Counseling approaches
...approaches, I first wanted to look at the characteristics of each. I found that the text allowed me to do this. The easiest way to mention a few characteristics of each general approach was by using the Richard K. James and Burl E. Gilliland Table 1-1 (p.33). This table made it simple by listing each approach and key characteristics, as follows: Psychodynamic: Deterministic, topographic, dynamic, developmental, historical, insightful, unconscious, motivational, in object relations: relational, empathetic, and affective. Cognitive-behavioral: Behavioristic, pragmatic, scientific, learning-theoretical, cognitive, action-oriented, experimental, goal-oriented, contractual. Humanistic, experiential, and existential: Humanistic, experiential, existential, organismic, self-theoretical, phenomenological, person-centered, here-and-now-oriented. Integrative: Strategic, multisystemic, ecological, interactive, managerial, integrated, problem-focused, cybernetic, structural, functionalist. In a comparison of theoretical worldviews, Kottler (2002) has summarized the differences between four popular approaches. In an existential-humanistic approach, the therapist’s job is to be able to facilitate the process through a close relationship, exploration of feelings, and search for a personal meaning (Kottler, 2002). With a psychoanalytic approach, viewing problems in the present resulting from unresolved issues from the client’s past, the relationship is important mostly in relation to the client’s fantasies and projections (Kottler, 2002). In cognitive-behavioral, the client’s negative feelings are said to be caused by irrational beliefs. Therefore, to help clients it is necessary to challenge their beliefs and teach them alternate ways of thinking (Kottler, 2002). The systemic approach has individuals faced with problems that represent larger family conflicts. The therapist here is found to be more effective working with the ...