Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
1
Integrated approach to counseling is when you combined theories to cover the
clients’ feelings, cognitive patterns, and behavior (Corey, 2009). Each theory focuses
one of these key components of a client but in counseling you need to focus on each of
these to fully help a client. The key to integrative counseling is to have multiple theories
function in harmony (Corey, 2009).
Psychotherapy has four integration approaches; technical eclecticism, theoretical
integration, common factors approach, and assimilative integration. Psychotherapy
integration is different than eclectic; which is when therapist use theories because it
works and uses no other reasoning when grabbing from multiple theories (Stricker,
2001). Psychotherapy integration goes past the single theory approach to examine what
can be learned and combined with other theories (Stricker, Psychotherapy Integration,
2010).
Technical eclecticism is when a counselor uses their previous knowledge of a
theory and experience combined with research to use interventions on a client; this
approach is thought of to be very close to eclectic practice (Stricker, Psychotherapy
Integration , n.d.). Technical eclecticism pull ideas from theories but do not necessarily
subscribe to the original positions of the theory (Corey, 2009). Theoretical integration on
the other hand aims to make a theoretical framework that produces from two or more
approaches the best outcome rather than using the approach alone (Corey, 2009). This
integration is considered to be the most difficult because it aims to combined different
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
2
approaches with unlike philosophies on human behavior (Stricker, Psychotherapy
Integration , n.d.).
The common factors approach is the similar aspects found in psychotherapy;
such as therapeutic alliance between therapist and client, the expectation from therapist
and client that treatment will lead to positive changes, and the therapist’s qualities of
empathy and attention are necessary for change (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders,
2014). The assimilative integration approach uses the psychodynamics theories of
personality structure, psychopathology, and psychological change along with methods
and techniques of other theories (Stricker & Gold, Psychotherapy Integration: An
Assimilative, Psychodynamic Approach, 1996).
The theories that an Integrated Perspective uses are psychoanalytic, Adlerian,
existential, person-centered, Gestalt, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, rational emotive
behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, reality therapy, solution-focused brief therapy,
narrative therapy, and feminist therapy (Corey & Bludworth, 2013). Integrative approach
to counseling looks beyond what a single approach holds and how clients can benefit
from a variety of theories. The advantage of an integrative approach to counseling is
that the client can benefit from a combination of theories. When counselors and
therapist use integration they are blending different theories to fit the individual needs of
that specific client (Nairn, 2012).
The integrative approach is categorized by openness to various ways of
integrating diverse theories and techniques (Corey & Bludworth, Developing Your Own
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
3
Integrative Approach to Counseling, 2013) and within the Addiction Counseling
Competencies the first competency is to understand the theories and methods in
substance abuse and the attitudes explain being open to these even if they go against
your personal held views (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014). The
integrative approach could be considered a competency of Substance Abuse
Counseling and therefore an advantage within the field.
At this stage in my counseling development I am interested in how important the
past is in my mind, especially in the AODA field, yet how many theories that focus in the
here and now I am drawn to. Currently I know that the therapeutic relationship is an
important aspect and feel that it is best gained in assisting clients in understanding and
challenging their life story like the Adlerian theory.
Using Adlerian therapy in the beginning of counseling I think makes a firm
foundation for the remaining sessions and treatment. Active listening and really hearing
what the clients are saying, asking questions and reflection to get the clients thinking
and exploring their problems so that they can become the answer is a style that I am
drawn to that I think Adlerian Therapy really covers. In AODA treatment clients need to
find the right motivation for change, need help eliminating discouragement and
inferiority, need help changing their lifestyle through goals, and need help becoming a
contributing member of society. All of these previously mentioned things are goals for
the educational process with Adlerian Therapy (Corey, 2009). I also feel AODA clients
could have difficulty building trust with the counselor or see them as an authority figure
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
4
and create resistence, with this theory I believe the walls built up could be more easily
knocked down verse using other theories.
Perhaps personally the Adlerian concept of encouragment and having faith in
people, the expectation they can take responsibitly for their lives, and valuing the
individual for who they are is a key reason why I am drawn to this therapy and would
incorperate it into my person style. Along with one of the reasons why I want to be a
councelor which is making a difference in the clients life. The Adlerian Therapy to me
seems like the core concepts of counseling; empathy, active listening, theraputic
relationship. Also the family concepts within the therapy I think are very important
because I believe family structure, family life, and social aspects form who we are.
