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Cowen, Jordan 1A Deeper Understanding of the Three Major Counseling Theories: Adlerian Theory, Cognitive Behavior Theory, and Solution Brief TheoryJordan CowenCNDV 5311 Individual Counseling Theories and TechniquesLamar UniversityA Deeper Understanding of the Three Major Counseling Theories: Adlerian Theory, Cognitive Behavior Theory, and Solution Brief TheoryThere are three major theories that therapist use when counseling clients. Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Brief Focused Therapy will be discussed and analyzed throughout this paper. I will be discussing the key concepts, therapeutic process, and application of techniques and procedures of each theory. I will also be providing a reflection that gives my perspective and view of how client’s problems originate, and how therapist can best help their clients. Adlerian TheoryKey ConceptsAlfed Adler is the inspiration and creator of the Adlerian Theory. Alfred Adler was a sick and accident prone child. (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010) He had brother that died which enabled his mom to pamper and spoil him until another child came into the picture (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). When Adler felt less important to his mother, Adler searched for attention from his friends which caused him to become socially interested. He was a struggling student growing up who eventually changed and became academically successful. He longed to deepen his understanding of people and how to help them. He believed belied people can change when focusing on goals and life. He was interested in the total person, how they responded to their social life (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). According to the Adlerian theory, people grow based on their connections with others, their life style, developing, and achieving goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Early childhood experiences play an integral part in future development. Social context and family dynamics are both oriented with the present and future. Behavior is a goal which can be achieved and developed. Human development is not just biological but can be creative. Adlerianst believe that behavior can be channeled, and we p[‘;;;]\as humans work to achieve rewarding and meaningful goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). We create a lifestyle that leads to positive sense, and we are connected to people and communities so that work can be satisfying. Heredity can play a part in people’s development, but humans can be empowered to change (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). There are three main concepts to the Adlerian theory: socio, teleo, and analytic (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). First, the socio aspect focuses on the fact that people have the need to belong. The teleo concept focuses on the fact that we as people are goal striving based on the power to change our behavior. They analytic part emphasizes that people lives must be analyzed in order to bring goals and a life style to the conscience level (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Under those three main concepts Adler touched on the feeling of inferiority, family constellation, life style, goal setting, and social interest. The Adlerian theory believes that at young age the feeling of inferiority can impact growth (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). How children handle their feelings affect their growth developmentally. Also, the composition of a family, role and birth order can impact development. Children are also affected by how they are similar and different from their families. Next, goals enable people to become aware of their faulty logic (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). They allow people to establish healthy and rewarding realistic goals. Once goals are established, people can align their lifestyle, thinking, and behavior with them. Lastly, Adlerians believe that we are driven by being a part of a community (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Creating goals to contribute to a society helps us create or develop that social interest (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Therapeutic ProcessAdler’s theory is one in which optimism and growth is emphasized. Adler believed in a strong, goal sharing, trusty worth, and respectful relationship between the client and the clinician (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The client and clinician would collaborate together to create goals that promoted growth and development. The clinician is expected to help foster social interest and teach people to modify their lifestyles and behaviors. Clinician also would explore and interpret the meaning of client’s birth order, goals, and life style to help establish purposeful goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Clients are constantly encouraged by their therapist, and they are also pushed to take risk and accept their own mistakes. The clinician can then help people understand that heredity and early experiences is what shapes their lifestyle. Although, therapist must challenge the client to develop new goals and construct positive social interest and behaviors, so that the client can modify their lifestyle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Application: Techniques and ProceduresThere are four stages with the Adlerian Theory Treatment process. The four stages merge and overlap, but are all necessary in promoting growth and development. The four stages are (1) establishment of collaborative therapeutic relationship, (2) assessment, analysis, and understanding of the person and the problem, (3) encouragement of change through interpretation, and (4) reorientation by turning insight into action and focusing on asses rather than weakness (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Phase one advocates that the therapeutic relationship between client and clinician is important in the treatment process. Adler believed that the clinician must be a true listener that was emphatically involved (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). That collaborative relationship must exist so that the problem is clear, and the treatment process is agreed upon together. Phase two promotes an in-depth lifestyle assessment, so that the client can provide detailed information on background and functionality (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The assessment will focus on lifestyle, family constellation and birth order, dreams, earliest recollections, and priorities and ways of behaving. After an extensive process of exploring the client, the clinician