Counseling Theories and Integrative Approaches (Lecture Notes)

Glossary-style vocabulary flashcards drawn from the lecture notes on counseling theories, integration, and case examples (Stan and Gwen).

Theoretical pluralism

Drawing from multiple counseling theories to form a balanced practice rather than rigidly adhering to one theory.

Integrative counseling style

A personal blend of techniques from different theories developed through study, reflection, and practice.

Integrative framework (Chapter 15)

Guidance on how to develop your own integrative approach by combining theories and techniques.

Existential orientation

Philosophical emphasis on personal responsibility and meaning-making; not a fixed, technique-based system.

Role-playing

A technique used across theories to increase emotional engagement in therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy focused on how thoughts influence feelings and actions, using structured, goal-oriented techniques.

Psychoanalytic concepts

Ideas about early development and unconscious processes integrated with other approaches.

Collaborative therapist–client relationship

Therapy as a partnership where both therapist and client share responsibility and co-create solutions.

Homework (in therapy)

Assignments between sessions to apply learned skills to real-life situations.

Self-awareness (therapist)

Therapists examining their own values, beliefs, and attitudes to grow beyond theory.

You are your own best technique

The idea that a strong, authentic therapeutic relationship is central to effective therapy.

Mindfulness

A practice used to foster present-mocused awareness and empathy within various therapies.

Sociopolitical context

Recognizing how oppression, inequality, and social factors shape behavior and choices.

Feminist therapy

Therapy highlighting gender roles and social conditions affecting women and men.

Medical model critique

Rejection of a deficit-based, diagnosis-and-cure focus in favor of resourceful, postmodern views.

Therapist's character

Qualities like compassion, authenticity, honesty, and presence that influence therapeutic impact.

Self-disclosure

Therapist sharing appropriate personal information to build rapport and trust.

Personal development in counseling

Ongoing growth for counselors, including addressing their own issues.

Social constructionism

Reality is viewed as socially constructed through language and interaction; multiple truths exist.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Postmodern approach focusing on clients’ strengths and practical, goal-directed change.

Narrative therapy

Postmodern approach that helps clients re-author their life stories and meanings.

Motivational interviewing

Collaborative method to enhance motivation for change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

Genogram

A three-generation family diagram used to explore patterns and family influence in therapy.

Transference

Client’s unconscious feelings for the therapist that echo earlier relationships.

Informed consent

Process of explaining therapy, confidentiality, risks, and obtaining agreement to participate.

Ego strength

Therapist assessment of a client’s capacity to handle distress and risk, including suicide risk.

Integrative approaches

Using multiple tools to address mind, body, and spirit, integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains.

Case of Stan

A hypothetical client used to illustrate how the 11 theories can be applied and compared in therapy.