Therapuetic Approach:
My approach in the counselling relationship is integrative. This means that
I integrate theories and practice from two types of therapy. One is Person-Centred
and the other is Cognitive Behavioural. Below is a description of these two therapeutic approaches.
Person-Centred:
Person-Centred or Client-Centred Counselling
was developed by the American psychologist Carl Rogers between the 1940’s and
50’s. Carl Rogers realized that self directed change would follow from
a client’s experience of a certain type of relationship. This relationship
is characterised by genuineness, non-judgmental acceptance, caring and empathy. This
theory was, and still is supported by significant amounts of research. Person-Centred
counsellors believe that,
“All individuals have within themselves the ability to guide their own lives in a manner that is both personally satisfying and socially constructive.
In a particular type of helping relationship, we free the individuals to find their inner wisdom and confidence, and
they will make increasingly healthier and more constructive choice.” (The Carl Rogers Reader, edited by H Kirschenbaum
and V Henderson 1990)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
The
basis of CBT is that what people think affects our emotional states, and our emotional states influences how we behave. During times of mental distress the way a person
sees and judges themselves, and the things that happens to them, alters. Things
tend to become extreme and unhelpful. This can worsen how the person feels and
cause them to act in ways that keep their distress going. CBT practitioners,
who come from many training backgrounds, aim to work jointly with the person to help them begin to identify and then change
their extreme thinking and unhelpful behaviour. By doing this, the result is
a significant improvement in how the person feels and lives their day-to-day life.