can create the appropriate intervention plan that will not interfere with the background of the client (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Phase three is where the therapist must be encouraging, but also promotes self awareness of one’s lifestyle (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is where the client will recognize the reasons behind their behavior, and realize the negative consequences of their actions. Then move forward with positive growth. The therapist must continue to be encouraging and promote making constructive choices. The last phase focuses on clinician nurturing the client’s view of their new lifestyle and perspective (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The encourage becoming that participant in the new lifestyle, and taking positive action to encourage the client achieve that goal. This is a time to point out gains and move forward to a more fulfilling lifestyle. This theory is used among a wide range of people and situations. Since this theory focus on lifestyle and private logic, many use interventions have been created to help a variety of people and groups (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Most common issues are adaptable treatment using the Adlerian therapy. People that suffer from depression, low-self esteem, traumatic experiences, and social issues can benefit from this theory (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The social interest and family constellation is widely appealed for diverse groups. The theory is flexible and focuses on positive strengths. This helps people emerge from feeling inferiorly to anyone which allows people that are different, diverse, or have a disability overcome those negative feelings (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is a theory of empowerment and helps people of all different backgrounds. The strengths outnumber the weakness to Adlerian theory. This theory is relevant to our society today (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). One limitation is that the theory doesn’t give much importance to biological or genetic influences (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Although, his theory is very easily combined with contemporary theories, it provides structure to life. Cognitive Behavioral TherapyKey ConceptsCognitive behavior therapy is not strongly associated with just one name. Many people have contributed to this therapy and its evolvement. This therapy is continually changing, but plays a huge role in providing helpful strategies to a diverse group of people and clients (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Behavior therapy focuses on specific behaviors with the goal of changing or modifying behavior (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Cognitive therapy combines behavioral therapy with cognitive therapy to approach thoughts and action. Cognitive behavioral therapy combines behavior techniques and conventional reconstructing and is used as a multi-component treatment ( Sharma & Andrade, 2012). One unique aspect about CBT is that the therapy varies. Therapy depends on the client, situation, and setting (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). There are five main concepts that CBT is based off of. There first one is applied behavioral analysis. This approach looks into one’s background and how it is impacted by the environment (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010)t. The second concept is neo- behaviorism. This concept focuses on conditioning and learning responses. Social learning is the third concept, and this approach focuses on cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors that affect behavior (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The fourth concept is cognitive behavioral therapy which looks at how cognitions shape behaviors and emotions. The last concept is multimodal, and it focuses on a more holistic approach to assessment and treatment (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). It also uses a range of approaches. Personality is also an importance concept in CBT. The theory states that children are born with three basic structures that form personality, and that personality is shaped through learning (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Our behaviors are driven from others and our own thoughts (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Therapeutic ProcessBehavioral therapy is integrated with cognitive to create strong treatment. CBT puts thoughts over behavior but combine both approaches for the best treatment. Strategies used during treatment are not intended to give background information, but they are intended to help the client realize how they act, think, and feel (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). CBT encompasses goals that are related to changing of thoughts. It is important for people to realize their dysfunctional thoughts and change the underlying cogitations. Setting goals must inquire both behaviors and cognitions. CBT is very structured, but does require a strong therapeutic alliance (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The clinician must assume the role as leader or teacher so that they can facilitate and encourage the client. Clients must also fully participate in the treatment process and take responsibility in the treatment process. Also, Therapist must incorporate both behavioral and cognitive strategies to create specific change (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Lastly CBT uses a variety of interventions and strategies assist clients in growth. Many cognitive and behavioral strategies are combined so that the client is able to be impacted (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Application: Techniques and ProceduresOne of the most known approaches to treatment using CBT is Meichenbaum’s Cognitive Behavior Modification (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is one approach that really use cognitive and behavior and interchanges them to best fit the need of the client. The first component is constructive narrative which gives the idea that people create their own reality. The second part of this approach is information processing (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Information processing gets into the person’s main cognitions that are distorted (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The last is conditioning. Cognitions are viewed as behaviors that have been conditioned (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). In order for this treatment to work cognitive interventions must be used to that reframing can take place. Examples of cognitive strategies include strategies to