Putting Theory Into Practice

1. Putting Theory Into Practice “Learn your theories as well as you can, then put them aside when you touch the miracle of the human soul.” - Carl Jung

2. Putting Theory Cont’d • Points To Ponder - Theories are not a rigid set of rules or steps. Helper will use parts of many theories. Helper defines his/her own style - theories provide rationale and direction.

3. Psychodynamic Approaches Focus on internal determinants of behavior (values, beliefs, attitudes) Client perception of reality is important. Stress client insight during therapy. Holistic, humanistic, goal-oriented & social.

4. Psychodynamic Approaches Cont’d Examples: Psychoanalytic Theory (Sigmund Freud) Behavior determined by irrational forces, unconscious motivations, instinct. Ego defense mechanisms Adlerian Theory (Alfred Adler) Behavior is purposeful and goal-directed. What client is born with is not the central issue - but what they do with it. Birth order & sibling relationships are important. Adler has contributed to many other approaches!!

5. Relationship -Oriented Approaches Counselor-Client relationship is primary, techniques secondary. Therapist’s attitudes & values are as important as knowledge and techniques. Self-disclosure is encouraged in most approaches. Client awareness comes from the relationship. Examples: Existential Therapy (Victor Frankl) Believe people are constantly in the process of “becoming”. Created 6 basic “themes” of the human condition.

6. Relationship Cont’d Person-Centered Therapy (Carl Rogers) Opposite of psychoanalytic. Nondirective counseling. Therapists avoid self-disclosure. Focus on reflecting & clarifying verbal / nonverbal client communication. Believe people can resolve own issues WITHOUT direction intervention of therapist. Humans develop in a positive and constructive manner IF climate of respect & trust is established. Very positive outlook on human nature.

7. Relationship Cont’d Gestalt Therapy (Fritz Perls) Must find own way in life and accept personal responsibility. Goal is to gain awareness, self-understanding and the knowledge to make change. Nothing exists except the “Now”. (focusing on the past is a way to avoid coming to terms with present) 5 layers of neurosis. Client language is important. Can deny or give power. “You” “I” messages.

8. Cognitive / Behavioral Approaches Believe in a collaborative relationship. Psychological issues are caused by a disturbance in the cognitive process. Focus is on changing cognitions or thought process - then altering behavior. Tend to focus on specific / targeted problems. Client is active during and outside therapy sessions. Therapists use a variety of behavioral techniques & strategies to bring about change.

9. Behavioral Cont’d Examples: Behavior Therapy (Arnold Lazarus) 3 area of development - classical, operant, cognitive conditioning. Focus is on taking action. Goal is to create new conditions for learning. Concentrate on current problems. Relaxation training, hypnosis, assertion training, meditation, modeling, imagery.

10. Behavioral Cont’d Reality Therapy (William Glasser) Human behavior originates from within rather than from external forces. Behavior fulfills 5 psychological needs: Belonging, power, freedom, fun & survival. All behavior has a purpose. Believe that changing a person’s thinking will change his/her feelings. Goal is to teach people more effective ways of Getting what they want in life. Skillful questioning, personal-growth plans, use of humor, paradoxical techniques (double-bind).

11. Behavioral Cont’d. Solution Focused Brief Therapy Views people as competent & resourceful - have the ability to find solutions. Keep it positive!! Therapist takes a collaborative & consultative stance. Focus is on client’s strengths, exceptions. Do not dwell in the past, things that cannot be changed. Client & therapist establish clear, specific, realistic and meaningful goals for change. “Miracle” question, scales, contracts, homework assignments, exceptions search, strengths inventory, measurable action plans.