Lecture 1: Overview of Theory

Different Theories

1. Psychodynamic

2. Experiential and Relationship-Oriented

3. CBT

4. Systems and Postmodern Approaches

Psychodynamic

1. Psychoanalytic

2. Adlerian

Experiential and Relationship-Oriented

1. Existential

2. Person-centered

3. Gestalt

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Approaches)

1. Behaviour

2. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

3. Choice Theory / Reality Theory

Systems and Postmodern Approaches

1. Feminist Theory

2. Postmodern

3. Family Systems Therapy

Psychoanalytic Therapy

• Founded by Freud

• A theory of personality development/philosophy of human nature and a method focusing on the unconscious mind

• Attention is important in the first six years of life (Freud’s life stages)

Adlerian Therapy

• The founders are Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs

• Growth model that stresses the importance of responsibility, creating your own destiny, and finding meaning and goals to create a purposeful life

• Intertwined with other therapies

Existential Therapy

• Founders are Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Irvin Yalom

• Created out of rebellion for the strict, standard, and limited perspective of other approaches. The model emphasizes building therapy on existing human conditions

• Themes include: Freedom of choice, responsibility and self-determination

Person-centered Therapy

• Founded by Carl Rogers and Natalie Rogers

• 1940s: a non-directive approach to psychoanalysis

• Based on the subjective human experience

• Themes include: faith, responsibility, and dealing with the client’s core concerns

Gestalt Therapy

• The founders are Fritz and Laura Perl, Miriam and Erving Polster

• Experiential therapy focuses on awareness and integrating the functioning of the body, mind, and therapeutic relationships

• Aims to enhance self-awareness and personal responsibility in clients.

Behavioural Therapy

• Founded by B.F. Skinner, Albert Bandura and Marsha Linehan

• The approach applies the principles of learning to stop the behavioural problem

• Methods of this approach are a process of refinement

• Themes include: mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Founders are Albert Ellis and A.T. Beck

• Ellis — founded Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (highly didactic, cognitive, and action-oriented therapy)

• Beck — founded CBT

Choice theory / Reality Therapy

• Founders are William Glasser and Robert Wubbolding

• Short-term approach, based on choice theory and accountability

• Goal: Clients can learn more effective ways of meeting their needs

Feminist Theory

• Founded by MANY women

• Central concept: The Psychological oppression women are exposed to and the sociopolitical norms women are forced to follow

• Approach explores women’s identity development, self-concept, goals, aspirations and emotional well-being

Postmodern Approaches

• Founded by MANY — relatively new

• Social constructionism, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing all assume that there is no single truth, but that truth is socially constructed through human interaction

• Theme: Clients are the experts of their own life

Family Systems Approach

• Founded by MANY

• Systemic approach that’s based on the assumption that the key to changing an individual is to understand and work with the family