Page 63 - PartA

Counselling Skills

Did you note any of the following differences?

• Unlike person-centred and cognitive behavioural theory, psychodynamic
theory highlights the importance of insight as an essential element for the
client to achieve positive progress.

• Psychodynamic approaches focus on insight arising from unconscious
thoughts, whereas person-centred approaches focus on insight arising from
a person’s feelings.

• The psychodynamic approach assumes that people are influenced by their
early experiences over which they have little control, whereas a person-
centred approach gives the client more free will to act.

• The person-centred approach does not use techniques, but relies on
the personal qualities of the therapist to build a non-judgemental and
empathetic relationship.

• Person-centred theory differs from the psychodynamic and behavioural
approaches in suggesting that clients would be better helped if they were
encouraged to focus on their current subjective understanding, rather
than on some unconscious motive or someone else’s interpretation of the
situation.
• The difference between CBT and other theories is that CBT focuses on
changing behaviour and irrational beliefs, rather than trying to find the root
cause of the problem.

• CBT counsellors do not usually interpret unconscious motivations, but bring
thoughts and beliefs into the current focus of attention.

• CBT focuses on a shared model of understanding of self evaluation.

• CBT is solution-focused and works best with specific concerns, rather than
more complex mental health issues.

Key Fact

Different theories give rise to different approaches in helping the
client in a counselling situation.

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