
Examples include reflections of feeling, modification of cognitive distortions, and systematic desensitization. Information on treatment parameters such as duration and frequency of sessions; whether to use individual, group, or family treatment; and benefits of medication and other adjunct services.
Full Answer
What are the two theories of counseling?
· The Therapy Goal Worksheet is designed to help develop treatment goals at the onset of therapy. It can also be used to set a direction in therapy as well as help create desired outcomes. This worksheet also contains the Magic Wand question, which is a great tool to help develop the imagination.
What is the best way to conceptualize counseling goals?
· For example, a person experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks might have common thoughts such as “I’m going to die” or “I can’t handle this!” By confronting the cognitive error and replacing it with a more realistic thought (“This is uncomfortable, but it will pass on its own” or “This is tough, but I can handle it”), the person will reduce or even eliminate the anxiety …
What are some examples of counseling approaches for students?
For example, you could say: “I can see that your marriage is not what you would like it to be.” You can then explore what the client might want different in the relationship or what the client is doing to use her strengths to get through this difficult time. This can change the client’s focus from problem talk to solution talk. (de Shazer, 1994)
How many goals should a counsellor have in a treatment plan?
Strategies and interventions that counselors can use to help people achieve their counseling goals. Examples include reflections of feeling, modification of cognitive distortions, and systematic desensitization.

Why is theoretical orientation important in counseling?
This is common knowledge in the field because any well-grounded professional needs a basis by which to operate.
What is the process of developing one's own theory as a counselor?
Developing a theoretical orientation is initiated and enhanced by personal reflection, readings, working in the mental health field and life experience . Furthermore, it can be integrated by participating in one’s own individual therapy. It is derived from within, particularly from the beliefs and significant relationships of the counselor. It changes over time and is dependent upon personal growth or working with diverse populations. Counselors should not be surprised if they identify with a particular theory when they revisit those theories years later. I am a person, a client and a therapist, and I attest to this process.
What is cognitive behavior therapy?
CBT posits that one’s emotions and behaviors are often caused or derived by one’s thoughts. In other words, if a person is depressed or anxious, then that person has certain cognitive errors or distortions that cause that person to be depressed or anxious. For example, a person experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks might have common thoughts such as “I’m going to die” or “I can’t handle this!” By confronting the cognitive error and replacing it with a more realistic thought (“This is uncomfortable, but it will pass on its own” or “This is tough, but I can handle it”), the person will reduce or even eliminate the anxiety completely.
What does it mean to be a counselor?
As a professional counselor, one must know how to respond to various complex individual and family issues, behaviors and emotions. If the counselor does not know how to respond to the client, then he or she may appear incompetent to the client. Actually, the counselor may be incompetent regarding that particular issue. Most theories propose that counselors are competent to address most of the major life issues that clients present within the therapeutic relationship, however. Therefore, being knowledgeable and well-trained in a particular theory may increase a counselor’s competence and confidence when working with clients in need.
Who is the founder of person centered therapy?
Similarly, Carl Rogers, founder of person-centered therapy, attested that the necessary conditions for therapy are contained solely within the therapeutic relationship itself. At least six specific conditions emerge out of this relationships, including unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathy, as referenced in the popular theories text Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis by James Prochaska and John Norcross. I would say there is an excellent chance that if my father were alive today, he would identify with Rogers as it relates to how people change.
Is a counselor incompetent?
Actually, the counselor may be incompetent regarding that particular issue. Most theories propose that counselors are competent to address most of the major life issues that clients present within the therapeutic relationship, however.
What is psychotherapy theory?
Psychotherapy theories provide a framework for therapists and counselors to interpret a client’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings and help them navigate a client’s journey from diagnosis to post-treatment. Theoretical approaches are an understandably integral part of the therapeutic process.
How does a behavioral therapist work?
Behavioral therapists work on changing unwanted and destructive behaviors through behavior modification techniques such as positive or negative reinforcement .
What is cognitive theory?
