Counseling theories normally give psychotherapists the framework for effective and clear interpretation of the conduct, mind and emotions of a customer. It provides the framework for the psychotherapists to assist customers to have a smooth transition from diagnosis to post-treatment. Therefore, counseling theoretical approaches are an essential part of an effective therapeutic process. The most important thing for the counselors is to understand which theory works best in a given situation. It is this theoretical comprehension that enables both the client and the counselor to master the methodology of counseling. Knowing the origin, intervention and importance of each theory are paramount for an effective psychotherapist. The purpose of this paper is to describe the various therapeutic theories with an aim of establishing the intervention and importance of each of them within the counseling process. The theories of interest in this paper are the behavioral, psychodynamic and the cognitive one. The specific counseling process fields to be focused on are empathy, paraphrasing and transference.
Background
Psychodynamic Theory
The psychodynamic theory is a brainchild of Sigmund Freud, who had a belief that there were unconscious forces, which are responsible for influencing an individual’s behavior. Freud applied the term psychodynamics to explain the processes that take place within the mind as flows of psychological energy in a brain that is basically complex organically (Ivey & Simek-Downing, 1987). This idea developed by Freud originated from Ernst Brucke whom he met at the University of Vienna. According to Brucke, all living organisms are primarily energy systems to which the principle of conservation of energy is very much applicable. It is vital to note that the principle of energy conservation provides that the total amount of energy within a physical system is normally constant. Therefore, energy quanta can be altered but not annihilated (Hansen, 2006). Consequently, when some amount of energy is moved from one section of the system, it has to reappear in another part. This is the very concept that guided the thinking of Freud. In the thoughts of Freud, libido that is sexual energy is normally transformed into other behaviors. However, it must be mentioned that the use of the term energy in physics is not similar to the one applied in the context of psychology.
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The current general application of the psychodynamics theory has been a product of massive development to its framework by other psychologists. It is understood that all these developments to the psychodynamics theory have been based on the thinking of Freud. The methodology that Freud developed such as free association, dream analysis, and transference are still applicable in the modern therapeutic process (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Transference, in this case, means redirecting emotions regarding some people in a person’s life onto the therapist. In other areas, this theory is applied in counseling training process. Many of the therapists who apply this theory use it in analyzing the past relationships, particularly traumatic childhood experiences in connection with the person’s current life.
Behavioral Theory
The very first application of the term behavior modification in the field of psychotherapy was in 1911 by Edward Thorndike. He made the use of this term in his article titled Provisional Laws of Acquired Behavior or Learning. The comprehensive behavioral theory of counseling started to be used in the 1950s, being a radical shift from the dominant psychodynamic theory. It started in the United States, South Africa and Britain at the same time (Chan & Thomas, 2015). It became established amid huge criticism and resistance from conservative psychotherapists. It is vital to note that the main aim of behavior theory was the demonstration of the idea that behavioral conditioning approaches were very effective and an efficient substitute to the traditional methods of psychotherapy (Chan & Thomas, 2015).
In the 1960s, a psychologist called Albert Bandura came up with the social learning theory. The social learning theory was a combination of classical and operant conditioning with observational learning (Chan & Thomas, 2015). There were also a number of cognitive behavioral frameworks that were developed to be part of the therapeutic practice. In the 1970s, the behavior theory became established as a significant force to reckon in the field of counseling (Chan & Thomas, 2015).
In this theory, the focus is given to the analysis of the role of feelings in the process of therapeutic change. Its aim is also to analyze the role of biological factors in psychology-based disorders. There were two major developments; one being the increased emergence of the cognitive behavior therapy as a significant force and the second the use of behavioral approaches to the prevention as well as treatment of medical disorders (Chan & Thomas, 2015). However, it must be noted that this theory is marked by diversified views as well as procedures from psychologists, despite the fact that all practitioners using this approach normally focus on the behavior that can be observed, its current determinants, and learning experiences to enhance change and the strict assessment as well as evaluation. In essence, the behavioral theory is built on the idea that the conduct of a person is normally learned (Chan & Thomas, 2015).
