Comparative Analysis of Individual Counseling Theories
Misty Mitchell
CNDV 5311 Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques
Lamar University Comparative Analysis of Individual Counseling Theories
The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the three major theories that have been studied in this course. The three theories are Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. In this paper the key concepts, therapeutic process, and application of these three theories will be addressed.
Adlerian Theory
Key Concepts The Adlerian Theory falls under background of the BETA model. The emphasis is on understanding and working through unresolved problems and issues in the client’s past. Counselors who function from a background focus believe that unless treatment facilitates healing of past wounds and relieves developmental blocks, people will continue to repeat dysfunctional patterns. Treatment then focuses on healing those wounds. The theory’s founder, Alfred Adler emphasized a positive view of human nature and that we are in control of our own fate. Adlerian …show more content…
“Adler paid considerable attention to other early influences on development including family constellations and birth order. This is in keeping with Adler’s emphasis on the social nature of human problems. He believed that, through an examination of the family constellation, we can understand people’s lifestyles. Conversely, by understanding their outlooks on life, we can understand the roles people have in their families,” (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014, p. 65). Family constellation information gives the counselor important insights into what each family member may be bringing to the family interactions. Assessing family atmosphere will also help the counselor structure recommendations specifically to each
Misty Mitchell
CNDV 5311 Individual Counseling Theories and Techniques
Lamar University Comparative Analysis of Individual Counseling Theories
The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the three major theories that have been studied in this course. The three theories are Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. In this paper the key concepts, therapeutic process, and application of these three theories will be addressed.
Adlerian Theory
Key Concepts The Adlerian Theory falls under background of the BETA model. The emphasis is on understanding and working through unresolved problems and issues in the client’s past. Counselors who function from a background focus believe that unless treatment facilitates healing of past wounds and relieves developmental blocks, people will continue to repeat dysfunctional patterns. Treatment then focuses on healing those wounds. The theory’s founder, Alfred Adler emphasized a positive view of human nature and that we are in control of our own fate. Adlerian …show more content…
“Adler paid considerable attention to other early influences on development including family constellations and birth order. This is in keeping with Adler’s emphasis on the social nature of human problems. He believed that, through an examination of the family constellation, we can understand people’s lifestyles. Conversely, by understanding their outlooks on life, we can understand the roles people have in their families,” (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014, p. 65). Family constellation information gives the counselor important insights into what each family member may be bringing to the family interactions. Assessing family atmosphere will also help the counselor structure recommendations specifically to each