There is no single theory that is comprehensive enough to account for the complexities of human behavior, no single unifying factor. Therefore, the author of this paper will discuss three distinct, counseling approaches. Gestalt Therapy, Integrative Therapy as well as Strengths-Based Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy. The practice of which helps people to improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, all the while increasing their ability to function better in their lives as well as society.
Keywords: Strengths-Based Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy (SB-CBT), Gestalt Therapy, Integrative Therapy, Client,
COUNSELING APPROACHES
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This experiential and humanistic form of therapy was founded by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman. It was designed as an alternative to conventional psychoanalysis. Gestalt therapists in conjunction with their clients use many creative and experiential practices to increase awareness, freedom, and the client's self-direction. The assessment is that people are influenced by and have an intricate link to their environment and that people endeavor for growth and balance in their lives. Empathy, understanding, and unconditional acceptance of the client is the emphasis of his form of therapy. The which enhances the therapeutic outcome of the client. Additionally, there is Integrative therapy which is an effective form of therapy that addresses the behavioral, cognitive, and physiological levels of a persons functioning. Each theory provides a partial explanation of the client’s behavior “and each is enhanced when selectively integrated with other aspects of the therapist's approach”(Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy, n.d.). COUNSELING APPROACHES …show more content…
Gestalt therapy stresses the unity of mind, body, and feelings as they are experienced in the here and now. Focusing on assisting clients to become aware of “how behaviors that were once part of creatively adjusting to past environments may be interfering with effective functioning and living in the present, the goal is for the client to gain awareness…this awareness allows clients to reconcile polarities and dichotomies within themselves” (Corey, 2017). However, there are limitations in regards to diversity, some cultures frown upon openly expressing feelings. This can be viewed as a sign of weakness and vulnerability.If a therapist is not culturally aware and practices flexibility, they can compromise the client-therapist
Psychotherapy integration is best explained as an attempt to look beyond and across the dimensions of a single therapy approach, to examine what one can learn from other perspectives, and how one’s client’s can benefit from various ways of administering therapy (Corey, 2013). Research has shown that a variety of treatments are equally effective when administered by therapist who believe in them and client’s that accept them (Corey, 2013). Therefore, one of the best aspects of utilizing an integrative approach is that, in most cases, if a therapist understands how and when to incorporate therapeutic interventions, they usually can’t go wrong. While integrating different approaches can be beneficial for the client, it is also important for the
(Prochaska & Norcross, 2010, pg. 3). Who would have thought this general description could apply to so many different types of therapy? This textbook gives 15 different examples of psychotherapies, and most of these psychotherapies have two or more different versions. I found this a little overwhelming. While reading each one, I thought to myself, “oh yes, this makes sense, and I can see that working” so all in all I feel much more aware of the complexity of deciding what therapy would work with a particular client because so much information needs to be taken into consideration first. And I also became aware that I will never master them all.
Many gestalt therapists are against assessments or favor a gestalt version of an assessment (Brownell, 2010). Despite the lack of general assessments for gestalt therapy, therapists focus on four concepts during treatment: phenomenological method, dialogical relationship, field-theoretical strategies, and experimental freedom. Phenomenological method is used to bring awareness to the client. The therapist observes the client’s actions, such as if they choose to roll their eyes. He or she will describe these details out loud and treats each action with equal value. The dialogical relationship is where the therapist is honest and upfront with the client, instead of taking on a persona. The therapist also accepts however the client chooses to portray themselves. Field theoretical strategies enable the therapist to interpret a person’s character as dynamic rather than static. Lastly, experimental freedom is the concept that gestalt therapy is more than just talk. The therapist can experiment and try something new with the client as the therapy persists (RGI, 2013).
In it's simplest form, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (or CBT as it will be referred to from here on out), refers to the approach of changing dysfunctional behaviors and thoughts to realistic and healthy ones. CBT encompasses several types of therapy focusing on the impact of an individual's thinking as it relates to expressed behaviors. Such models include rational emotive therapy (RET), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), behavior therapy (BT), Rational Behavior Therapy (RBT), Schema Focused Therapy, Cognitive therapy (CT). Most recently a few other variations have been linked to CBT such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) (Harrington and Pickles, 2009). The main aspect that all of these branches of therapy share, is that our thoughts relate to our external behaviors. External events and individuals do not cause the negative thoughts or feelings, but, instead the perception of events and situations is the root cause (National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, 2010).
