Psychology 412

Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy

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Textbook: Counseling and Psychotherapy by Les Parrott III

Casebook: Case Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy, 6th edition.

by Gerald Corey

Counseling/Psychotherapy The Helping Professions Treatment in which a trained professional employs

psychological techniques to help another. Some differences - counseling/psychotherapy Trained professional may be . . .

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5. Marriage/family therapists

6. Social workers

7. School counselors

8. Rehabilitation counselors.

1. Psychiatrists

2. Clinical psychologists

3. Counseling psychologist

4. School psychologist

Many approaches to psychotherapy Corsini’s books Only 10 - 12 approaches are well-known Commonalities between approaches Developing expectancies for change (hope)

Reducing discomfort

Fostering insight (a new view of oneself)

Encouraging catharsis (expressing emotions)

Providing new information.

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Although some commonalities, there are many differences between approaches

This course - 8 approaches

1. Psychoanalysis, TLDP, Imago Therapy

2. Transactional analysis

3. Person-centered therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy

4. Gestalt therapy

5. Cognitive therapies (Ellis & Beck)

6. Reality therapy

7. Behavioral therapy

8. Family therapy.4

Therapies sometimes classified into general categories Analytical approaches (Psychoanalytic, TLDP, Transactional Analysis,

Imago Therapy) Experiental and relationship oriented therapies (Person-Centered, Emotion Focused, Gestalt) Action-oriented therapies (Reality Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive

Therapy) Systems approaches (Family Therapy).

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In regard to the 8 approaches studied, we will examine:

1. Biography of developer

2. Historical development

3. View of human nature

4. Development of maladaptive behavior

5. Function of therapist

6. Goals of therapy

7. Major methods and techniques

8. Application and key terms.

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Over time a therapist develops his/her own style Most are eclectic Selecting concepts and methods from a variety of

approaches and weaving them into one’s own personal style

Things therapists may do: listen, connect present to past, use role-playing, analyze thinking, give homework assignments, sign contracts, teach…

Therapists often pay attention to their clients thinking, feeling, and doing.

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“Psychotherapy continues to battle the mistaken notion that therapists have ‘magical’ powers.”

“The public must be educated regarding the realities of counseling and professionals need to help dispel erroneous thinking about counseling.” (Parrott, page 47).

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Dispelling erroneous thinking. The Shrinking of America: Myths of Psychological

Change by B. Zilbergeld

Myth #1: There is one best therapy

Myth #2: Counseling is equally effective for all problems

Myth #3: Great changes are the rule

Myth #4: The longer the therapy, the better the results

Myth #5: Therapy changes are permanent or at least long-lasting

Myth #6: Therapy is never harmful.

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Critical question: Is Psychotherapy Effective? Outcome research After years of research, general conclusion:

“the evidence overwhelming supports the efficacy of psychotherapy”. (Myers, 1999)

Three common factors which underlie the effectiveness of therapy:

Therapeutic technique

Therapeutic relationship.

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Client factors Expectancy: will treatment help? Quality of a client’s participation in treatment Client’s perception of therapist and what therapist

is doing The duration of client’s complaints Client’s social support system and the

environments in which they live Client’s strengths and resources.

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