Counselling Theories
This essay will critique the efficacy of Psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavioural counselling approaches, in particular as they apply to a specific case scenario. Both approaches will be defined and explained, and a brief expose of their relative antecedents will clarify the respective locations of each in the broad spectrum of counselling theories. Conceptual elements and therapeutic strengths pertinent to the scenario will be identified, and the limitations of each approach will be highlighted, along with the need for racial, cultural, religious and gender sensitivity on the part of the counsellor. Examples of practical techniques will be explored to illustrate the therapeutic effectiveness and expected outcomes of each model. Finally, it will be demonstrated that both the psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural counselling theories, in the hands of trained, professional helpers, occupy important roles in the spectrum of counselling philosophies. An irrefutable element in contemporary psychological and counselling practices is the seminal work of Sigmund Freud, who originally conceptualised the notion of 'the unconscious' and its effect on human behaviour (Kovel 1987: 96-98). A core principle in Freud's theories espoused tha
In conclusion, both the psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural theories of counselling have been shown to each offer their own specific methods of therapy in the management of the client in the presented case scenario. Psychodynamic theory has been shown to be deeply seated in the Freudian school of therapy whilst the cognitive-behavioural techniques were revealed to be espousing more contemporary, action-orientated approaches. The client in the case scenario was seen to be able to gain insight and growth, in varying degrees, from each form of mediation. However, given her traumatic and oppressed history, the critique of the two alternative therapies suggests that the client may have been better served by the more gradual and empathic psychodynamic approach. Limitations of each theory were presented, revealing that psychodynamic counselling can be a costly, drawn out process that can possibly lead to a client dependency on the therapy, whilst cognitive-behavioural techniques were shown to ignore the effect of past experiences and to rely heavily on the client's own abilities and commitment. Both philosophies were seen to be limited in that they assume a reasonable level of intellectual and conceptual ability on the part of the client. Finally, the compiling of a thorough client history was presented as a necessary step which would enable the counsellor to be sensitively prepared for any cultural, family, ethnic, religious or gender issues that may impede the therapeutic process. Speckens, A., van Hemert, A., Spinhoven, P. et al 1995, 'Cognitive behavioural therapy for medically unexplained physical symptoms: A randomised controlled trial', British Medical Journal (International), vol. 311, no. 7016: 1328-1332. Priest, R. 1983, Anxiety and Depression: A practical guide to recovery, Methuen Australia Ivey, A., Ivey, M. & Simek-Morgan, L. 1993, Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Multicultural Perspective 3rd edn, Allyn & Bacon USA. Jacobson, E., in Cormier, L. & Hackney, H. 1993, The Professional Counselor: A Process Guide to Helping 2nd edn, Allyn & Bacon USA
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Approximate Word count = 3049
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)
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