Cognitive Theory
The cognitive approach to therapy was developed by Aaron Beck, who expounded this theory as part of the larger group of cognitive behavioral therapies. This theory is based on the cognitive model (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The cognitive model provides that thought, emotions and behavior are all related. Furthermore, it states that all individuals can get to the level of overcoming difficulties and achieving their goals through identification and changing unworthy thinking, bad conduct and distressing emotional reactions.
This theory was developed after Beck became increasingly dissatisfied with the long-term psychodynamic frameworks in therapy. According to Beck, the manner in which his customers understood, interpreted and attributed meaning in their daily lives, through a process known as cognition, was important to therapy (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The theory and its framework for application were developed further by Beck to its modern state.
Importance of the counseling theories
Psychodynamic Theory
Freud’s approach to psychology is still quite relevant and useful in the field of psychotherapy. It is important to note the unconscious as well sub-conscious facets of the mind for the conscious issues of the daily mental processes and cognitive organization. The importance and relevance of the psychodynamic theory of counseling is that it objectively studies the human mind (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Moreover, it treats mental disorders by examining the aspect of the mind. Therefore through this framework, counselors are able to understand the manner in which the conscious state of the mind experiences the greatest sense of actualization through treatment of the sub-conscious mind (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Before the sub-conscious mind is even treated well, there is a need to understand that the unconscious mind has to be used as the passage to view what is in the former part of the mind. Such a study can only be managed through the use of the psychodynamic approach.
Moreover, it is also important to note that the psychodynamic theory has a very big effect on the manner in which people understand and handle individuals in practice. It is asserted by many psychologists that the dynamics, as well as episodes of associations, are normally influenced by personalities and the defenses in therapy (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Some of the most important concepts in this theory include emotions as well as the childhood experiences for people. The two aspects of human psychology are closely related. It is a fact that emotional behaviors in virtually all fields of life are normally influenced and determined by the experiences of people during their childhood (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Therefore as it can be seen, psychodynamic theory is very vital in terms of understanding the operation of the human mind, so that effective counseling can be given to a customer.
Behavioral Theory
The importance of the behavioral theory is based on the fact that it is based on scientific methodology. The theory leads to very effective and relevant techniques of psychotherapy because it employs empirical testing of human behavior. The techniques used in psychotherapy based on the behavioral theory have always led to success in many cases (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Moreover, it is quite suitable because of its time-efficiency because it takes very little time to pin-point and target specific aspects, which the customer wants to change.
More importantly, the fact that behavioral therapy concentrates on only tackling issues about the way to change a specified challenge offers the whole therapeutic process a mark of ethical accountability. It gives a framework that is devoid of bias regarding the exact behavior that has to be altered (Chan & Thomas, 2015). In this model, the customer normally exercises maximum freedom in choosing the goal of the therapeutic process. Increasing personal choice, as well as provision of opportunities for re-learning problem behaviors, serves as the top importance of the behavioral theory in counseling.
Cognitive Theory
Studies have shown that the cognitive theory of counseling has high relevance and importance. It is important because it offers effective treatment for depression and leads to clinically vital benefits for customers. When it comes to counseling drug and alcohol addicts, the cognitive theory has proved to give long-term effects when used (Chan & Thomas, 2015). This approach has become highly important because of its short-term form of psychotherapy, which is quite affordable in terms of cost and gives practically validated results.
The objective of the cognitive framework of counseling is always to tackle the issue of symptom relief. This includes behavioral challenges as well as distortions in logic. This approach aims at curing systematic cognitive distortions (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The ability of this approach to concentrate on a specific issue and provide fast relief in the first session of counseling with the customer adds to its great importance.
Components of the counseling theories
Psychodynamic Theory
This theory is based on three components of the human mind. Freud explained that the human behavior is an outcome of the interaction among three components of the mind. The three parts of the human mind are the conscious, subconscious and the unconscious (Chan & Thomas, 2015). According to Freud, the conflict in these three components of the mind and the struggle of an individual to strike a balance shapes human behavior.
