Principle & Philosophy of Counselling
Topic 2: Principle & Philosophy of Counseling
PT23103 - Principle and Philosophy of Counseling
Instructor: Laila Wati Madlan
Learning Objectives
Students understand the philosophy and principles behind the counseling profession.
Students can define what counseling is.
Students know the goals of counseling.
Students differentiate between counseling and other helping professions.
Philosophy of Counseling
Philosophical Foundations
The theory and practice of counseling derive insights from various disciplines:
Philosophy
Psychology
Sociology
Other Social Sciences
These disciplines have provided both data and comprehensive hypotheses that counselors use to clarify the theoretical structures underlying the counseling process.
Reference: (George & Cristiani, 1990)
Definition of Philosophy
The term "philosophy" originates from Greek, meaning "love of wisdom."
The study of philosophy involves:
Asking fundamental questions to better understand individuals' places in the universe and their relationships and responsibilities to each other.\n - Examples of philosophical inquiries include:
“What is the purpose of human life in this world?”
“Is an action considered good because of its outcome or the intention behind it?”
“How should humans live together with justice and respect?”
Four Perspectives of Philosophy in Counseling
Metaphysics
Inquiry focused on the nature of reality.
Questions explored include:
What is real?
How does reality operate?
What is the basis of our existence?
Classical positions on reality:
Realism: Reality is what can be sensed (from Aristotle to Locke).
Idealism: Sensory reality is based on transcendent ideas or forms (from Plato to Hegel).
Nominalism: The nature of reality is hidden from humanity (from Anaxagoras to Kant).
Epistemology
The study of how knowledge about reality is obtained.
It involves the criteria used to validate reality statements (what is real and true).
Key concepts in epistemology:
Empiricism: Knowledge comes from sensory experiences.
Example: Scientists measure boiling points.
Rationalism: Reason can know things beyond mere experiences (e.g., insights).
Skepticism: Doubt about certain knowledge; knowledge systems are arbitrary.
Example question: “Does this world truly exist?”
Anthropology
Examines the position of individuals in reality.
Questions explored include:
What are a person’s capabilities and responsibilities?
What motivates a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors over time?
What characterizes interpersonal entities like culture or government?
Axiology
Focuses on the nature of values.
Reality, knowledge, and personal values are interconnected.
Individuals must articulate the rationale for their value stances leading to discussions on anthropology, epistemology, and metaphysics.
Principles in Counseling
Fundamental assumptions about the profession’s role, function, and activities.
Mohd Salleh Lebar (1993): Principles should be respected and practiced.
Summary of basic principles for schools and community agencies (Gibson & Mitchell, 2008).
Basic Principles for Schools
Counseling programs are designed to serve the developmental and adjustment needs of all youth.
The programs focus on the total development of students.
Pupil guidance is a continuous process throughout formal education.
Trained counseling personnel ensure helpers possess professional competencies.
Essential activities must be specifically planned to ensure program effectiveness.
The school counseling program must reflect the uniqueness of the serving population and its environment.
Continuous assessment of student needs and program characteristics is crucial.
Effective instructional programs necessitate strong counseling and guidance programs.
Teacher understanding and support are vital for program success.
Counselors must provide evidence of accomplishments.
Counselors collaborate with educational professionals.
Programs must respect individual rights and dignity and recognize their uniqueness.
Counselors should be role models for positive human relations.
Basic Principles for Community Agencies
Understanding the community's characteristics is essential.
This data must be factual, not theoretical.
Regular comprehensive needs assessments are imperative.
Communicating insights about the community to staff and the public is essential.
Organizational goals must be clear with established priorities and procedures for achieving them.
Developing an ongoing communication program is necessary to keep the community informed of activities and accomplishments.
Regular evaluation is important for program improvement and public support.