosocial functioning over medical symptomatology” (2012). The focus of recovery shifted from the illness to the person. The recovery model gave...
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...Personal Model of Helping University of Phoenix BSHS/ 312 Models of Effective Helping Personal Model of Helping All theories have different views on ways of helping and different goals to imply. By using the person-centered approach ones view of human nature comes from one’s helping style. One would require a style that would make the client believe he or she is safe and understood. By the client knowing his or her therapist or counselor does understand him or her then he or she will believe he or she is safe and accept the help offer by the therapist or counselor. One could possibly set his or her on goals for change or except those of the therapist or counselor. “Person-centered therapy holds an optimistic view of human personality and focuses on present rather than past experience. Focusing on the inner experience of persons rather than on observable behavior, it holds that behavioral change evolves from within the person rather than through the manipulation of the environment” (Parrott III, 2003). View on Helping Developing a personal theory for the way one would want to understand human nature and provide him or her with the help he or she needs takes careful consideration. From what I have learned from this model of effective helping course is that the human service profession is a complex and overwhelming process, and one has to understand the methods one uses. My view on professional...
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...helping includes ideas from Adlerian, existential, and person-centered theories and includes techniques from behaviorism and gestalt theories. I have formed my viewpoint from the wide array of techniques and methods I have chosen since one theory or technique does not cover everything I believe need to be addressed in order to be an effective counselor. I also chose different methods and techniques because no two people are the same so a good counselor, to be effective, needs to have many ideas to work with. In the following paper I will explain why I formed my viewpoint from each of the theories I have chosen and identify strengths and limitations. The first theory I have included in my personal model of helping is the Adlerian theory. I have chosen this theory, not because I feel that having a sense of others outside of oneself is an important part of developing a connection with community and the environment. I also believe that birth order needs to be considered, because at times, roles are assigned and often reinforced by society. Family constellation is another interesting theory that needs to be considered because the conditions within a family unit can affect behavior, development, and personality. As the Adlerian theory explains, my role as helper would be to establish a good rapport with the client, evaluate the client’s circumstances, and use modeling to encourage the client in their efforts to change their behaviors. Face to face interviews in psychotherapy...
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...Rodgers believed that every person can achieve their goals and dreams in life. When someone achieved their goals they succeeded in achieving self-actualization. He believed each person developed in their own unique way based on that person’s personality. Rodgers recognized that sometimes a person’s ideal self-image may not be the same as what actually happens in life this is called Incongruence. When a person’s ideal self matches what happens in life it is called congruence. A complete state of congruence is very seldom achieved. When a person’s ideal self-image is similar to their real experience it is characterized as congruence. Rodgers believed in order for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of...
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...always strive towards attaining, thus it provides a person with the necessary guidelines in becoming the best version of themselves, with harmonious, genuine, and positive characteristics that leads to growth and actualisation (Meyer et al, 2008). The approach, and Roger’s view of the personality altered the way, in which I value myself, acknowledging the fact that you can truly become who you really want to be (ideal self) furthermore the self concept predicts your experiences, and the quality of life. By incorporating genuineness, warmth, positivity, self-acceptance, value towards oneself, and living without pretense, you would be able to grow and move more towards the ideal self. This approach is definitely one that inspires me to be...
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...received many different types of therapy; some of which I liked and some I didn’t. I have selected a few therapies that are of most value to me: cognitive behavior therapy, person centered therapy, and family therapy. These are all treatments that I have received myself and that have assisted me in my recovery. The first type of therapy that I will be talking about is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy operates on the theory that what people believe impacts how they act and feel (Corey 249). For example, if you think that you are of no value then you will probably feel depressed or lonely and might isolate yourself and act out destructively. One of the goals of this therapy is to replace negative thoughts and feelings with ones that are healthier. Another goal is to increase the clients’ skills, so they have more alternatives for responding to certain situations (Corey 280). Behavioral therapy recognizes the importance of the individual, their surroundings, and the interaction between the person and the environment in assisting change (Corey 280). Another emphases of behavioral therapy is assignments. Clients are expected to assume an active role by doing, instead of just talking, both during and outside of the sessions (Corey 251). This is one of the therapies I found very helpful when I was trying to get clean from drugs and away from the lifestyle that comes along with the drug use. Cognitive behavioral therapy educated me on how to recognize my...
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...Paper on the Psychoanalytical, Existential, and Person Centered Therapies BSHS 312 February 6, 2012 Paula Krasselt Comparison and Contrast of the Psychoanalytical, Existential, and Person Centered Therapies Throughout the centuries, different methods and techniques have been developed to help enhance the quality of therapy for people who suffer from different types of behaviors. Many theories about how and what therapy is and most effective techniques have also been sought out and applied. These include psychoanalytical, existential, and person-centered therapies. All have different techniques with yet the same goal is to find a cure and treat the individual’s issue. Through the years clinicians have found one to be more effective than another, and some of the therapies have been modified or enhanced to better treat a client. Psychoanalytical therapy allows patients to cope and understand experiences, whether traumatic or sad. It allows for their experiences to be coped with and to treat the effect of current behavior and feelings due to the experience that the patient has endured. Psychoanalytical therapy looks in-depth at the conscious and unconscious feelings of the patient. Existential therapy is more of a philosophical method of treatment. It allows for the patient to face and accept the inevitable. These patients can be experiencing a difficult way of accepting death or difficult life events. Existential therapy has been studied and evaluated by different philosophers...
