Importance of Theory in Counselling

CST-L3
There are several theories and approaches within counselling, the psychodynamic approach,
the behavioural and cognitive behavioural approaches and the humanistic approach.
• The Psychodynamic approach stem from the work of Sigmund Freud. Freud believed
      that everything we do and think has a goal. There is no such thing as an accident or    
      chance event, he believed mental activity existed in three domains: unconscious, pre-
      conscious and conscious.
• The Behavioural and Cognitive Behavioural Approaches, this approach is based on

the work of a group of behavioural psychologists who were interested in the nature

of human learning.
• The Humanistic Approach, this approach was developed by several psychologists
              (Maslow, Rogers, May). They believe humans are motivated by the human needs
              and to realise as much as their potential as possible.
Theories of counselling are the building blocks of the profession.
There are many ideas in counseling about how people thrive and about how things go
wrong for some people and how to help with people and their healing. Each of these
theories produces a set of techniques. Different counsellors chose different styles
depending on the type of person they are. Before a counsellor decides which style of
counselling they are going to work with they must become familiar with several of the
theories first.
Any style of counselling is underpinned by theory and the reason for this is that these
theories have been developed   through tried and trusted methods. These methods provide
safe and defined frameworks to work within. Without a definite framework there is a
danger the counsellor may work in a haphazard way causing both counsellor and client
developing an unsafe working relationship. Through these theories counsellors provide a
safe and supportive environment in which people can work through their own issues.
Also what works best with...