Counseling Theories---Introduction and Overview
Introduction and overview

No single model can explain all the facets of
human experience


Three big counseling theories (Psychodynamic,
Humanistic, and Cognitive-Behavioral theories) will
be discussed
You can begin to acquire a counseling style
tailored to their own personality


The process will take years
Different theories are not “right” or “wrong”
Introduction and overview

Is it enough to just learn the helping skills?



Who we are as a therapist, is critical
We need to think critically and scientifically
Is it enough to only be a good person with good
intentions?


A knowledge of counseling theory and techniques,
theories of personality, and supervised experiences
are necessary
We need to use counseling theories to conceptualize
cases and develop hypotheses and treatment plans.
Introduction and overview

What is your role in the therapy process?

the Therapist is not in business to change
clients, to give them quick advice, or to solve
their problems for them.

YOU are your own very best technique.

It is important for therapists to increase their
own awareness and applying this material to
yourself personally.
Introduction and overview

What are your attitudes in learning theories of
psychotherapy and counseling?



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Relate readings to your own experiences
Reflect on your own needs, motivations, values,
and life experiences
Apply key concepts and techniques to your own
personal growth
Develop a personalized style of counseling that
reflects your personality
The criteria of theories of psychotherapy

Precision and Clarity


Comprehensiveness

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Are comprehensive across gender, age, or cultures.
Testability

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Should use operational definitions, which can be used to
measure a variable (e.g., irrational beliefs, transference)
Must be tested and confirmed
Usefulness

Should be helpful to practitioners to understand clients
and techniques to help them function better
Source: Sharf, S. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling: Concepts and Cases
(3rd edition). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Theoretical Orientations of
American psychotherapists
Orientation
Clinical
Counseling Psychiatrists Social Counselors
psychologist Psychologist
Worker
Eclectic/Integrative
27%
29%
53%
34%
37%
Cognitive
1%
4%
24%
26%
10%
Psychodynamic
14%
13%
19%
22%
8%
Psychoanalytic
4%
2%
3%
16%
11%
Interpersonal
5%
3%
1%
1%
7%
Behavioral
4%
1%
4%
6%
13%
Existential/Humanistic
3%
6%
1%
3%
13%
Systems (family)
4%
4%
1%
7%
13%
Gestalt
1%
1%
3%
1%
2%
Personal-Centered
1%
4%
0%
2%
8%
Adlerian
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
Other
3%
4%
3%
4%
3%
Sources: Prochaska, J. O. & Norcross, J. C. (2003). Systems of psychotherapy:
A transtheoritical analysis (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.