In the 1960s, psychotherapist Aaron Beck developed cognitive theory#N#External link:#N#open_in_new. This counseling theory focus es on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors. Unlike psychodynamic theory, therapy based on cognitive theory is brief in nature and oriented toward problem solving. Cognitive therapists focus more on their client’s present situation and distorted thinking than on their past. Cognitive and behavioral therapy are often combined as one form of theory practiced by counselors and therapists. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, has been found in research#N#External link:#N#open_in_new to help with a number of mental illnesses including anxiety, personality, eating, and substance abuse disorders.
What is behavioral theory?
Behavioral theory is based on the belief that behavior is learned. Classic conditioning is one type of behavioral therapy that stems from early theorist Ivan Pavlov’s research. Pavlov executed a famous study using dogs, which focused on the effects of a learned response (e.g., a dog salivating when hearing a bell) through a stimulus (e.g., pairing the sound of a bell with food).
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive and behavioral therapy are often combined as one form of theory practiced by counselors and therapists. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, has been found in research. open_in_new to help with a number of mental illnesses including anxiety, personality, eating, and substance abuse disorders.
What is a humanistic therapist?
Humanistic therapists care most about the present and helping their clients achieve their highest potential. Instead of energy spent on the past or on negative behaviors, humanists believe in the goodness of all people and emphasize a person’s self-growth and self-actualization.
Who developed the theory of unconscious forces?
Psychoanalysis or psychodynamic theory, also known as the “historical perspective,” has its roots with Sigmund Freud, who believed there were unconscious forces that drive behavior. The techniques he developed, such as free association (freely talking to the therapist about whatever comes up without censoring), dream analysis (examining dreams for important information about the unconscious), and transference (redirecting feelings about certain people in one’s life onto the therapist) are still used by psychoanalysts today.
What is goal setting in counseling?
Goal setting is an extension of the diagnosis or assessment process. During the assessment process, the goal is to determine what problems or concerns the client wants to work on in counseling. In goal setting, the clinician and client identify specific areas they want to work on in the counseling process. While setting specific goals is very ...
What is the purpose of setting goals in counseling?
2) Educative: Setting goals helps clients to clarify and target problem behaviors or issues they want to work on in counseling and develop realistic, attainable solutions. 3) Evaluative: Setting goals enables both the client and the clinician to evaluate or gauge the progress toward their goals. 4) Treatment Assessment: Setting goals enables ...
Why is it important to come up with treatment goals?
Coming up with treatment goals is important because it allows both the client and the clinician to monitor the progress of their work together. Goals represent the results the client wants to achieve in counseling. Goals give direction to the counseling process and help both the clinician and the client to move in a focused direction.
How is empathy related to client progress?
The research shows that clinician empathy is positively related to client progress - when progress is measured by clients’ estimates of progress. However, when progress is measured by more objective measures, for example by a standardized text or direct observation of client change, clinician empathy is less significant.
What does the type of relationship clinicians have with their clients influence?
The type of relationship clinicians have with their clients will influence the types of goals that can be developed and worked on. If clients are in a visitor relationship there is no joint definition of the problems, so it is difficult to agree upon the goals or how to accomplish them.
Why is solution talk important?
Solution talk is very useful to counter the sense of powerlessness that many clients are experiencing when they first come for counseling. Most clients when they first come to see a clinician focus on their problems and how these problems are making their life difficult.
Why is setting specific goals important?
While setting specific goals is very important to the success of counseling, some clients and some clinicians can be hesitant about implementing this step. Setting specific goals involves making a commitment to a course of action and an outcome. Counseling Lessons.
What is behavioral theory in counseling?
Counselors include the behavioral theory as part of their therapy approach to change and improve patients' behaviors. Learn about the science of behavior, the strengths and weaknesses of its techniques, and the treatment goals of behavioral therapy. Updated: 09/28/2021
Why is it important to have goals in behavior therapy?
