Theories and techniques of counseling

existential therapy:

VIPs: Kierkegaard (angst/faith), Frankl (will to meaning), May (death & anxiety), Yalom (existential psychotherapy, “I–Thou”). 
Quote: “A person can live with any how if they have a why.” – Viktor Frankl 
Core Ideas: 

• Focus: meaning, purpose, freedom, awareness, choice, responsibility. 

• Anxiety = normal part of existence; motivates growth. 

• Goal: help clients face reality, find meaning, live authentically. 
  6 Propositions: 

1. Capacity for Self-Awareness 

2. Freedom & Responsibility 

3. Striving for Identity & Relationships 

4. Search for Meaning 

5. Anxiety as Condition of Living 

6. Awareness of Death & Nonbeing 
   3 Polarities: Dependence ↔ Independence, Rationality ↔ Irrationality, Freedom ↔ Determinism 
   Therapeutic Change: Realizing death is real → reevaluating values → acting on purpose. 

💛 PERSON-CENTERED THERAPY 

VIPs: Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, Natalie Rogers 
View of Human Nature: Humans are inherently good and capable of growth. 
Goal: Help client move toward self-actualization and congruence. 
3 Core Conditions: 

1. Congruence – genuineness 

2. Unconditional Positive Regard – full acceptance 

3. Accurate Empathic Understanding – deep understanding of client’s experience 
   Key Concepts: 

• Actualizing Tendency: innate drive toward growth & fulfillment. 

• Ideal vs. Real Self: smaller gap = greater well-being. 

• Self-Concept & Identity: perception of self that shapes behavior. 
  Non-Directive Therapy: Therapist doesn’t lead; trusts client’s inner resources. 
  Expressive Arts Therapy: Use of movement, art, music, writing for healing (Natalie Rogers). 
  Motivational Interviewing: Empathy, exploring ambivalence, self-efficacy, client-led change. 
  Maslow & Rogers: Both emphasize growth; Maslow = needs hierarchy, Rogers = self-actualization via relationships. 
  Biblical Comparison: Psychology → self-development; Scripture → surrender to God’s purpose. 

Gestalt Therapy

VIPs: Fritz & Laura Perls 
View of Human Nature: People seek wholeness; awareness leads to integration. 
Goal: Increase present-moment awareness and personal responsibility. 
Key Concepts: 

• Gestalt: “whole greater than sum of parts.” 

• Holism: mind, body, emotion, environment connected. 

• Field Theory: client’s experience shaped by dynamic environment. 

• Figure–Ground: how needs/experiences emerge in awareness. 

• Unfinished Business: unresolved past emotions affecting present. 

• Organismic Self-Regulation: restoring internal balance when needs arise. 

• Contact: authentic connection without losing individuality. 

• Boundary Disturbances: defenses that block awareness. 
  Techniques: Empty Chair, Role Play, Here & Now focus, I/Thou relationship, What & How questions. 
  Exercises vs. Experiments: Exercises = structured; Experiments = spontaneous. 
  Language Importance: Speak in “I” statements, focus on present experience. 

 

Behavior therapy

VIPs: B.F. Skinner, Albert Bandura 
View of Human Nature: Behavior is learned and can be unlearned; humans are both products and producers of environment. 
Goal: Change specific behaviors using learning principles. 
Therapist Role: Coach/educator; structured, goal-oriented. 

• Key Techniques: 

• Systematic Desensitization: gradual exposure + relaxation. 

• In Vivo Flooding: real-life exposure all at once. 

• Imaginal Flooding: imagined exposure. 

• Behavior Modification: reinforcement/punishment to change actions. 

• Self-Help: client applies techniques independently. 

• PMR: progressive muscle relaxation. 
  Key Principles: 
  All behavior is learned, meets a need, and can be replaced. 

classical conditioning

learning by association

operant conditioning

Learning by consequences

social learning theory

learning by modeling/ observation

positive reinforcement

adding something pleasant to increase behavior

negative reinforcement

removing something unpleasant to increase behavior

positive punishment

Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior

negative punishment

removing something pleasant to decrease behavior

systematic desensitization 

A gradual exposure technique that pairs relaxation with increasing levels of feared stimuli to reduce anxiety. 

In Vivo Flooding

Real-life exposure to the most feared situation all at once until the fear naturally decreases. 

Imaginal Flooding

Mental or imagined exposure to a feared situation until anxiety lessens. 

Behavior modification

The use of reinforcement and punishment principles to change specific behaviors. 

Self- Help

When individuals apply therapeutic or behavioral techniques on their own to improve their behavior or well-being. 

Reinforcement

A consequence that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again. 

“A”

Activating event

B

Belief

C

Consequences

D

Dispute irrational belief

E

Effective new philosophy

F

New Feeling 

irrational beliefs:

“musts/ shoulds “

Beck’s three levels of thinking

• Automatic Thoughts – surface thoughts 

• Intermediate Beliefs – rules/attitudes 

• Core Beliefs – deep identity statements

automatic thoughts

surface thoughts

Intermediate beliefs

rules/ attitudes

core beliefs

deep identity statements