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
Also, there is the risk of developing 'fostered dependency' by creating an environment from which the client is unable, unwilling, or convinced not to, cease therapy (Abramson, Cloud, Keese & Keese 1994). American Medical Association 1996, 'Integration of behavioral and relaxation approaches into the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia', The Journal of the American Medical Association, vol. Psychodynamic therapy, whilst firmly established in Freud's original concepts of psychoanalysis, explores the 'dynamic' nature of the anxiety caused by conflict between the id, ego and superego (McLeod 1998: 32-33). Rational emotive behaviour therapy is founded on the proposition that 'thoughts cause feelings' and that it is not events that produce anxiety but rather the client's perceptions, 'irrational beliefs', and continual 're-indoctrinating' surrounding those events (Cormier & Hackney 1993: 180-188). et al 1995, 'Cognitive behavioural therapy for medically unexplained physical symptoms: A randomised controlled trial', British Medical Journal (International), vol. This in turn would allow her to objectively re-examine her workplace problems and deal with them on their own merits, free of any emotional confusion caused by misplaced or repressed fears of authority or conflict. 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. Corey (1991: 111-114) explains that Freud applied the word 'object' to define any person or thing embraced, usually by a child, as the 'target of feelings or drives'. Only highly skilled, professional therapists should be using the technique to avoid 'wild analysis' and the ignorance of the fact that some repression is a normal homeostatic mechanism (Ivey et al: 212-213; Stafford-Clark & Bridges 1990: 44-45). Winnicott added another dimension by introducing the notion of 'good enough mothering' whereby a 'good enough' mother will gradually let her child down to encourage independence, understanding of individuality and healthy object relations. 1993, The Professional Counselor: A Process Guide to Helping 2nd edn, Allyn & Bacon USAKovel, J.
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Acceptance Essays