Goals are of central importance in behavior therapy and seek to increase personal choice and provide opportunities for relearning problem behaviors. Under a therapist's direction, the client will define specific and measurable treatment goals from the start of the process.
Why is behavioral therapy important?
Since behavioral therapy only addresses how to change a targeted problem, it offers a high degree of ethical accountability. There's no bias regarding what behavior should be changed, and the client has a great deal of freedom in deciding the goal of their therapy.
What is the goal of a therapist for Jim?
The initial goal of therapy will be to decrease Jim's anxiety to a manageable level when exposed to water. Let's look at an example of how therapy might progress. The therapist may teach Jim relaxation techniques that can be used to reduce anxiety.
Why doesn't everyone choose behavior therapy?
So why doesn't everyone choose this form of therapy? Critics of behavior therapy argue that it's too impersonal. The focus on behavior change does not address the feelings of the client or the importance of the client/therapist relationship.
What are the strengths of behavioral therapy?
Its use of scientific methodology results in highly effective techniques that can be used for a broad range of issues. It can also achieve success in a shorter period of time and has a high degree of ethical accountability. Learning Outcomes.
What is behavioral theory?
Behavioral theory is an approach that applies science to the principles of learning and the resolution of specific behavioral problems. Scientific methodology is applied as specific goals are set, new variables are introduced to problem behaviors, and outcomes are measured.
What are some examples of strategies and interventions that counselors can use to help people achieve their counseling goals?
Examples include reflections of feeling, modification of cognitive distortions, and systematic desensitization.
What are the theories of counseling?
Counseling Theories. Counseling theories and counseling therapies are the building blocks of the profession. Probably every counselor has had at least one course in theories of counseling, and the names of the leading theorists, such as Sigmund Freud, Albert Ellis, Carl Rogers, and others, are both legendary and familiar.
What are some examples of integrated therapy?
Examples include Arnold Lazarus’s multimodal therapy, developmental counseling and therapy (DCT) developed by Allen Ivey and his colleagues, and the transtheoretical model developed by James Prochaska and others. Most integrated counseling theories and therapies are still in the formative stages. However, this is a growing area of the profession, and we can anticipate expansion and refinement of integrated approaches.
What is person centered counseling?
Carl Rogers, through his development of what is now called person-centered counseling, deserves most of the credit for bringing the third wave of counseling theories to the fore. With his emphasis on people’s emotions and his deep respect for people’s ability to grow and change in positive ways, Rogers humanized the counseling profession. He believed that counseling would be more effective if counselors could join with their clients on an emotional level, feel appreciation and empathy for them, help them express their emotions fully, and use their own resources to enhance their self-esteem and improve their lives. Rogers’s work brought attention to the importance of the human potential and actualization, self-esteem, and the client-counselor relationship. Most counselors now appreciate the importance of the therapeutic alliance and the facilitative conditions that enhance that relationship. In addition, Rogers’s deep respect for each person led to an appreciation of the importance of phenomenological approaches, those that seek to understand people’s views of the world and their unique perspectives.
What is the second wave of counseling theories and therapies?
Theories and Therapies Emphasizing Behavior. Theories emphasizing behavior and behavioral change represent the second wave of counseling theories and therapies. Gaining attention during the 1950s and 1960s and becoming a powerful force in the mental health professions, these approaches presented both an alternative and a challenge to psychoanalysis.
What was Rogers's treatment approach?
Although adherence to a pure person-centered treatment approach seemed to decline after Rogers’s death, his emphasis on emotions had a profound impact on counseling theories and therapies. During his lifetime, other approaches emphasizing feelings, such as Gestalt therapy, developed by Fritz and Laura Perls, and existential therapy also garnered attention. Important current treatment approaches such as narrative therapy, constructivist therapy, feminist therapy, and motivational interviewing reflect Rogers’s emphasis on empathy, phenomenology, and the therapeutic alliance. These newer approaches have contributed to a deeper appreciation for the tenets of person-centered counseling.
What is therapeutic alliance in counseling?
