Three Main Approaches in Counseling Psychology

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This essay will choose one of the three main approaches in counselling psychology. And comment on how and why you understand it to be effective. How has this approach developed over time? Who were the main practitioners responsible for creating this approach? The essay will explore What does it offer which is different to the other two main approaches the essay will also Consider aspects such as the therapeutic relationship versus the importance of techniques in bringing about positive change in the client (Relation ship) between Clint the therapist .Therapy

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian physician In 1900 he was both the medical doctor(nurologist) and philosopher, Fraud who was founder of the study of psychoanalysis also known as the study of the unconscious mind A key assumption of the psychoanalytic theory is that much of human behaviour is determined by unconscious thoughts, wishes, memories and so on. What human are consciously aware of at any one time represents the tip of an iceberg: most of human thoughts and ideas are either not accessible at the moment (pre-conscious) or are totally inaccessible (unconscious). These unconscious thoughts and ideas can become conscious through the use of special techniques, such as free association, dream interpretation and transference, the cornerstones of psychoanalysis. Basic techniques of this approach in counselling Bernstein (1997)

Psychodynamic approach is include the structure of mental apparatus, that being the Id, Ego and Super Ego (McLeod, 2003), three connecting systems that constantly interact with one another in order to regulate the behaviour of the individual (Hough, 1998).

The Id is a container of primitive or innate instincts and impulses that Freud the...

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...tset that the client is their own best authority the focus of PCT is always on the client’s own feelings and thoughts, as opposed to judgement by the counsellor through diagnosis or categorisation PCT typically does not give advice or interpretations as Rogers believed that people are trustworthy with a great potential for self awareness and self-directed growth

In conclusion Psychoanalysis focuses on the past affecting the present and the therapist is detached and acts as a teacher. Therapy can last several years and so is expensive. However, person-centred therapy focuses on the present and the therapist is caring and warm. Therapy duration is decided by the client and they achieve their own insight. In addition, cognitive-behavioural therapy also focuses on the present, the therapist is a teacher and the therapist-client relationship isn’t important.

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