Counseling Psychology and Psychoanalytic Therapy - Assignment Example

? Counseling psychology Insert Insert of Insert of supervisor Counseling psychology Psychoanalysis is based on the notion that individuals are not aware of issues that cause their emotions and behaviors. These unconscious factors that have the capability of causing unhappiness can be expressed in form of distinguishable symptoms that make it to difficult to relate with each other, general disposition and disturbance in one’s self esteem (Holmes,2001). Psychoanalytic therapy, which is highly individualized, tries to highlight how unconscious factors affect relationships, mental health and behavioral patterns. The validity and value of psychoanalysis as a method of treatment and theory has been subjected to questions since its inception. Critics argue that many aspects of psychoanalysis such as the effectiveness of psychoanalytic treatment, data which Freud based his theories on, and whether or not it is a science. There have been praise and criticism regarding psychoanalysis for several decades, but a close look and the negative and positive feedbacks of psychoanalysis, in my opinion, psychoanalysis is a great treatment that should not be assumed. I believe that psychoanalysis is an essential tool in psychotherapy. It provides great insight into the inner functioning of the mind of human beings and provides a deep understanding of the basic problems that cause mental disorders. The controversy stirred by Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis has resulted in many investigations and development of several theories of psychology. In my view, the great achievements realized by Freud and his theory surpass its numerous criticism. It is my wish that Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis be fully appreciated for its great effects and relevance on modern day psychology and psychotherapy (Dattlio &Freeman,2007). Experimental psychotherapists appreciate when their clients reach AHA moment. One of the strongest sign for a successful therapy is creating a positive relationship between the client and the therapist. This association is essential in ensuring successful therapy. Some clients may have faced situation that they may need to find someone who is reliable to trust and confide in. Therapist play a key role in modeling the way that counseling relation will be. If the therapist and the client understand that creating a friendly environment is the starting point towards achieving the goals of therapy. Many clients see their therapists as friends whom they can associate and share secrets. Many studies point that positive relationship is critical in psychotherapy. Compatibility and transference are key factors in the relationship and subsequently the success of psychotherapy. Furthermore, these factors are essential in the healing process of many psychological disorders such as depression. Experimental psychotherapist in most cases, uses cognitive behavioral therapy approaches that make them approachable to clients and create a positive relationship that assist quick healing. Researchers state that aha moments are characterized by a surge of electrical activities in human brains. Solving a psychological problem requires creative insight prompts that stir changes in the brain. The changes in brain activity do not occur in common problem -solving environment. Aha moments are not realized easily and usually require a lot of effort from the therapist and the client (Hofmann,2011). Behavioral therapy analyses the behaviors of individual and explains some of the factors that may be causing them. There is a popular opinion of psychological researchers that behavioral therapy is one of the best treatment of psycho-social conditions and disorders .Behavioral Therapy can be broken down into cognitive behavioral therapy, applied behavioral analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most applied therapy for a number of psychological disorders(Dattlio &Freeman,2007). Attachment disorder is one of the conditions that can be managed by behavioral therapy. Attachment disorder describes disorder of social relationships, mood and behavior that emanate from failure to develop normal attachment during early childhood. As such, an individual develops a problematic social behaviors and expectations (Hofmann,2011). As a client with an attachment disorder, I would appreciate a process that involves natural progression that occurs in the content of a helping relationship. This process is essential in building counseling relationship, analyzing and assessing the situation, setting goals and developing a plan that can bring about the desired effects. Generally, the process will involve four stages. These are developing a relationship, making an informed assessment, developing goals and objectives, and implementation of the plan (Dattlio &Freeman,2007). Developing a relationship In order to build trust in the counseling process, I will expect to build a positive helping relationship with the therapist .This will be helpful to me because it will show that the therapist genuinely cares for my well being and understands that I have problems that I need assistance to solve. I expect the therapist to create a safe environment that will make me comfortable enough to open up and talk about issues that affect my mind (Hofmann,2011). Making an informed assessment An informed assessment can be achieved if the therapist gathers information in order to find out what is happening in order to change the situation and develop coping skills to handle the problematic situation. The first step in making assessment is to figure out if change is necessary and to find out what needs to happen to initiate change (Holmes,2001). Establish goals and objectives When the client and the therapist agree on common goals, then the client is likely to follow up the goals. When the client is actively involved in the process of developing counseling goals, he or she is inclined to take ownership of the goals and so it will be easier for him or her to adhere to the goals with ease (Cassidy &Shaver,1999). Implementing of the plan This is a plan that I will expect to work on with the help of the counselor. Its aim is to intervene, prevent and address unhealthy behavior. In this case, the problem is attachment disorder. The implementation plan will identify activities that will be involved in the therapy, deal with unhealthy lifestyle practices, assist one to rethink about the risky behavior, build strength and learn new skills when dealing with the condition. Implementing Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) Intervention is one of the most important implementation processes that is that is aimed at dealing with attachment disorder. This model is based on stress neurobiology and attachment theory. This model is useful in responding to past negative experiences and interference to provision of sensitive care. Then only disadvantage of ABC intervention is that it is mainly effective in children but is not effective to adults who have attachment disorders (Holmes,2001). References Dattilio ,M, & Freeman A.(2007). Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies in Crisis Intervention (3rd ed.). New York: The Guilford Press. Hofmann, S. (2011). An Introduction to Modern CBT. Psychological Solutions to Mental Health Problems. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Holmes, J (2001). The Search for the Secure Base. Philadelphia: Brunner-Routledge Cassidy, J & Shaver, P . (1999). Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications. New York: Guilford Press. Read More