Nearly all theories of counseling currently recognize the powerful impact of the therapeutic alliance and offer clinicians ways to collaborate effectively with their clients. A safe and healing environment and a caring, skilled, and trustworthy counselor are essential to successful treatment.
Which theory aligns with the counselor's beliefs?
For this counselor personally, Adlerian theory and Behavioral theory are the two theories that align most with her personal values and beliefs mainly due to the partial focus of the past in Adlerian theory and because of the techniques used in Behavioral theory to bring about change.
What is the other practice the counselor plans to use in her practice?
The counselor was able to change her subjective views and by doing do heal herself in many ways. Behavioral Theory. The other practice the counselor plans to use in her practice is behavioral theory which she feels is highly complementary to the Adlerian theory.
What is Adlerian theory?
Adlerian Theory. One theory the counselor plans to use in her practice is Adlerian theory, developed by Alfred Adler. Adler developed the first holistic approach to therapy. “According to Adler, when we feel encouraged, we feel capable and appreciated and will generally act in a connected and cooperative way.
What is the difference between behavioral and Adlerian theory?
Adlerian theory is the focus of treating depression while Behavioral theory is the focus of treating eating disorders. The counselor shows why she feels that these two theories fit well together and how they can be incorporated into treatments for many different mental and emotional disorders. Counseling Theories.
How does Adlerian therapy help with depression?
“Adlerian therapy basically tries to assist a patient to get over the inferiority feelings, and make him or her fix realistic agendas and achieving them, which will contribute to their happiness and self importance.” ("Adlerian therapy," 2009). Adlerian therapy operates under the assumption that humans are influenced by social agendas which means that by using what motivates the client can lead to the end of depression. Once the client is able to view their environment differently and their self differently then they can work to lift the depression and find happiness. “Adlerian therapy concentrates on applications of personal psychological principals that are intended to make available the advantages of individual improvements and self-worth.” ("Adlerian therapy," 2009).By using this approach, Adlerian therapy can be quite successful in treating clients with depression.
How does Adlerian theory help students?
Many students suffer through problems at home that affect their performance in the school setting. Adlerian theory can help to draw out these family issues while the behavior theories can help in changing the students’ behaviors. This counselor feels that this is especially true for young people having family problems that affect their academic performance. While pinpointing the family issues through use of the adlerian theory may not change things at home (unless the family is willing to enter into counseling) the behavior theory can certainly play a key role in helping the student to overcome these issues and see that while they cannot change the behavior of others they can change their behavior and how they react to the situations in their lives.
Why is Adlerian therapy so effective?
Adlerian therapy can be an effective means of treating clients who suffer from depression.
What information does a counselor need to fill out for a treatment plan?
Patient information: At the top of the treatment plan, the counselor will fill in information such as the patient’s name, social security number, insurance details, and the date of the plan.
What is the role of model and technique in a treatment plan?
Treatment plans provide structure patients need to change. Model and technique factors account for 15 percent of a change in therapy. Research shows that focus and structure are critical parts of positive therapy outcomes. Goal-setting as part of a treatment plan is beneficial in itself. Setting goals helps patients:
What is treatment planning?
Treatment planning is a team effort between the patient and health specialist. Both parties work together to create a shared vision and set attainable goals and objectives.
How do mental health professionals use treatment plans?
Psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other health professionals use treatment planning as a tool to effectively treat patients and clients. Without a clear plan in place, it can be hard to track progress, stay organized and keep a record of individual patient care. We understand that every person who enters our intensive outpatient programs is unique. Our experienced clinicians will work with patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan using evidence-based methods. When health professionals create a comprehensive treatment plan specially designed to meet their patients’/clients’ needs, they give their patients directions towards growth and healing. Although not all mental health professionals are required to produce treatment plans, it’s a beneficial practice for the patient. In this article, we’ll show you why treatment plans are essential and how to create treatment plans that will make a difference in your and your patient’s lives. Each patient must have an individualized, goal and action-oriented treatment plan that is based upon information obtained in the assessment process .