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...to be able to work with adults dealing with trauma, mental illness, and addictions. My personal opinion is that there is not enough counselors out there for adults. I welcome the idea of having my own practice and to being able to help someone make a positive change in his or her life. Though I must admit, that after working with aggressive, traumatized, abused kids I think I will work with families as well as single adults. At the beginning of this semester, I sated that self-awareness is something that grows over time and with exploration. I find myself reflecting on my thoughts and beliefs on a daily basis, a constant growth that can only lead to being a great counselor in the future. To further recap on my mindset, beliefs, and qualities, I see myself as having a gift for understanding and empathizing with others. Additionally, my personal qualities of patience, compassion, and good listening give me the character traits needed to be an exceptional counselor.It is because of my life experiences that I venture into the world of Clinical Mental Health utilizing theories such as, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality (choice) Theory, Sand Tray (for the kids), and Client-Centered Therapy. To touch on my view of the world, by no means is it a naïve view. The world can be harsh, vile, and unforgiving. On the other hand, the world is full of opportunity, grace, miracles, and forgiveness. As for the human race, I believe that we all are born with...
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...Depression is the most common mood disorder; a state of mind where a person is overwhelmed with what is occurring in life and feels worthless. A person can have normal depression, clinical depression, which is a more severe form that lasts longer and involves loss of pleasure in nearly everything they do, or dysthymia, depression that lingers for long periods of time but is not major. Mood disorders can be caused by biological, psychological, and social factors because each plays a role in a person’s daily life. Treatment of the disorder has remained quite similar to how it was done years ago with some slight changes being implemented throughout the years to keep current with the times (Morris & Maisto, 2010). Depression is a common and normal reaction to the many life struggles one will face; it just varies in how bad a person gets it. It is very normal for someone to get upset and be sad over something that has occurred in life, but when it starts to affect how a person behaves for a long period of time, then, there may very well be a problem. There is major depression and chronic depression, dysthymia, a DSM-IV-RT is used to distinguish between the two (Morris & Maisto, 2010). A person who just feels blue, cannot think straight, sleep, and does not want to participate in a normal routine, but overcomes those feelings and it does not last for long periods of time suffers from depression. A person who constantly feels hopeless, suffers from feelings of guilt and insomnia...
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...BSHS/312 March 12, 2012 Dr. Princess Clarke, Instructor As we think about helping those who may need help we need to realize that there are many ideas on helping the people who need help. It is suggested that a counselor’s knowledge, theory and ability are only as good as the counselor’s personal qualities (Jevne, 1082). What this means is that therapeutic techniques will help people who are looking for counseling when the counselor’s personality is genuinely helpful (Truax & Mitchell, 1971). In this paper I will try to explain my own personal model of helping. I will use my real life experiences, suggest some useable applications, and cover some of the problems my model may cover. I will also try to address and overcome multicultural issues. Hopefully I will be able to address any limitations as well as the strengths my model may have. I will also identify some types of people my model will be able to help. Not until lately did I even dream my interest in helping others would make me want to be a counselor. I want to help people the way I was helped when I went into rehab for drug addiction. The counselors there were some of the most understanding people I had ever met and they did not judge me. They made sure I realized they were there to help me. I am also a 5 year chip toter of NA (Narcotics Anonymous). My sponsor said I had so much empathy for other members and was such a good listener I should choose counseling as a profession. Back then I did not think I...
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...Abstract This counseling theory paper combines different aspects of various counseling theories and puts them into one unified theory. This new theory takes in account my personal beliefs and worldview. This theory is not permanent, but is 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...
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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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...work to assist. In my opinion this was the most important factor regarding my success with a patient/client. I have chosen to put into practice the study of CBT, Motivational Interviewing along with other models of helping which include: the study of creative theory, and the study of multicultural issues. Choosing CBT was an easy task for me for I believe in both the behavioral and cognitive approach/technique, and when combined this form of therapy is successful. Working from an MI perspective will allow me as a future professional to have the knowledge it takes to determine my client(s) ability to change, I will know from using this approach whether or not my clients are ready, willing or able to change, using this approach will permit me to effectively help my clients move gradually towards change, not pushing them but meeting them where they are and helping them to help themselves to where they want to be. Creative Therapy, is a technique used to help individuals or families express what they cannot verbally, these techniques are remarkable in promoting change as well as placing emphasis on having and finding a deeper meaning of self. Studying Multicultural Issues, in my opinion is very important task in the helping field, this particular class has shown me that there are many issues culturally that are without notice or helped in this profession, therefore, as a future professional in this field I believe that it is privilege as well as a duty to provide help and service...
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...PA theoretical exploration, both of the philosophy underpinning the Person-Centred Approach and of ‘the Approach in action in a psychotherapeutic context. Introduction Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987) is the pioneer of Person-Centred therapy. In this essay, I will discuss the approach, which revolved over 70 years of his life. His necessary and sufficient conditions which he said was all that was needed to self-actualize and become a fully functioning person. I will also talk about contributions from others and expansion of his theory and lastly, I will discuss the limitations of person-centred approach that may result in ineffective therapy. Philosophy of person-centred approach Carl Rogers developed person-centred therapy in the 1940s. He wanted to move away from therapist reliant to a therapeutic relationship where he had a more humanistic philosophy which is captured nicely by the metaphor of “how an acorn, if provided with the appropriate conditions will “automatically” grow in positive ways, pushed naturally towards its actualization as an oak.” Rogers was born in Illinois to a very strict religions family. He originally studied agriculture, then theology and finally psychology. Rogers approach was developed over four periods. The first being in the 1940s which saw the birth of “non-directive counselling”. Rogers became the leading figure in the third force of psychology known as the Humanistic psychology movement. His philosophy was that people are essentially...
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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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