Main Difference between Behavioral and Psychodynamic Approaches in Psychotherapy - Coursework Example

Therapy Objective A Humanistic psychology model Humanistic psychology is an aspect that was initiated during the mid 19nth century as a solemn reaction to psychology dominance at that time which were namely behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Humanistic perspective as a different approach to psychology focused on empathy and the need for good human behavior other than behaviorism which was limited to the study of the conditioning process that result to a specific behavior and psychoanalysis that was zooming on the study of the unconscious factors that fuel behavior. Humanistic psychology took the initiative to refocus on the potential exhibited by each individual and the importance of self-realization and self-actualization in individualistic growth(Gurman & Jacobson, 2012, p 130).Self-actualization entails the wholesome package that makes an individual all rounded because of a proper particular position the individual has eventually come to occupy in society. It is associated with a successful life whether economically or socially that normally leads to personal and societal acceptance. Therefore, it is correct to say under the humanistic banner as a psychology student that humans are innately good and social and mental problems that arise are the doings of deviations from the natural tendency. Its application in therapeutic counseling is important because it helps to understand the basic human nature from humanistic point of view of psychology. It focuses on the free will and human potential that portrays humans as beings in a good state and that the problems that result in their lives is purely related to a noticeable source that the clients pick along the way as problem or inconsistencies in their life’s journeys (Rogers, 2011, p 450). To get a good picture of humanistic model in psychology it is equally important to look at the five major principles that build up the block of humanistic approach these are: human beings cannot be limited or reduced to components because they supersede the total sum of their parts Human beings have their existence embedded in cosmic ecology as well as in their very human context Human beings are conscious and are aware of being conscious as human beings Human beings have choice that usually comes with responsibility if not accountability Human beings are aim at goals and are intentional based on their level of creativity and ability to vision In the 1950s Humanistic approach to psychology initially the work Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, was inceptualized in a bid to understand the human mind better and add a few key points like individuality, self-actualization and creativity to the already existing psychoanalysis and behaviorism. In his book “towards psychology of being” (1962) Maslow describes humanistic psychological model as an “additional hand” to works of psychology the afore-mentioned, behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Another important psychologist Carl rogers was influential in making a mark in the humanistic psychology approach model by publishing a book in 1951 “client-centered therapy” that clearly defined his adoption humanistic client-directed approach in his therapies(Hill, Corbett, Kanitz, Rios, Lightsey&Gomez, 2012, p 539). Humanistic approach hence developed throughout the years in the psychological realms of meetings and conferences and resulted to American association for humanistic Psychology in 1962 and subsequent became an apparent of APA division a fact that revolutionized humanistic psychology to a more recognized level in therapies in America and the world at large today. Objective B Humanistic psychology can be adduced to having revolutionized the therapy scene because therapists and counselors are placed at a better position understand the client from a more clear perspective but every machine needs oiling and new parts after sometime in use so as to achieve better results from the normal or risk the challenge of being null and void. Humanistic psychology has not been entirely successful in communicating its theoretical and philosophical basics to other disciplines and intellectual platforms that employ the basic assumptions of the society (Rogers, 2011, p 320). The very building blocks as major concepts for humanistic approach have been in application for over 50 years but they are limited to concepts. Successful practice of therapists lacks the proper communication structure to involve and develop these experiences and new skills into the concepts of humanistic approach. New technique is now needed to face the ever changing world of therapy and psychology as a whole. It is illegal for therapist to come up with new concepts to introduce in their practices journal because the licensing board requires that the therapists keep to the traditional humanistic approach as those propagated by the renowned philosophers like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers this poses the challenges of future redundancy because most psychologists would likely opt to master or major fields that value the inception of their values and ideas in the practices and not necessarily being limited to the concepts of a few individuals in the past. Clients in a therapy session would value a system or an approach that captures the modernity clause (Hill, Corbett, Kanitz, Rios, Lightsey&Gomez, 2012, p 650). This means that the therapist who integrates aspects of modernity to the original concepts is likely to be more effective to a client than one who strictly attaches his ideology to only the traditional humanistic approach. However the introduction of modernity aspect into therapy practice Humanistic approach discerns the show of normal human sensitivity in the practice especially for the therapists. It rather calls for an approach that is mechanistic in nature with diagnostic vocabularies that further detach any form of sensitivity to be employed in counseling a client (Ward, King, Lloyd, Bower, Sibbald, Farrelly& Addington 2000, 700). Psychology practice in learning institutions deny the therapist the magnitude of sensitivity it deserves because the therapist shuts off any emotions when dealing with clients who in most cases are more sensitive. This particular analogy does not allow the therapeutic process to grow and develop holistically in the therapists because it disallows the ultimate discussion of therapy issues and attitudes or any empirical literature analysis that are sensitive in nature or that might solicit any sensitivity on the therapist. The major trouble with this is that psychotherapy as a profession will lose its luster and tenacity because of the uniformity in practice like other specialized fields other than relating to the ever emerging sensitivity issues that are relevant to the therapeutic practice. Self-awareness The session was a client centered where self-awareness was used; the clients themselves became experts of their own feelings, thoughts, problems and experiences. They understood what they were going through better than the counselor. Thus they were able to come up with the most appropriate solutions that would suit them. The counselors mainly guided the client in the exploring of their personal thoughts and feelings so that they could come up with solutions by themselves (Rogers, 2011, p 125). The client was able to understand that it is not the events in life that are the problem but the problem is how they personally experience the events. The clients who showed aspects of self-awareness had better confidence and self-esteem. They had a better relationship with the counselor as they understood their real problems. The clients came up with their own solution to their problems. The counselor in this case is not supposed to issue or suggest any a course of action or give recommendations. Because the client is self-aware he should come up with strategies by himself. The counselor should only respond to clarify and reflect to what the client is saying (Ward, King, Lloyd, Bower, Sibbald, Farrelly& Addington, 2000, 800). Their response is meant to show the client that they are following whatever they are saying. In giving the response the counselor should not ask any probing question or interpret what the client says. The counselor should leave the task of working out the problems to rest wholly with the client. Self-awareness is the foundation for the client to make changes or come up with strategies that will be the most effective in addressing his own problems. Self-awareness contributes to the intelligence of the client. It enables the client to make reflections on the thoughts, experiences and objectives in order to come up with the necessary or effective strategy. Self-awareness interplays with the therapeutic process ant make the process easier and effective. The counselor should help the client gain greater understanding of him or herself through objective input. Self-awareness aids in self-discovery of the client. Being self-aware forms the foundation for making changes in the clients’ life or situation. It helps the client to understand the way they behave, think, feel, weaknesses and strengths, memories that haunt or affect them and people who can trigger them (Ward, King, Lloyd, Bower, Sibbald, Farrelly& Addington, 2000, 750). Through self-awareness the client is able to understand and determine what to accept about him and what he desire to change. The counselor should help the client in acquiring self-awareness so that he should be able to address the problems himself by coming up with solutions that are best suited for him. Self-awareness builds the intelligence of the client and it creates an atmosphere for change that the client needs to become the person he desires to be. Skills of contracting with clients and forming a therapeutic relationship The counselor should show warmth, empathy and genuineness. This will enable the client to have a better self-understanding and psychological development and growth. Empathy will enable the counselor to understand the issues of the client from their point of view and own frame of reference. He should be able to reflect his personal understanding back to the client’s. This will aid in forming the therapeutic relationship between the client and the counselor. The counselor should show warm to prove to the client that they valued and important during the cancelling session, it shows concern and care of the client. This assists in building trust between the client and the counselor (Ward, King, Lloyd, Bower, Sibbald, Farrelly& Addington, 2000, 890). Regardless of whatever goes on or what the client reveals the counselor should be non-judgmental. This will encourage the client to be more open and easy with the process. It will also assist