When someone embarks on a career in counseling, one of the first steps is to understand the wide range of theories available to help them in their work. While some counselors tend to lean more heavily on one particular approach, others prefer to employ a blend of various techniques, often changing emphasis depending on the individual circumstances of the patient.
But what theories are most common, and how do you know which one to use? In this article, we examine some of the most popular and useful theories in terms of how they work and when they can be applied before,,, also looking at the best way to explore and increase your knowledge and skill in these key areas.
The talking cure
The psychoanalytic approach is what many people would think of as the classic psychiatric or psychological method, as pioneered by Sigmund Freud. Although psychoanalysis has undergone many changes since its inception, the basic idea remains the same. Therapists or counselors talk to the patient about their issues with the hope that the patient will better understand their conscious and unconscious minds. They then work to identify ways to process their problems and eventually come to deal with them.
In this field, counselors should give space to the patient to express their feelings, and they should always try to react in a non-judgmental manner. They are also required to undergo therapy themselves to be familiar with the process and empathize with their patient. Counselors can employ this method in a variety of situations, from helping troubled teens explore how their family history or treatment from their peers may be impacting their behavior to giving struggling couples a chance to discuss the most difficult issues in their marriage.
How you relate to others
Rather than focusing on childhood or developmental issues, the interpersonal approach focuses more on relieving symptoms by improving ‘interpersonal function’. For example, suppose someone is experiencing problems in their personal relationship. In that case, the counselor will help them examine their interactionse worked on and made more positive.
This type of therapy is usually structured and time-limited and examines conflict in relationships, life changes, grief and loss, and difficulties in starting or sustaining relationships. Together, the counselor and patient discuss these key areas in connection to the patient’s main relationships and work to develop solutions to any problems they might uncover. While this approach is particularly useful for counselors when dealing with a patient who is suffering from acute depression, it can also be used in the treatment of anxiety, chronic fatigue, and mood disorders, such as bipolar.
Inside the mind
Cognitive psychology can help inform counselors about how the brain works and how physical and chemical imbalances or deficiencies can impact our mental health. A cognitive approach involves looking at internal mental processes and how they influence our thinking and acting. Areas of focus include perception, thought patterns, language, and problem-solving. Cognitive therapy is considered particularly useful in treating issues related to the brain, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and some mental illnesses. It can also be used for general problems, such as dealing with learning disorders and improving decision-making.
Behaviorism, which has many links to cognitive therapy, is based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning and that activity occurs through interaction with the environment. Although behavioral psychology is typically associated with children, it can be equally effective for adults. For example, counselors may use behaviorist techniques, such as conditioning, to help a patient learn how to develop more positive trains of thought or overcome anxiety regarding a particularly stressful situation.
Preparation and flexibility are key.
Most counselors tend to apply a mix of the approaches listed above, as well as any other theories that might prove useful, given the patient’s particular situation. Naturally, to do this effectively, every counselor goes through a long study period to acquire the requisite skills and knowledge.
One way to build up your skillset, not to mention your understanding of the various approaches and theories available, is to complete an online master’s degree in mental health counseling. The Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) at the American International College, for example, offers a solid grounding in theoretical approaches and techniques, as well as studies and theories related to the principles of crisis intervention.
It also allows students to explore the history of the main positions of psychological theory,, ideas related to multicultural studies,, and social bases of behavior. Although open to anyone, this kind of degree is particularly useful for students interested in finding the right career in counseling while remaining in full or part-time employment.
The right treatment for the right patient
Many counselors will have to deal with various issues across their career, from child learning development or teens struggling with addiction issues to adult relationship or financial problems, severe mental illness, or even workplace psychology. Fortunately, several tried-and-tested psychological approaches are available to help guide counselors in their work and provide theoretical and practical solutions to patient problems.
During their years of study and professional lives, the best counselors can absorb different theories, perspectives,, and methodologies. They then select the best way to identify any issues and devise a treatment plan to help their patient cope with any problems they may have and look forward to a positive future.
