Theoreis of Counseling and Psychotherapy systems

The basics to theoretical orientation

1. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Systems , Strategies, and Skills Fifth Edition Chapter 1 Foundations of Effective Counseling Copyright © 2021, 2014, 2010 Pearson Education , Inc. All Rights Reserved

2. Learning Objectives 1.1 Explain the development and commonalities of counseling theories 1.2 Identify the characteristics of successful clients and successful counselors 1.3 Describe developmental considerations when counseling clients 1.4 Describe counselor considerations in relation to culture and diversity and ethical and legal issues 1.5 Explain the strengths-based perspective in counseling

3. Development of Counseling Theories Counseling began to develop during the late 19 th century Little was known about mental and emotional difficulties People forcibly confined to institutions and exposed to ineffective therapies or no treatment The Four Forces in Psychotherapy The first force: Psychodynamic approaches led by Sigmund Freud Focus on past experiences and the unconscious The second force: Cognitive and behavioral approaches led by B. F. Skinner, Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck, William Glasses, and Donald Meichenbaum Focus on the present and the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors The third force: Existential-humanistic approaches led by Carl Rogers, Fritz Perls, and Victor Frankl Focus on emotions, sensations, meaning making, and the therapeutic relationship The fourth force: Contextual/Systemic approaches Focus on individual identity, context, and culture that impact clients’ experiences

4. Understanding Counseling Theories Counseling theories are used to understand, organize, and simplify the information clients present in counseling Counseling theories help determine how to best support clients and facilitate change Theories provide a conceptualization of clients and identify interventions to use Theories should be grounded in theory, science, and human development Theories should be easily understood, comprehensive, can generate research, and encouraging Common factors, factors common to all therapeutic approaches, is what makes counseling effective 75% to 80% of clients benefit from counseling Common factors may include: The therapeutic relationship Improvement in clients’ ability to identify and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors Counselors’ and clients’ expectations for change

5. Characteristics of Successful Clients Pretherapy characteristics and characteristics learned in therapy that positively influence the counseling process may include : Motivation : A clients’ readiness for change and an ability to engage productively in that process Examples: Ability to self-disclose, cooperation in the process, belief that counseling is important, low levels of defensiveness Client expectations: Hope and optimism that counseling is meaningful and beneficial Examples: Ability to self-disclose, cooperation in the process, belief that counseling is important, low levels of defensiveness Role induction – process of orienting clients to counseling so they can comprehend and make good use of the therapeutic process – helps instill hope Client engagement: Actively participating in counseling by self-disclosing, adopting a problem-solving approach, and taking steps towards personal change

6. Characteristics of Effective Therapists There is not a particular age, race, gender, professional orientation, or background that is associated with successful counseling outcomes However , clients may prefer therapists in a certain age, race, gender, professional orientation, or background Example : A female client may prefer a female therapist Both personal and professional characteristics are important Effective personal characteristics may include: Strong interpersonal skills, emotionally mature, capable of high levels of thinking and conceptualizing, good insight into themselves and others, ethical, flexible, encouraging and affirming

7. Effective Therapist Professional Qualities Table 1.2 Summary of the Foundational Skills That Effective Therapists Possess Practice appropriate and helpful interpersonal skills. Form a working alliance with a diverse array of clients. Provide an explanation for clients’ problems or struggles that is acceptable, adaptive, and culturally sensitive. Provide a counseling or treatment plan that is consistent with the explanation for the problem that was provided to clients. Monitor clients’ progress. Adjust their approaches as needed and remain flexible. Address difficult counseling material and topics. Communicate hope, enthusiasm, and optimism. Display sensitivity to clients’ personal characteristics. Self-monitor and become increasingly self-aware. Seek to continually improve as therapists. Maintain knowledge and stay aware of the research and evidence-based approaches.

