Integration in Counselling - Essay Example

Introduction Many experts have realised that different approaches to counselling provide different benefits. Consequently, this created the need to combine a series of theories in order to reinforce change within a client. Most researchers affirm that there are minor differences between these theoretical approaches. Consequently, their application to a given client scenarios is effective enough to cause changes in their behaviour. Other counsellors also believe that the most important issue in getting a client to change their behaviour is to target their belief in the theoretical approach rather than the actual content itself. This is why they have embraced multi theoretical therapies. The paper shall examine some of the differences between some therapeutic approaches and how these can be applied to certain clients Background to counselling theories or approaches One of the earliest methods developed in the history of counselling was called psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud. The work of this expert was instrumental in creation of other disciplines that directly stemmed form psychoanalysis. Some of them included person centred psychotherapy, existential therapy, transactional therapy etc. In fact, literature indicates close to two hundred different forms of psychotherapy. Usually what happens is that when a new therapy is created, it is done in a series of stages. Afterwards, therapists are then trained in that specific area of study. This is then followed by application of the model. Usually, therapists may combine this with other approaches and then re-name the model. (Loos, 2002) Theoretical approaches are sometimes called pragmatic approaches. This is because they are likely to focus on methods and techniques that work. While they may use bits of theory here and there, most of them are concerned with approaches that have shown success. However, integrated psychotherapists are usually more focused on theories and are more concerned with why and how this method works rather than on the technique alone. Comparison of the multimodal perspective and the cognitive analytical perspective using technical eclecticism and the transtheoretical approach The Cognitive analytical model much like the multimodal perspective both can be regarded as transtheoretical approaches. This is because in cognitive analytic therapy, one cannot rely on one dimension to explain or deal with a particular problem. For instance when tackling depression, some cognitive analytic adherents may describe this as a result too much negative reinforcement. Others may treat it as a deficiency in one's behaviour. Others may use the helplessness theory. Here, individuals tend to believe that their locus of control is out of touch with what is needed to cope with the problem. Lastly, others may explain it as something that falls in line with the rational emotive therapy. Here, one possesses a belief system that is irrational in nature and may actually lead to dysfunctional emotion. (Engel, 1980) On the other hand, the multimodal approach may also be regarded as a transtheoretical approach. This is because in order to handle a certain case study, multi modal therapists usually rely on a series of theories or schools of thought to explain the matter. Some of these schools of thought may not even fall within conventional psychological practice because they may include things such as exercise (if the patient's sedentary lifestyle could have caused some of the emotional problems). The multimodal approach has a certain framework against which its theories are derived from. All of them fall within the acronym known as Basic ID. The latter term refers to all the Behavioural, Affect (emotional reaction), Sensations, Images, Cognition, Interpersonal and lastly, Drugs or biological approaches. Consequently, if a multi modal counsellor is handling depression, then they may utilise a series of the above theories to place the client's actions in context. (Fairbairn, 1981) In terms of technical eclecticism, the multimodal approach differs from the cognitive analysis approach because the latter approach is more grounded on preset theories rather than flexible approaches. In multimodal therapy, the solution is intended on being more flexible and fast in producing responses than in cognitive analysis. This is specially the case because certain clients may require longer periods of time while others may be through in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, the cognitive analytic approach is quite distinct due to the fact that it is based on one particular premise; one must have a clear and radical concept of themselves. This is especially in relation to emotion. In the model, it is not assumed that emotions are end points; however, they can be regarded as the structures that enable people to hold their psychological systems together. Adherents to this model believe that emotions drive human actions. (Prochaska and DiClemente, 2003) The multimodal theory was created in order to include different parts of counselling while at the same time including the theoretical aspects of the model. It should be noted that this aspect makes the multimodal approach quite useful because a number of counselling approaches normally separate theory from actual practice thus rendering the method impractical. This method is able to accommodate different parts of counselling thus desisting from a cook book approach that is apparent in other models. In contrast to the latter theory is the cognitive analytic model. While the model uses differing theories, most if not all of them are firmly rooted in matters concerning the emotions and how they cause psychological dysfunctions. Many cognitive analytical theorists have their own interpretations of how these two aspects are linked but one cannot undermine the fact that they still recognise that link. Ways in