in giving the client an easy time in developing self-awareness. The counselor should accept whatever the client does or says without imposing evaluations or recommending courses of action. This aids the client to reflect and come up with personal strategies and solution to his personal problems. The counselor should show genuineness in the sense that he should be honest and open to the client and not to behave in a superior manner or hide behind his professional facade. Understanding and sustaining the therapeutic relationship The counselor should build a professional attitude as this will aid in preventing awkward moments between him and the client. Being professional will boost the client’s trust on the counselor and this will enable the client to be open and free about his memories, experiences and thoughts. It makes the session more therapeutic because of the better trust and openness hence better self-actualization and discovery(Gurman & Jacobson, 2012, p 100). Professional attitude will also promote effectiveness of the therapy as it is easier to address personal issues on a formal setting. Separate their own feelings from the clients’ feelings to avoid undermining the confidence of judgment. The counselor should understand that the session is about the client and not him. They should consider the clients feelings and perception even if he opposes them. The counselor should keep their personal feelings to themselves to avoid the client from judging themselves and filing guilty about it. The counselor should also allow the client to speak freely without interruptions. The counselor should do more of listening than talking. He should not interrupt the client with questions and suggestions. The counselor should give advice and opinions only when it is necessary or required. Listening encourages the client to talk more and this helps in sustaining the therapeutic relationship. When the client is allowed to talk more, he is able to evaluate and re-strategize. It aids in the self-actualization and self-awareness process. Allowing the client to talk gives the counselor time to understand and connect with the client situation and problem. It also shows the client that the counselor is committed in helping him (Rogers, 2011, p 350). The counselor should give responses to prove that he is following what the client is saying. He should allow the client to speak freely without interruptions but he should give responses to the client’s opinions and statements to show that he is following what the client is talking about. It also enhances the relationship between the client and him as it proves he understands and relates to what the client is talking about. Ethical Issus in Therapy The practice of therapy is governed by ethics and the law.In this context, there exist various sets of ethical issues that both the counselor or the therapist and the client should observe. Some of the key existing ethics that are found in therapy are: AAMFT (American Association for Family and marriage therapy) code of ethics. It should also be understood that there clients are of different types and they all need a different approach when conducting the therapy examinations. These groups are dependent on the circumstances that have led them visit a certain therapist or counselor. The disciplines are vast and wide ranging across all age groups. Therapy can be conducted to young children for instance, if a family has a child who likes to embrace solitude and is not communicative at all to the parents, the approach will be different from that which may involve a teenager who also takes pride in seclusion. In both cases, it should be noted that both the clients have a different age and the ethics and approach to be used will be different (Ward, King, Lloyd, Bower, Sibbald, Farrelly& Addington 2000, 1000). For the child for instance, the therapist will need to share a closer relationship with him or her. The therapist will have to organize for some events that are likely to create a bond between the client and the therapist so that he or she can have a clear insight of what the main problem is. In such circumstances, it is always very necessary that a therapist shares the results of their findings with the parents of the young children so that they can also aid in the therapy process of the child. However, this situation is always different when it comes to handling issues with the adolescents, teenagers and the young adults. They value confidentiality and assurance. In as much as there are some issues that may demand the attention of the parents, for instance, if a teenager has discovered that he or she has contracted a deadly viral infection that telling the parents would cause more harm than good, the therapist or the counselor therefore assumes a very critical role in such circumstances. This nature of a problem is what defines the real ethical codes that should be maintained between the therapist and the client. The therapist is to avail all the possible alternatives for the client who are in accordance to the law and allow the clients to select what suites the Ethics in therapy also vary when the therapist deals with families and married couples (Gurman & Jacobson, 2012, p 123). A family therapist will have to investigate into the family to be able to unearth themain causes of the rifts that exist in the family setting. However, confidentiality is a key factor.Responsibility is another key element