Of the psychotherapy theories, we have studied this quarter; I am inclined to like Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), it is one of the most efficient forms of psychotherapy for depression. It is also an adaptation for a broad range of disorders in various populations. It 's qualification for use in divergent treatment approach and it service is ubiquitous is cultural disparate. In IPT, the therapist focuses on the recovery from the current depressive episode by clarifying the relationship between onset of the client 's current depressive symptoms and interpersonal problems in fostering a relationship through communication and interacting allowing the client to be at ease. Treatment is time limited that encourages the client to regain normalcy of
The rapport and friendship built throughout this movie is vital to the success of the therapy exhibited here. This is a great example of Gestalt therapeutic approach and helps to identify most of the techniques incorporated. The techniques and ways of gently confronting but pushing a client all the way through are very beneficial to each viewer of this film.
In consequence, humanists and existentialists argue that people who mostly receive judgment and criticism for their behaviors are more vulnerable to developing a psychological disorder because they fail to recognize their worth (Comer, 2016, pg. 110). Overall, the humanistic-existential treatment model objective is to change clients’ harsh self-standards as they gain self-awareness and self-acceptance by valuing and giving meaning to their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Comer, 2016, pg. 110). The main types of therapy for this model are client-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and existential therapy. In these type of treatments, practitioners avoid giving personal remarks and their opinions, because they allow the client to control the session by creating a supportive and warm atmosphere in which clients are able to accept their weaknesses as well as their strengths while critiquing themselves honestly in an attempt to find their own solutions (Comer, 2016,
Gestalt therapy is existential, phenomenological, and process-based approach created on the premise that individuals must be understood in the context of their ongoing relationship with the environment. Awareness, choice and responsibility are the cornerstone of practice (Corey, 2013).
Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. W. (2014). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Systems, Strategies, and Skills (4th Edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Psychotherapy has been Around for many years and has a major role in our world today. It has grown over the years and now there are known many hundreds of different theories about. Clients that use therapy are for different reasons as to cope with a change of life experience or a disorder or for personal development. Integrative psychotherapy has been around for over one hundred years but has really only come into the forefront of therapy since the late 1970’s. “Research has indicated that psycho¬therapy is moving toward an integrated approach to therapy” (Norcross, 2005b). The therapy is a mixture of all theories that are tailored by the therapist professional experience to work with the client in a positive way. This assignment will look at the factors needed to enable the therapist to carry out successful therapy. It will highlight and explain what the five principles of integrative therapy are. Also, with the common factors and how they are important and across all therapies. Also,
165). The therapeutic method involves the therapist interacting with the client and inspiring the client’s development “by listening, guiding, instructing, and requiring” (Jones & Butman, 2011, p. 311). In ET, the counseling process is tailored to assist the client in developing through the awareness of knowledge that they are the ones that make the choices and decisions in their life about the direction their life will take. Instead of utilizing a mental illness model, the effectiveness is built on a real, authentic relationship that encourages prosperity and development in the client. The therapist and the client have a relationship, the therapist is a mentor to assist the client in the art of living a full
This essay will attempt to highlight and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the three main theories of counselling within the module covered this term. The three approaches in discussion are psychodynamics, cognitive behavioural and humanistic.
Corey, G. (2011). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (ninth ed., pp. 291-301). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Thoughts, feelings, and body processes all interact with each other to give us human behavior. Many forces from the inside (like psychological and biological) and outside (sociocultural) can affect the individual collectively. The integrative approach is broader and more universally applicable. By looking through the integrative approach lens, it isn’t just biological or just social as the source of our behavior; it is both combined to explain behavior. This can be accurately compared to the nature versus nurture debate (which should no longer be a debate since it is a combination of both). This broad, integrative perspective of abnormal behavior also makes it easier to prevent mental illness across different
Gestalt and TA concept have been widely recognized for their role in psychotherapy. In this context, they provide the therapist with a framework which can be used to help their patients overcome mental problems and issues. As result, personal growth and development is likely to be attained. Their significance is illuminated by the fact that both of them encourage the patient’s ‘here and now’ awareness, which is fundamental in personal development (Brenner 2000).