which some cognitive analysts explain this matter may be through the subconscious and immediate emotional responses to one's social problems. On the other hand, others may describe it as the manner in which individuals accumulate all the knowledge that they acquired in their cognitive and psychoanalytic dimension in order to create their own version of reality. This will affect the way those particular individuals react psychologically. As it can be seen, the two enlisted examples are booth rooted on emotional perspectives. In the multimodal approach, different situations require different responses. (Khantzian, 1999) It can be asserted that the multimodal model is usually applicable in health psychology and cases of addiction. Usually, this is possible by effective assessment of a client's preparation for change. The multimodal approach is a feasible model because it provides a solution to some of the single theoretical approaches to counselling that do not include a wide range of theory. This usually means that the other single models may be unable to hold together different elements of counselling in the same manner that the transtheoretical model does. This model is quite useful in therapy sessions because it provides an avenue for being empirically based, being integrative and being comprehensive at the same time. Transtheoretically speaking, the cognitive analytic approach may also be regarded as one such model. This is due to the fact that most of the theories sought here are largely based upon empirical evidence in literature. Additionally, the multimodal approach would be nonexistent if there was no other way of handling the matter. (Prochaska and DiClemente, 2003) In the Cognitive approach, in terms of transtheoretical systems, a more integrative structure is sought by looking at the stages and processes involved in change. This model is quite different from other counselling approaches because it is quite structured and counselling processes are placed within a certain framework when considering this method. It should also be noted that in this approach to counselling, a lot of reference is given to development of specific change. This is another unique element in the model because in other approaches, more concern is given to behaviours and characteristics as predictors of change. However, the same does not apply to the multimodal approach. While this theory may be based upon seven basic premises, one cannot ignore the fact that it is highly flexible. Solutions are not based on assumptions and linkages made to theory. Instead they take on a technical eclectic approach in which the client's problems take precedence and any reference made to the theory is actually done in order to look for a workable solution. In both the cognitive analytic approach and the multimodal approaches to counselling, there are a series of techniques that are directed towards a particular framework and hence function. These models both have received a lot of positive credentials from counsellors who have used them claiming that any model that can apply a series of theories is always useful in practice and also for research purposes. Consequently, counsellors who use these models are likely to seal the loopholes in one technique and thus work towards more effective outcomes. In other words, it can be seen that the two models are transtheoretically based. (Deykin, Levy and Wells, 1987) Technical eclecticism is similar to other theoretical approaches such as the transtheoretical approach because of the fact that in technical eclecticism, counsellors need to pay attention to interventions and the process of change itself. It should also be noted here that these form the building blocks of the latter approach. Observations followed by interpretation play a critical role in technical eclecticism. These are both features that are present in the multimodal approach and also in technical eclecticism. The cognitive analytic theory is more inclined towards looking for natural tendencies than the multimodal approach. Consequently, the cognitive analytic theory is a more in line with the transtheoretical approach. The transtheoretical approach is also quite useful because it is usually merged with the natural tendencies that a client depicts towards change. In other words, through this theory, it is possible for one to asses a client's ability to change independently without assistance from a counsellor; this is sometimes called a client's natural tendencies. Investigations need to include natural factors so as to see how they can work towards a specific situation. The latter approach is scientifically founded. (Shim, 2007) Conclusion Counsellors have a wide range of approaches to choose from. Consequently, success depends on complex interrelations. the cognitive analytic approach looks at some of the cognitive features that may have caused the problem in the first place while the multimodal approach tend to focus on flexible and quick solutions. References Loos, M. (2002); counselling the chemically dependent: An integrative approach; Journal of Addictions and Offender Counselling Shim, E. (2007): Pastoral Counselling of Older Adults: Towards a short term integrative approach; pastoral psychology Journal, 56, 3, 302-345 Deykin, E., Levy, J. and Wells, V. (1987): Adolescent depression, drug abuse and alcohol; Public Health, 79, 3, 178-182 Fairbairn, W. (1981): Psychoanalytic Studies of the Personality; Routledge Engel, G. (1980): The clinical application of the biopsychosocial model; American Psychiatry 137, 5, 535-544 Khantzian, E. (1999): The self, ego and opiate addiction: Theoretical and treatment conditions. International Psychoanalytic Review, 5, 13, 189-198 Wood, B. (2002): Children of Alcoholism: The Struggle for Self and Intimacy in Adult Life; New York University Press, 1988. Prochaska, J. and DiClemente, C. (2003): The Transtheoretical Approach; IL: Dow Jones/Irwin Read More