since a family is viewed as a single entity in therapy marked with various individuals in it. This therefore means that the therapist should not only use one person’s opinion against the rest but should consider the whole family as one complete entity. Person Centered Therapy The focus of a therapy session enables the client to adequately express him or herself so that the counselor can unearth the key features with regards to the particular exercise. This is where the Person Centered Theory as proposed by Carl Ransom Rogers applies. The main aim of this theory when it comes to application in therapy is to get a better understanding of various human relationships and personalities in a client-centered therapy. From this theory,various counseling aspects can be derived since it lays down a platformthrough which an individual can be analyzed. Carl Rogers suggested that clients can only be helped if they are en courage to focus on their present subjective undertaking as opposes to the unconscious motive perceived or an interpretation of the situation by someone else.This will construct the main difference between behavioral and psychodynamic approaches (Rogers, 2011, p 491). However, the person centered approach is only effective if the counselor or the therapist is understanding, warm and genuine. This argument makes it vivid that once an environment that has the proper psychological attitudes is provided, an individual, who is the only key in unearthing various elements like self-understanding, self-directed behavior and self-concept are propagated. Person centered therapy is against behaviorism and psychoanalysis. This is because, this mode of therapy involves the expression of an initial self with the claim of making certain things, issues or events come out naturally. Carl Rogers points out to the fact that it is only an individual who has a better understanding of himself/ herself. It is from this perspective that the researcher realizes that practice should generate theories rather than theories guiding practices. This type of therapy is specifically applicable to people who are emotionally troubled. When the counseling session is purely person centered, personal growth and self-healing often lead to self-actualization which is a very important process in the counseling session. From the way a client describes himself or herself may help the researcher in understanding and finding the proper grounds upon which he is going to address the issue. Statements such as, “My feelings towards this have changed. I do not know what is happening……” These statements are what are referred to as self-perception or concept (Hill, Corbett, Kanitz, Rios, Lightsey&Gomez, 2012, p 539). It consists of values and ideas that characterize an individual. It therefore forms a very important concept in therapy since the counselor is able to discover the client views towards various issues in the world and the people the client co-exists with. For instance, a lady who portrays herself as being financially independent and strong will characteristically be marked with confidence based on the actions that she will do.However, it should be noted that self-concept does not necessarily give a true picture of the individual since there may be various ways in which people look at the same personalities which may be different from what they think about themselves. Therefore, the person centered theory will be based on the following major principles that provide a reflection on the therapist attitude towards he client: Congruency with the client, positive regard that is unconditional by the therapist to the client and the therapist should demonstrate empathy when understanding the client. Conclusion Through the observation of various components highlighted in this paper, the client was able to gain a positive and relieving experience from the counseling session. Confidentiality and winning the clients trust was one vital thing that aided the counseling process. Through the application of a humanistic approach, issues the therapist sought answers to were clear and definite since they were expressed by the client himself. It therefore becomes necessary to adopt the above principles when handling therapy sessions with clients (Gurman & Jacobson, 2012, p 124). References Gurman, A. S., & Jacobson, N. S. (2012).Clinical handbook of couple therapy .Guilford Press. Hill, C. E., Corbett, M. M., Kanitz, B., Rios, P., Lightsey, R., & Gomez, M. (2012). Client behavior in counseling and therapy sessions: Development of a pantheoretical measure. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 39(4), 539. Rogers, C. R. (2011). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications and theory (p. 491). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Neuner, F., Schauer, M., Klaschik, C., Karunakara, U., & Elbert, T. (2013).A comparison of narrative exposure therapy, supportive counseling, and psychoeducation for treating posttraumatic stress disorder in an African refugee settlement.Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 72(4), 579. Ward, E., King, M., Lloyd, M., Bower, P., Sibbald, B., Farrelly, S., ...& Addington-Hall, J. (2000). Randomised controlled trial of non-directive counselling, cognitive-behaviour therapy, and usual general practitioner care for patients with depression. I: clinical effectiveness. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 321(7273), 1383. Read More