COS107 Week 2

Introduction to Counselling

  • Course Title: COS107: Introduction to Counselling

  • Instructor: Nicole Bood

  • Year: 2023

Recap Questions from Previous Week

  • What is counselling?

  • Reasons people seek counselling.

  • Managing expectations for clients and professionals.

  • Pioneer of client/person-centred approach to counselling.

  • Three principles of person-centred counselling.

  • Definition and importance of values.

  • Strategies to improve practice amidst conflicting values.

Learning Outcomes for Today

  • Understand foundational theories underpinning counselling.

  • Explore integrative approaches utilizing multiple theories.

  • Develop research and reflection skills in counselling practice.

Counselling Theories

Definition of Theory

  • A theoretical framework guides interaction and intervention with clients.

Importance of Theories

  • Predict and explain client behaviours.

  • Outline intervention methods based on evidence.

Overview of Various Counselling Theories

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

  • Focuses on understanding emotional conflicts and the unconscious.

Humanistic/Existential Counselling

  • Encourages self-awareness and highlights individual potential.

Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling

  • Aims for changes in behaviour, cognition, and emotions.

Other Approaches

  • Narrative Therapy: Separates the problem from the person.

  • Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes client strengths over problems.

Contributors to Counselling Theories

  • Psychoanalytic: Sigmund Freud.

  • Humanistic: Carl Rogers; Gestalt Therapy by Fritz Perls.

  • Cognitive-Behavioural: Albert Ellis and William Glasser.

  • Narrative: Michael White and David Epston.

  • Solution-Focused: Steve de Shazer and Insoo Berg.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

General Information

  • Developed by Freud; application has diminished due to outdated views.

Key Assumptions

  • Influence of childhood on present behaviour.

  • Existence of unconscious influences on behaviour.

  • Structure of personality: id, ego, and super-ego.

  • Use of defence mechanisms to manage anxiety and unresolved issues.

Therapeutic Role

  • Counsellor as an expert interpreting freely shared associations from the client.

Person-Centred Counselling

Overview

  • Developed by Carl Rogers; emphasizes the therapeutic relationship.

Core Conditions for Client Change

  • Congruence/Authenticity

  • Unconditional Positive Regard

  • Empathy

Relational Techniques

  • Active listening, reflecting feelings, and summarizing.

Gestalt Therapy

Overview

  • Developed by Fritz Perls; emphasizes holistic understanding.

Key Techniques

  • Raising awareness of bodily sensations and emotions.

  • Importance of 'I' statements and personal responsibility.

Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling

  • Focuses on changing behavioural patterns and thoughts.

  • Counsellors act as educators; clients engage in homework tasks.

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)

  • Developed by Albert Ellis; aids in challenging irrational beliefs.

Key Processes

  • A-B-C analysis to identify beliefs causing consequences from activating events.

Choice Theory/Reality Therapy

Description

  • Developed by William Glasser; focuses on responsibility for behavioural choices.

Core Needs According to Glasser

  • Belonging, power, fun, freedom, survival.

Narrative Theory

Overview

  • Developed by Michael White and David Epston; separates people from problems.

Concepts

  • 'Storying' life experiences and social influences upon problems.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Characteristics

  • Emphasizes positive outcomes and client strengths.

Key Principles

  • Focus on solutions rather than problems.

  • Utilize strategic questioning to facilitate change.

Integrative Approaches in Counselling

Definition

  • Combines varying theories to cater to client needs.

Eclectic vs. Integrative

  • Eclectic: Synergy of theories without coherence.

  • Integrative: Coherent integration respecting each theory’s context.

Case Study Overview: Stan

  • Background: 35-year-old Caucasian male, struggles in social settings.

  • Presenting Issues: Alcohol issues, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties.

  • Goals: Seeks to make life changes and develop trusting relationships.

Wrap Up

  • Next Week Topics: Counselling process, contracts, initial meetings.

  • Readings: Chapters from Corey, Gehart, Geldard et al. to prepare.