improve thinking, to curtail self-destructive thoughts, improve coping skills, and to reinforce positive behavior (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). . Therapy can be used with people that have axis 1 disorders such a depression, anxiety, PTSP, eating disorders, and insomnia (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). CBT can empower a variety of people and a variety of problems. CBT offers a straight forward approach that is flexible with broad treatment. It is an encouraging approach that helps people develop skills to make sure behaviors are meaningfully changed. Even thought this theory can be powerful and effective, there are a few limitations. One limitation being that emotions are not focused on as much as they should be, and another is that the client sometimes does not get to take on full responsibility of their treatment process as much as they should (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This treatment should be combined with other treatment when needed (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Solution Focused Brief TheoryKey ConceptsNo one name is directly associated to the development of Solution Focused Brief Theory. Many ideas, theorist, and people play huge roles in creating a theory that focuses on the solution rather than the problem(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Behavior and cognitive behavioral treatment helped shape the underpinnings of SFBT. The approaches demonstrated that changing actions and thoughts have an impact on people’s lives (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Brief treatment building on ongoing changes in people can be effective and powerful. Solution focused brief theory focuses on minimizing past experiences and takes a deeper look at client’s strengths and previous success. Problem solving is not a concern, but using useful behaviors to construct a solution for the problem is. SFBT finds alternatives to undesired thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It uses small change to create big change in one’s life. The focus is not diagnosing or treating the problem, but helping the client finding their own solution through goals, strategies, recourses, and personal strengths. (Trepper, McCollum, De Jong, Korman, Gingerich & Franklin). SFBT assumes that people are doing the best they can with what they have readily available for them to use(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Their beliefs stem from complaints that involve their world view and their behavior is a reflection of their views. This theory states that one has the ability to solve their own difficulties but temporarily lose direction and awareness(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). In SFBT reality is not fixed or static(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). There is not one right or wrong way to view things. It is all in how the person decides to dissolve the issue. Many believe that the solution is not directly related to the problem, but people can transform their problem into solutions (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Therapeutic ProcessThe therapeutic process in SFBT uses language of change by connecting what the client says and creating conversation that leads to change. Using change language helps the client see self motivation and positive qualities. (Trepper, McCollum, De Jong, Korman, Gingerich & Franklin). There are seven stages that complete the treatment process. The stages are short, and the main goal is to seek solutions. SFBT feels strongly that all people have the strength to change, but have just lost sight, confidence, and direction (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Strong relationship between the client and clinician help enhance the client to commit to change. The clinician should be a role model and help suggest solutions that will impact the client’s life positively. The clinician believes that change is inevitable and the positive supporting relationship will help the client seek their own solution. Identifying the problem, establishing goals, designing intervention, strategic task, positive new behaviors, stabilization, and lastly termination of treatment are the seven stages of treatment in SFBT (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Time is also very important in the therapeutic process. Most treatment is short, but focuses on patterns. Lastly, finding solutions to resolve complains is an essential component in SFBT. Therapist must work very articulately in find strategies that are likely to be successful (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Application: Techniques and ProceduresAn environment that is able to accomplish change is highly important, and therapist must be able create change talk as well. Conversation is an important tool when using SFBT. Solution talk is one technique that is critical in the treatment process. Choosing words carefully and providing strategies to the client is another technique (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Making use of frequent words such as change and possibility is important as well. Identifying expectations is important in leading people to solutions. Solution prescription such has modifying helpful behaviors and helping people move forward is another. All of the techniques above are to assist the client discover ways to resolve their own concerns. Conversation, encouragement, and suggestion are all highly useful in SFBT. SFBT has been proven to work well with people families, couples, and groups (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). It is also successful with people that need brief counseling, or people that are in need of crisis counseling (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). SFBT is also used in schools where behavior problems are a concern. SFBT is best at taking a small success, looking at the effort put in, and helping to enhance treatment for people who suffer from a variety of disorders (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). SFBT should not be the primary treatment for server or urgent emotional issues. The clinician must be skillful and purposeful with assessment that can be creative with intervention (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Brief treatment is usually not the only treatment needed; it can become dangerous if an organization or counselor practices that way (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Sometimes the result is that people fail to receive the treatment that is actually needed. Also, because SFBT is so focused on the solution, sometimes the problem is over looked which can be of great importance(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Overall, SFBT