As each approach differs, so do the views pertaining to the relationship between the counsellor and client. This differentiation is of essential importance as this relationship proves to be of fundamental consequence in therapy and in serving the client’s needs suitably. With reference to the different views of the aforesaid relationship, this essay will explore three approaches to counselling known as the psychodynamic, person-centred and cognitive-behavioural approaches to counselling. This exploration will attempt to compare and contrast each approach whilst exploring the possibility of which one may prove to be most beneficial and effective. Additionally, these will be critically compared and contrasted with reference to how each approach views and differs with respect to the nature of the counselling relationship, what the ideal nature of the relationship is, how the relationship can benefit or hinder therapy, and if and how it is used to assist therapy.
Compare and contrast the person-centred and mindfulness approaches to understanding and working with fear and sadness. Which of these two approaches do you feel more drawn to and why? This essay will look at the key features of person-centred and mindfulness counselling approaches in regards to working with fear and sadness. The essay will follow on by looking at the similarities and differences between the two approaches, closing on my own inclinations towards the person centred approach before concluding. The purpose of person-centred approach during counselling is to increase ones self –esteem, whilst being open about new experiences allowing one to find out where they belong and to be contented with life.
I am going to explore the core conditions that Carl Rogers uses in his theory of person centred counselling. There are three core conditions: congruence, empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard. These conditions are what Carl Rogers believed are the skills a counsellor needs in order to be able to support the client in their process of healing themselves. I am then going to use my own experiences to discuss why I feel that only using the person technique, for certain clients, may not be sufficient to make the progress they require on an emotional level. On the other hand I am going to discuss how learning the person centred approach has affected my personal and work life in a positive way.
Evaluate the claim that client centred therapy offers, the therapist all that he/she needs to treat clients. "When I look at the world I'm pessimistic, but when I look at people I am optimistic." Carl Rogers created the idea of client centred therapy from a optimistic, humanistic and non directive stand point. He believed that people were essentially good and given the right circumstances would move in a positive and life enhancing direction. Client centred therapy encourages the therapist to consider the individual.
Henry David Thoreau and the transcendentalist’s view on life of people reflect an optimistic American view of human nature. Transcendentalism, which developed in the late 1800’s, expressed a new way of thinking of observing society in a positive light—this view greatly affected the American culture (Lit. Book, 210-213). Thoreau wrote, “Move confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined (Think Exist).” Transcendentalists view humans as naturally good.
The main focus of all third wave therapies is to integrate mindfulness and acceptance into their cognitive and behavioral approaches (Nylen, 2007). The basic goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life for the patients. This calls for specific behavior changes that will eventually lead to psychological flexibility (Nylen, 2007). The model of ACT includes six core beliefs that aim for psychological
Abraham Maslow believe that people have certain needs they must meet in a technique way, from highest to lowest in self-actualization (Cervone & Pervin, 2010). According to Maslow the needs of safety, love, belonging, and achievement must come into focus for humans. Humanistic theory focues on the individual and suggest that they are in control of his or her state of mind. The environment and the influence of inner thoughts, actions and desires affects the humans personality (McLeod, 2012). The Humanistic key figures are people who are encouraged in his or her upbringing to develop their own unique style instead appreciate when they meet other individuals’ outlooks to develop self-concepts.
When the counsellor is experiencing a positive, acceptant attitude toward the client, therapeutic change is more likely to occur. Through providing unconditional positive regard, counsellors seek to help their clients accept and take responsibility for themselves. Humanistic counsellors believe that by showing the client unconditional positive regard and acceptance, the counsellor is providing the best possible conditions for personal growth to the client. The third condition is congruence meaning being genuine and honest. The more the counsellor is themselves in the relationship, not putting on a professional front.
The Ethical Lens Inventory is a personal evaluation tool to help individuals understand the values that influence their choices. (Ethicsgame, 2011) My preferred Ethical Lens is, “Rights - Responsibility and Results Lens.” My Ethical Lens Inventory results state, I like to balance my skills logically and my intuition with compassion, so that I may accomplish my responsibilities, while still looking for the better good of other individuals. The results also state my strengths and my weaknesses, as making the right choices for myself, and for other’s around me. At first, I was confused with my results, because I didn’t really understand what it was for. It was an eye opener, because of the things it was stating about my core values.
Listening with an empathic ear and utilizing some intervention or other techniques to help people change their views about their circumstances is challenging but can be achieved through a lot of hard work and good communication. Verbal and non-verbal communication sends messages to both interviewer and interviewee. This is important because messages can be misinterpreted. It is so important to keep an open mind when interpreting the different aspects of communication. The human service staff must work together, and if there are any differences with the different styles of human service work, and staff then it should be resolved in calm and appropriate way.