Chapter 11 Flashcards
Theory
-conceptual system-explanatory model (of human behavior and the change process)-allows to make predictions that can be tested
qualities of a good theory
coherent (no contradictions)comprehensive (explains more than less)parsimony (simplest explanation of two)testablepragmatic/useful
“the ultimate criterion for all counselling theories is how well they _________”
provide explanations of what occurs in counselling
humanistic theories
broad term that encompasses counselling theories that believe:-people essentially good-people naturally strive for growth and development-helping people best achieved by facilitating self-understanding by exploration of emotions
3 major humanistic theories
person-centered, existential, gestalt
person-centered view of human nature
phenomenological perspective: person’s perception of reality is more important than event itself (client’s worldview is what is most important)-positive-self-actualization
the self-concept (what we need for a healthy self…)
part of rogers’ person-centred-unconditional positive regard-CONGRUENCE between ideal self (person striving to be) and real self (what person is)-self-actualization
person-centred role of counsellor
non-directive facilitator.safe and supportive environment for clients to explore feelings (no need to apply defense mechanisms)
person-centered goals
.help clients identify, use/integrate personal resources TOWARD self actualization.so no need to apply defense mechanisms in ev. day life
person-centered counselling techniques (3)
-empathic understanding.feel with clients and convey understanding back to them-unconditional positive regard.deep & genuine caring for client as a person (prizing person just for being)-congruence/genuineness.being “real”, giving up roles and facades
person-centred strengths
-applicable to wide range of human problems, and to wide range of settings-short time to learn, used with paraprofessionals-positive view of human nature
person-centred weaknesses
-too simplistic or relaxed for clients in crisis who might need more structure/direction-depends on hard-working clients for best results-overly optimistic-deals with only surface issues-more attitudinal than technique based
exisential counselling founders
rollo may & viktor frankl
existential counselling view of human nature
-free will of choice/action (we are authors of our lives)-emphasis of meaning of life thru action-experience & sufferingWE’RE GOING TO DIE, so what do we do with the time we have???
TEXT according to existentialists, psychopathology is…
a failure to make meaningful decisions
TEXT frankl: can discover life’s meaning in 3 ways
1) doing a deed (achieving/accomplishing)2) experiencing a value (work of nature, culture, love)3) suffering (attitude towards unalterable fate)frankl also believed hiearchy of meaning (ultimate, day-to-day, moment-to-moment)
existential counselling: role of counsellor
-entering deep, personal, authentic rls with clients (not unusual for counsellor to share personal stories)-serve as MODEL of how to achieve individual potential and make decisions-focus on 4 “ultimate human concerns” (death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness)
existential counselling: goals
-help clients realize importance of meaning, responsibility, awareness, freedom, & potential-client becomes shaper of meaningful personal activity, embrace values for meaningful life
existential counselling: techniques
-very few, rl viewed as most important technique (authenticity, honesty, spontaneity, immediacy!)-can use whatever techniques they use, counsellors-CONFRONTATION-address 4 “ultimate concerns” (death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness)
existential counselling: strengths
-anxiety not necessarily negative, part of life, can be empowering-emphasizes uniqueness of each individual-effective in multicultural settings (global view of human condition)-can be combined with other approaches-research efficacy
existential counselling: limitations
-no fully developed model of counselling (that addresses developmental stages)-no formal training or education for it-no techniques to rely on-maybe not good for young counsellors w/ little life experience-difficult to implement beyond an individual level-too close to a philosophy than counselling theory
founder of gestalt
fritz perls, client is more than the sum of their parts
gestalt therapy: view of human nature
-phenomenological (phenomenological perspective: person’s perception of reality is more important than event itself (client’s worldview is what is most important)-experiential (here and now, don’t care about the client’s childhood)-anti-deterministic: free will yo, we gots it
gestalt therapy: role of counsellor
create an atmosphere that promotes self-exploration of what is needed to grow-active & directive!!-use of experiments and exercises-lots of immediacy!
