Counseling Theories
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Counseling Theories
Jessica A. Williams
Salem College
Counseling Theories
Counseling theories exist so that counselors and therapists have a means with which to better help and understand their clients. Counseling "theories help organize and provide guidelines for the prevention and intervention efforts of counselors and therapists" (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). It is important for the counselor to know the advantages and disadvantages of the theories that they are using where they can use it flexibly and discriminatingly (Shoben, 1962). Some of the theories are similar and build off each other while others have very little in common. An examination of person-centered theory, Gestalt theory, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical theory reveals the similarities and differences among these four theories.
Discussion
Person-centered theory was first developed by Carl R. Rogers (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). Rogers believed that each person saw the world from their own perspective which he called a phenomenological perspective (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). Person-centered therapy is client-directed and assumes that the client is motivated to make the necessary changes in his or her life (Rochlen, 2007). The key beliefs of person-centered therapy all involve the client’s ability and motivation to move in a more desirable direction (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). The person-centered theory revolves around a helping relationship between counselor and client. The relationship should be good, constructive, and trustworthy (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). The counselor strives to be empathic with the client and hopes to see the world as the client does (Rochlen, 2007). The counselor seeks to value the client, which is more than simply tolerating or feeling comfortable with the client. Valuing is a “combined expression of empathy, respect, and genuineness that is individually tailored to the idiosyncrasies of the client’s experiences” (Glauser and Bozarth,...
Jessica A. Williams
Salem College
Counseling Theories
Counseling theories exist so that counselors and therapists have a means with which to better help and understand their clients. Counseling "theories help organize and provide guidelines for the prevention and intervention efforts of counselors and therapists" (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). It is important for the counselor to know the advantages and disadvantages of the theories that they are using where they can use it flexibly and discriminatingly (Shoben, 1962). Some of the theories are similar and build off each other while others have very little in common. An examination of person-centered theory, Gestalt theory, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and Jungian analytical theory reveals the similarities and differences among these four theories.
Discussion
Person-centered theory was first developed by Carl R. Rogers (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). Rogers believed that each person saw the world from their own perspective which he called a phenomenological perspective (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). Person-centered therapy is client-directed and assumes that the client is motivated to make the necessary changes in his or her life (Rochlen, 2007). The key beliefs of person-centered therapy all involve the client’s ability and motivation to move in a more desirable direction (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). The person-centered theory revolves around a helping relationship between counselor and client. The relationship should be good, constructive, and trustworthy (Capuzzi and Gross, 2011). The counselor strives to be empathic with the client and hopes to see the world as the client does (Rochlen, 2007). The counselor seeks to value the client, which is more than simply tolerating or feeling comfortable with the client. Valuing is a “combined expression of empathy, respect, and genuineness that is individually tailored to the idiosyncrasies of the client’s experiences” (Glauser and Bozarth,...