8. The Therapeutic Alliance The therapeutic alliance, or the therapeutic relationship, is one of the most important factors for successful counseling outcomes Therapists must learn how to develop an alliance, monitor the relationship, and mend any ruptures Carl Rogers, developer of person-centered therapy, outlined three main components in the therapeutic relationship Empathy : The therapist’s ability to see the world through the client’s eyes and to communicate that understanding so that the client feels heard and validated Unconditional positive regard : Emotional warmth, appropriate reassurance, the communication of confidence and interest in the client, and the use of therapeutic interventions that empower the client. Congruence : Being genuine with a client

9. Developmental Considerations Development is a process of growth that involves cognitive, physical, social, personal, and emotional maturity Therapists should have an understanding of their clients’ developmental needs to tailor the approach Counselors must use interventions that are appropriate to their clients’ developmental level Counselors believe that mental health issues are the result of disruptions in normal developmental processes, which can lead to opportunities for growth and positive change

10. Examples of Developmental Factors Attachments: bonds that youth form with caregivers, involves trust and emotional connectedness Social and emotional development: emotion regulation, self-awareness, social skills Moral development: connection with concepts of justice and equality Educational development: general knowledge, reading, writing Physical development/biological and genetic factors: physical health and growth, innate intelligence, physical abilities, biochemical considerations Cognitive development: mental processes such as learning, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, attention, and decision making

11. Culture and Diversity Culture is a set of beliefs, attitudes, and value systems that we learn early in life through enculturation, and culture permeates how we think and behave Counselors must adopt a culturally competent and culturally sensitive approach What constitutes “normal” behavior may differ between cultures The American Counseling Association’s ( A C A ) Multicultural Counseling Competencies (2015) and A L G B T I C Competencies for Counseling L G B Q I Q A Individuals (2009) outline competencies for working with diverse populations Interventions, skills, and communication styles need to be adapted to meet the needs of each individual unique client Three important areas of cultural competence include self-awareness of any biases, knowledge and understanding of cultures, and ability to use culturally appropriate interventions

12. A D D R E S S I N G Acronym The acronym, A D D R E S S I N G can be used to help therapists develop a greater understanding of themselves and their clients A = age D = disability (acquired) D = disability (developmental) R = religion and spirituality E = ethnicity S = socioeconomic status S = sexual orientation I = indigenous heritage N = national origin G = gender/sex

13. A Strengths-Based Perspective Strengths-based approach : A focus on clients’ strengths, resources, wellness, and capacities Ensures a more holistic, balanced, and optimistic approach to counseling Believes that clients have the ability to provide their own solutions to their problems Therapists should work with clients to identify already existing strengths and build upon them to promote resiliency and positive change The four areas to explore to promote resiliency include: Social competence Problem solving Autonomy Sense of purpose

14. Counseling Theories and Setting Level of care: The setting and intensity of services that clients require to be safe and successful in meeting their counseling goals Continuum of care: The idea that clients enter therapy at a level of care appropriate to their needs and they then step up to more intense levels or they step down to less intense treatment as needed The setting of counseling will impact which counseling theory is used Various settings include: clinical mental health, school, addictions, inpatient programs, career The settings limit the services, range of clients, and range of problems that can be addressed Counselors should be aware of the expectations, limitations, guidelines, and requirements where they practice

15. Ethical and Legal Considerations Ethics involves therapists’ behaving in moral, virtuous, or principled ways and taking professional actions that support clients’ well-being Informed consent /assent: Formal action of consenting to counseling which serves as an agreement between all parties involved that they understand what will happen in counseling Competence : Possessing the knowledge, skills, and diligence required to effectively function and meet professional expectations and standards Assessment and diagnosis Evidence-based practices ( E B Ps ): Research-based treatments and interventions used in addressing and treating those who have various mental disorders Multiple Relationships and the Therapeutic–Fiduciary Relationship Tension Legal issues are related to laws and created by the legislature – laws are the minimum standards of behavior

16. Ethical Decision Making: Practical Suggestions Be thorough and thoughtful Be self- and other-aware and sensitive Be transparent and communicative Be educated Be support seeking

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