is effective and efficient with a multitude of problems and is usually received by the client. It is encouraging and empowering approach that allows people to think in a new way. It also enables people to use available resources and find their own strength when addressing future difficulties. Personal ReflectionCounseling theories can be divided into four main categories called BETA. Behavior, Emotions, Thoughts, and Actions are the components that make up BETA(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). I am going to be reflecting over the Adlerian theory which falls under the B, behavior component. Alfred Adler once stated that behavior is purposeful and goal directed (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Changed behavior can promote growth, and that behavior patterns reflect the lifestyle. Adlerians also believe that behavior reflects how we perceive our world (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Past experiences shape our lives, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Treatment is used to help remove those blocks from the past and heal wounds, so that harmful behaviors aren’t repeated. After thoroughly looking at several different theories, my counseling philosophy and heart most resemble the Adlerian theory approach. Since I come from and education background, I feel strongly that people are what they make of themselves. Every year when I am faced with another new group of students, I feel that every student as new chance to prove of themselves. I am challenged to teach every student no matter their background or lifestyle, so I firmly believe that if I create a positive self motivating atmosphere for students to learn they will become successful. I believe that people are driven by social interest, they are affected by their backgrounds, but that everyone has a chance to rise and become something.According to the Adlerian theory, faulty logic is what can cause problems and pain for people (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Faulty logic is when people are maladjusted and focused on themselves (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). They care strictly on their own needs, and fail to recognize the importance of social context and the needs of others. When people are lacking social interest and belonging to a group anxiety and inferiority set in. Also, private logic, which is the image created in our head of what life should look like, is what drives us as people (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). This is where the picture is painted of what goals should look like, what our attitude and behaviors should be. If our private logic is not healthy, then we are not stable. Another, concept that causes problems is the feeling of inferiority. Especially during childhood, and how children are treated at an early age can affect the issues they have in the future. Clients can be best helped by numerous interventions, strategies, and approaches. I feel that clients can best be helped by the therapist and client having a collaborative relationship, understanding the client, encouraging the client, and by focusing on the client’s assets. Having a collaborative relationship among the client and clinician is very important, so that the clinician can teach the client to modify their behaviors (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). Empathy is also an important element in assisting people that are in need. The client must feel that the therapist is invested in his/her problem, and understands what is going on in order for the client to progress. Secondly, the client must be assessed and analyzed. Therapy focus should be on in-depth assessment (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The assessment will look at background and lifestyle, so that the theorist can get detailed insight to the client’s life. Understanding the family make up, lifestyle, and early recollections are all important sources that shine light on one’s current life. Once clinicians explore the assessment, they can interpret the confrontation that the client might be having with achieving their goal. Next, remaining supportive while using information from the assessment to get the client to become aware of their lifestyle is the next step in helping clients(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The client must find reasons for those behaviors and began to move toward positive change. Lastly, once the client has become aware of their behavior and modified their distorted beliefs, they can then start the new patterns of behaviors (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010). The therapist then make sure the client has made that shift, and that they are able to make positive choices to achieve goals. Learning about the different theories has been insightful and meaningful especially when learning how to be an effective counselor. It is helpful to look into the theories concepts, treatment process, and application of treatment. As an aspiring school counselor, I feel that my future students will best benefit from a behavior based theory, Adlerian. Working in an environment where behavior plays such an influential part of one’s life is why I have chose to side with this therapy. Although I have chosen this one particular therapy, I am convinced I will use pieces and parts of the other major theories too. I am looking forward to being a flexible counselor who can understand and empathizes with clients. ReferencesSeligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. (2010). Alfred adler and individual psychology. In Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 ed., pp. 61-81). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. (2010). Behavior therapy and cognitive- behavior therapy. In Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 ed., pp. 310-337). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.Seligman., & Reichenberg, (2010). Solution-focused brief therapy. In Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Systems, Strategies, and Skills (3 ed., pp. 359-377). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Sharma, M.p., & Andrade, C (2012). Behavioral interventions for insomnia: Theory and practice. Indian Journal Of Psychiatry, 54(4), 359-366. Doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.104825Trepper, T., McCollum, E., De Jong, P., Korman, H., Gingerich, W., & Franklin, C. Institution for Solution Focused Therapy, (n.d.). Solution focused therapy Treatment Manual for Working with Individuals Research Committee of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association. ................
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