Discuss two psychological therapies of depression. (24 Marks) One psychological therapy of depression in Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy. This therapy was developed by Hobson, and focuses mainly on the relationship between the therapist and patient. When a comfortable relationship is established, past events that could be the cause of depression are relived and resolved to try and relieve the pressures that they may be putting on the individual. Hobson believes that because problems in our life are usually through interpersonal relationships, we should resolve these problems through a therapeutic relationship.
Hawkins on the other hand presented a different yet equally as informative model. His concentric circles model was an excellent way of explaining the human personality. Additionally, the checklist seemed to be a handy tool for ensuring therapeutic progress. Hawkins seemed to place a greater emphasis on how to help a client achieve spiritual and psychological maturity. He explained that all parts of the human function are addressed in the healing journey.
Should therapists promote a relationship that demonstrates unconditional positive regard as Rogers’s method stresses? These are the issues that troubled critics and they
This is the ability to be you without pretence or façade. This is also called genuineness; it is the most important attribute in counselling according to Rogers, in this the counsellor is keen to allow the client to experience them as they really are, the therapist being authentic. Unconditional Positive Regard: (UPR) this is a non-judgemental, Respecting and accepting the other person as they are, Rogers believed that for people to grow and fulfil their potential it is important that they are valued as themselves. The counsellor has a genuine regard for the client, they may not approve of some of the client’s actions, but the therapist does approve of the client. The therapist needs an attitude of “I’ll accept you as you are.” The therapist must always maintain a positive attitude to the client at all times.
Supervision is essential to ensure high standards of professional practice. Ongoing supervision helps practitioners to monitor and review the quality of their work as well as their client's progress. Supervision, moreover, is a form of professional self-regulation. It is essential for the right to autonomous practice in the helping professions. Without supervision psychological counsellors might have to be regulated or "licensed" to practice by other professions (e.g.
The main therapeutic techniques are: Logotherapy, the “I-thou model”, and the self-in-world concept. However since existential counseling is not a technique driven therapy, techniques from other therapies can be used effectively with an existential therapeutic focus. It appears applicable to a wide variety of counseling situations in which clients are seeking to resolve issues concerning the ultimate ‘meaning of life’ and does focus on the collaborative nature of the counselor – client relationship. Running Head: EXISTENTIAL COUNSELING 3 Existential therapy or counseling is classified as a humanistic theory by Maslow due to its focus on helping people achieve their full potential in life (Maddi, 1978). It is viewed more as an attitudinal or philosophical approach to counseling rather than a theory of therapy because it is loosely based on existential philosophy and it is not tied to any particular therapeutic technique (Sharf, 2004).
He believed a healthy motivational status is when healthy people have sufficiently gratified their basic needs for safety, belongingness, love, respect, and self-esteem. Therefore, they are motivated primarily by “trends to self-actualisation defined as on going actualisation of potentials, capabilities and talents, as fulfilment of mission (or call, fate, destiny, vocation), as a fuller knowledge of, and acceptance of, the person’s own intrinsic nature, as an unceasing trend towards unity, integration or synergy within the person” (Maslow, 1968, p.25). Maslow positioned his theories as a vital complement to that of Freud “it is as if Freud supplied us the sick half of
Additionally, developing self-awareness helps the client to rediscover meaning in life. Some clients will, however, need a more structured therapy than is typical in a humanistic person-centered approach. One of the strengths of using a humanistic/person-centered approach when working with clients is the warmth and caring of the relationship that (hopefully) develops between counsellor and client. The counsellors active listening and full emotional availability will provide them with a healing environment within which they can explore their emotional experiences safely and without judgment. Central to the therapist's role in client-centred therapy is respecting the clients values as well as maintaining a therapeutic nonjudgmental attitude.
There are three core conditions for client-centered therapy. These conditions must be present in the therapy environment in order for progress to occur. The first core condition is atmosphere of authentic reception on the part of the therapist. The therapist must be genuinely able to accept the client. Second the therapist must convey unconditional positive regard for the client, this means that the therapist accepts everything the client say without passing judgment on the client.
In addition I am going to explore how the client might feel in a session and the blocks, fears and uncertainties they may encounter. By way of background I will highlight person centred counselling which was pioneered by the eminent psychologist, Carl Rogers. Sincerity is key to being a good counsellor and the client needs to know that the counsellor has their best interests at heart, and are without a doubt sincere in what is said and what is professed. Courage in a counselling relationship is defined as acting in spite of known fears. Essentially, courage is strengthened with confidence in self and nothing can be achieved without courage.