Theories and Counselling Problems

Solution Preview

RESPONSE:

1. Name at least 2 theories that you found to be the LEAST useful in helping people overcome their problems? What is it about those theories that you believe makes them ineffective?

Choose at least two from: Psychoanalytic Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Behavior therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Postmodern Approaches, Family Systems Therapy, Nouthetic Counseling, and Cognitive Biblical Counseling.

All theories have some truth and some helpful techniques, even though a person might not believe in the whole theoretical underpinnings of the theory, like Freud's Psychoanalytic Therapy and Existential Therapy

Freud's Psychoanalytic Therapy

Perhaps you find it the most ineffective, especially when considering that theoretically everything is interpreted in terms of childhood repressed memories and psycho-sexual stuck points. Founded by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalytic therapists generally spend time listening to patients talk about their lives, which is why this method is often referred to as "talk therapy." The therapy provider will look for patterns or significant events that may play a role in the client's current difficulties. This where I have a problem, since they use Freud's psycho-sexual theory to guide interpretation. Psychoanalysts believe that childhood events and unconscious feelings, thoughts and motivations play a role in mental illness and maladaptive behaviors. Although some problems definitely do, the Freudian interpretation in the psychosexual stages makes in ineffective (my opinion). In interpretation of dreams of pictures children draw, everything is interpreted in a sexual manner e.g., a tree represents a penis, for example suggesting the child had been sexually abused or stuck in the penis-envy stage of development. Likewise dreams are often interpreted in a sexual manner; not always, but often they are. It is aso time consuming and costly for the patient. (1)

Existential Therapy

Similar to Freud's Psychoanalytic Therapy, Existential Therapy is based on a theory of human nature that I do not agree with certain aspects of:

BASIC DIMENSIONS ~ OF THE HUMAN CONDITION

* The capacity for self-awareness
* The tension between freedom & responsibility
* The ...