Behavioral Theory
Components of the behavior theory of counseling are three. The first component is the applied behavior analysis. In this component, behavior change is normally initiated with the help of operant or classical conditioning and positive reinforcement (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The second component is the cognitive behavior therapy, which is an integrative form of counseling that uses a combination of elements of behavioral therapy with those of cognitive therapy. Finally, there is the third component known as the social learning theory (Chan & Thomas, 2015). This component is about the nature of imitation and learning.
Cognitive Theory
The cognitive theory of counseling also divides the mind into three important components. The first component is the automatic thought. The second component is the intermediate belief. The third component is the core belief. The automatic thought component is about the ideas in the brain of a person, which emanate from instant thinking (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The core beliefs are those that are held without the justification of others. For the case of the intermediate beliefs, are those secondary beliefs based on the justification of other convictions and feelings.
How culture or gender fit into the counseling theories
It is true that cultural issues and gender matters normally shape the way counseling is done. Counselors have to pay attention to culture and gender issues when handling their customers (Chan & Thomas, 2015). The psychologists who advocate for cultural specific treatment of the customers base their reasons on the varied standards across cultures regarding what is viewed as normal and that which is seen as abnormal. In some cultures, for instance, hallucinations are regarded as normal conditions and even revered while others are seen as abnormal (Archer & McCarthy, 2006). Moreover, the people who advocate for the importance of considering the way culture fits in a given counseling framework cite the challenge of power in defining that which is normal or abnormal. A lot of the standards for that which is seen as right or abnormal are based on the European and American psychology. It has to be noted that despite the fact that these Western standards have huge power and influence in counseling, they are very biased and might not apply in other cultures of the world.
Culture and gender fit into counseling frameworks in various ways. For instance, different cultural groups have unique ways of communicating. Counselors who meet clients of a different cultural origin have to consider this factor and choose a theory that best suits the beliefs and communication practices of the customer (Chan & Thomas, 2015). This may greatly assist in coming up with very effective counseling process. Culture also has an impact on the manner in which issues like developing trust in the therapeutic process.
When it comes to the issue of gender, a number of research studies have been able to find out that gender also affects the way people communicate hence has a bearing on the counseling process. The manner in which males and females are socialized in the American and European countries influences the way they express their opinions, feelings and what they see as normal and abnormal (Chan & Thomas, 2015). All these factors have to be considered in the therapeutic process, particularly in choosing the theoretical framework to use in treating a client. For instance, a feminist counseling process concentrates on empowering women and assisting them in realizing effective ways of breaking some of the societal stereotypes labeled against them, which hinder their personal development within the society.
Ethical concerns when using the counseling theories
Ethical issues are bound to come up in the course of using some of the counseling theories. Some of the standard ethical problems that arise in the counseling process include reporting of child abuse (Chan & Thomas, 2015). Despite the presence of these ethical problems, the research protocols can cause additional challenges as part of study design and other factors. Counselors are faced with the dilemma of balancing the interests of the customer and those of the provisions of the theoretical framework they are using. This conflict of interest may make them to follow a compromise counseling process (Chan & Thomas, 2015). However, it is important in such situations to stick to the provisions of the specific theory being applied.
Conclusion
The purpose of this paper is to describe the various therapeutic theories with an aim of establishing the intervention and importance of each of them within the counseling process. Understanding the provisions of each counseling theory and knowing the appropriate circumstances in which to apply each is very necessary for a counselor. Moreover, it is important to consider cultural and gender matters when dealing with the client.
References
Archer, J. J., & McCarthy, C. J. (2006). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Contemporary applications . Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Chan, F., & Thomas, K. R. (Eds.). (2015). Counseling Theories and Techniques for Rehabilitation and Mental Health Professionals . New York City, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Hansen, J. T. (2006). Counseling theories within a postmodernist epistemology: New roles for theories in counseling practice. Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD , 84 (3), 291.
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Simek-Downing, L. (1987). Counseling and psychotherapy: Integrating skills, theory, and practice . Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc.
