cf_counseling_theories_overview (2)

Counseling Theories Overview This list can be used as a quick reminder of the theories you are learning about. It also introduces some other theories that are not covered in the course. It gives a brief overview of the many theories that have evolved into therapies and that continue to evolve. The list is not exhaustive. There are other subtheories and types of therapy. Use this list as a reminder of what you have studied, or as a prompt for theories and therapies you may want to explore further as you create your assignments in this course. Schools of Thought and Main Theories Theorists Subtheories Main Ideas (Tenets of theories) Psychodynamic Sigmund Freud Alfred Adler Carl Jung Psychoanalytic Individual psychology Analytical psychology All psychodynamic theories are insight oriented and focus on how early experiences, emotional factors, and subconscious factors play a role in a person's development and functioning throughout life. Concepts are id, ego, and superego, defense mechanisms, and unconscious, preconscious, and conscious. Role of inferiority complex in personality development. Focus is on overcoming inferiority and creating belongingness. The collective unconscious gives meaning to shared experiences across people and cultures. Archetypes represent the conscious (shadow, 1

Schools of Thought and Main Theories Theorists Subtheories Main Ideas (Tenets of theories) D.W. Winnicott John Bowlby / Mary Ainsworth Object-relations Attachment anima/animus, persona, and self). The psyche develops in relationship to caregivers. The relationships are internalized to shape personality. Focus is on infant and toddler bonding to a primary caregiver. Attachment styles develop as a result of the quality of attachment bond. Attachment styles are: secure and insecure. Insecure is subdivided by anxious-ambivalent, avoidant and disorganized. Humanistic Carl Rodgers Person-centered The premise is that people have the potential for self-understanding and the ability to solve their own problems. The therapist seeks to draw out the client's ability to solve problems through warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Gestalt Fritz Perls Gestalt Focus is on the context of a person's full experiences, and how people behave in the present moment rather than why they behave as they do. 2

Schools of Thought and Main Theories Theorists Subtheories Main Ideas (Tenets of theories) Christine Padesky Donald Meichenbaum Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Strengths-based cognitive behavioral therapy (SB-CBT) Cognitive behavior modification (CBM) CBT evolved from the behavioral and cognitive subtheories above in this section. Combines behavioral with cognitive processes. Emphasizes a strong collaborative relationship with the client. Involves restructuring of thinking. Clients experiment with new behaviors. Feminist Carol Gilligan Jean Baker Miller Laura Brown Feminist therapy Considers how sociocultural factors such as gender, culture, social identity, distributions of power, and political contexts impact development and social justice. Solution-Focused Steve de Shazer / Insoo Kim Berg Solution-focused therapy Understanding the origins of problems are not necessary for change. Focus is on solutions rather than on problems. Narrative David Epston / Michael White Narrative therapy Focus is on meanings that people give to their experiences and the resulting “narratives”. Family Systems Murray Bowen / Salvador Minuchin Jay Haley / Chole Madans Systemic family therapy Strategic family therapy Treat family relationships and interactions. Use a planned, problem- focus approach, and target specific family dynamics. 4

Schools of Thought and Main Theories Theorists Subtheories Main Ideas (Tenets of theories) Play Therapy Virginia Axline / Gary Landreth Terry Kottman Heidi Kaduson Bernard Guerney / Louise Guerney / Rise Van Fleet Child-centered Adlerian family therapy Cognitive-behavioral Filial therapy All play therapists allow children to use toys as self-expression. Follows the child’s lead in play. Accepts the child as they are. Allows freedom in play and expression for growth. Does not give directives except to set safety limits. Uses principles of individual therapy (Adlerian) to work with families through life struggles, and associated emotional and behavioral problems. Principles of behavioral and cognitive-behavioral are applied to play therapy with children and families. Is more directive than child-centered. Parents are trained to conduct child-centered play therapy with their children. Helps parent- child bond and can be Ann Jernberg / Phyllis Booth Theraplay carried through at home. Based in attachment theory, focus is on building bonds between children and caregivers. Ideal for attachment disorders. Elements from various theories are synthesized 5