Analyse and Compare the Three Main Theoretical Approaches

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Date 8th May 2011 Unit 1 – Essay - Reflectively analyse and compare the three main theoretical approaches and how they affect the outcome of the counselling process. This essay will reflectively evaluate and compare the three main theoretical approaches of counselling, The Person-Centred Approach, Psychodynamic Therapy and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It will show the differences and the similarities between these Models and how these techniques are used in a client environment to develop and move the therapeutic process forward. In counselling and therapy theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts, emotions and behaviours. A counselling and therapy theory has two key components: (1) it must describe behaviour and (2) make predictions about future behaviours. Counselling is a complex concept and comes in many different models which are under four different headings; Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Behaviour Management and Multi Cultural. Counselling/therapy first started with Sigmund Freud’s theory of Psychoanalysis which later changed to Psychodynamic theory. Counselling is a process which is conducted in a professional environment or in everyday societies on a social basis. Counselling is most commonly carried out on a person to person basis, but can also be in a group environment, by telephone or couples therapy. Whatever the combination, it should be delivered in a safe, secure relaxed setting. A good counsellor will have many qualities such as being an active listener, being non-judgemental and have positive, friendly manner. The counsellor will work within an ethical framework such as that of the BACP. Person-Centred Therapy was founded by Carl Rogers. Over the last 50+ years the theory has been developed and added to by many other professionals, like Abraham Maslow and Rollo May. Roger’s theory included Six Core
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