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also fits into my personal style because the
client therapist relationship is thought to effect the quality of treatment. The partnership
and warmth within the CBT I think is an important component to the counseling process.
Change is difficult for everyone and in AODA treatment clients are asked to change
almost every aspect of their life. The homework, role playing, and behavioral techniques
used in CBT make change easier. AODA clients need to set up realistic goals, take
small steps, take what they learn in sessions and in treatment and apply it to their
everyday life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy clients can do each of things.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy also fits in with my personal style because it
includes humor. Using humor to benefit a client cognitively and emotionally I consider a
great idea and would do so. Substance abuse treatment can be difficult and sometimes
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
5
extremely sad and emotional in life client needs humor and I think there needs to be
room for it in therapy as well. It also is a great way to strength the client counselor
relationship and is good for the counselor so that they are not consumed in grief.
Sometimes in life the best medicine really is laughter. This technique also would be
extremely beneficial in a group setting.
The CBT has the basic philosophy that therapy is a learning process where a
client acquires and practices new skills, learns new ways of thinking, and acquires
effective ways of coping with problems which are all things an AODA client needs out of
therapy (Corey,2009). Another thing any client needs is empathy, which is why I would
also choose the Existential Therapy.
Treatment can be an emotional time for clients, many will have lost meaning in
life or feel as if they never had it. Using Existential therapy you can help clients obtain
meaning in their life. This theory also has a powerful message that I fully believe to my
core and that is, “our existence is never fixed once and for all; rather we continually recreate ourselves through our projects” (Corey, 2009). This view on human nature is
impowering and a motivational message for AODA clients. Another vital part of AODA
counseling is helping clients take responsibilty for their lives and actions and helping
them see the freedom they have in shaping their destiny. Within this theory a counselor
can help a client with so many difficult opstacles they may be facing or will face; such as
who they are and finding their identity, aloness, and relationships with others.
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
6
Personally I have a lot hope and believe within each individual is so much power
and am really looking forward to working with clients to help bring latent aliveness within
them and helping them face anxietys they never thought they would face (Corey, 2009).
I believe the Existenial Therapy fits into my personal style because it incorportes my
values, beliefs, and way of thinking within the theory. Perhaps I have too much faith and
hope for individuals but I find a lot of power within this theory to help clients find
themselves once again or at least “plant the seed”.
Using Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existenial therapy I think the
feelings, cognitive patterns, and behavior of the clients’ could all be helped and looked
at by the client. I enjoy the idea of not relying on one theory to help a client and see how
benefical it can be for a client to use an integrated approach. Each client is unique and
although I like these three theories I would be open to finding other theories that would
work together in an integrated approach to meet the needs of the client.
Elise Schmidt
Counseling Theory and Practice
Learning Plan 10
Integrative Perspective
7
Reference Page
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Pschotherapy 8e. Belmont: Brooks/Cole,
Cengage Learning .
Corey, G., & Bludworth, J. (2013, August 20). Developing Your Own Integrative Approach to Counseling.
Retrieved from California Southern University:
http://www.calsouthern.edu/content/events/developing-your-own-integrative-approach-tocounseling/
Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. (2014). Psychotherapy integration. Retrieved from Encyclopdia of
Mental Disorders: http://www.minddisorders.com/Ob-Ps/Psychotherapy-integration.html
Nairn, C. (2012, July 15). A Definition of Integrative Psychotherapy. Retrieved from Counseling Directory :
http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/a-definition-of-integrativepsychotherapy
Stricker, G. (2001, July 1). An Introduction to Psychotherapy Integration. Retrieved from Psychiatric
Times: http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/introduction-psychotherapy-integration
Stricker, G. (2010). Psychotherapy Integration. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association .
Stricker, G. (n.d.). Psychotherapy Integration . Retrieved from National Register of Health Service
Psychologists: http://www.epsychologist.org/index.iml?mdl=exam/show_article.mdl&Material_ID=8
Stricker, G., & Gold, J. (1996). Psychotherapy Integration: An Assimilative, Psychodynamic Approach.
Retrieved from CyberPsych: http://www.cyberpsych.org/sepi/stricker.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014). Addiction Counseling Competencies. Retrieved
from SAMHSA: www.samhsa.gov