What is a goal in a patient's life?
Both parties work together to create a shared vision and set attainable goals and objectives. A goal is a general statement of what the patient wishes to accomplish. Examples of goals include: The patient will learn to cope with negative feelings without using substances.
What is objective in a patient?
An objective, on the other hand, is a specific skill a patient must learn to reach a goal. Objectives are measurable and give the patient clear directions on how to act.
What is the third section of a treatment plan?
Problems and goals: The third section of the treatment plan will include issues, goals, and a few measurable objectives. Each issue area will also include a time frame for reaching goals and completing objectives. Counselors should strive to have at least three goals.
Why do we need theory in counseling?
Theory helps inexperienced counselors by serving as a “road map.” Novice counselors can rely on theory to provide direction and help ensure they will be effective with clients. Theory also helps more experienced counselors by facilitating their integration of self and external knowledge.
Why is theory important?
So, here are six reasons theory is important: Theory gives a framework for integrity between understanding, interpretation and, ultimately, action. Consistency and integrity are important in order to achieve goals in the most efficient and effective way.
What is the theory of nature?
Theory is how humans master nature. To really understand why you are doing something, you must have thought realistically and thoroughly (Rousseau, 1968). To do otherwise is akin to driving about blindly; like driving your car with the lights off. You may accomplish your task, but you probably won’t.
What would happen if we didn't have a theory?
Theory is the conduit for research. If we didn’t have a theory, we wouldn’t have anything to test, so we couldn’t do research. Without research, we would have to rely solely on clinical observations to determine effective interventions.
What episode of Working in Community Mental Health is Katie Fleming on?
Working in Community Mental Health with Katie Fleming: Ep. 22
Who is the mastering counselor podcast?
The Mastering Counseling Podcast, hosted by Megan Hawksworth, a licensed marriage and family therapist, features in-depth interviews with leading counselors and therapists, about their practices, treating clients, and more.
Can you accomplish your task but you probably won't?
You may accomplish your task, but you probably won’t. Without theory, we are driving blind when we try to help clients. Action in counseling must be immediate, under circumstances that may be somewhat unforeseen, complicated, and new. But we don’t have to have all the answers.
What is counselor approach?
A counselor’s approach is a reflection of their training and coaching philosophy.
Which is the most well known counseling approach?
Psychodynamic Counseling is probably the most well-known counseling approach.
What is client centered counseling?
For example, client-centered counselors tend to focus on a client’s innate goodness and use a nondirective style of interaction. Generally speaking, counseling approaches are guided by theory and research, both of which inform the method of practice.
What is behavioral counseling?
Behavioral counselors primarily focus on how behavior is impacted by environmental factors, as opposed to thoughts or unconscious motivations. Counseling approaches and coaching styles also are differentiated by how therapists interact with clients.
How do narrative counselors influence our lives?
By impacting our decisions , these narratives influence our ability to enjoy meaningful and satisfying experiences . Narrative counselors work collaboratively with clients to create alternate stories using a nonjudgmental, respectful approach (Morgan, 2000).
Why is narrative therapy important?
Each of us has a story we tell ourselves about who we are as a person. Because we derive meaning from our stories, they shape and influence how we perceive and respond to the world around us.
What are the different types of couples counseling?
Couples counselors work with several counseling tools and styles; for example: 1 Drawing from Reality Therapy, the therapist might work with the couple regarding issues of power and control (Wubbolding, 2010). 2 Interpersonal Counseling with couples emphasizes the role of relationships in affecting psychological outcomes. Systemic Therapy with couples aims to enhance connectedness and build stronger relationships (Johnson & Best, 2003). 3 Narrative Counseling with couples guides clients toward improved relationships by acknowledging and adjusting their narratives (Besley, 2002). 4 Existential Counseling with couples supports clients in experiencing more purposeful and meaningful lives. 5 Finally, Client-Centered Counseling with couples guides clients in discovering the sources of their relationship issues.
