INTEGRATION IN COUNSELING INTEGRATION IN COUNSELING

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.

Trans-theoretical approach
In this approach to counselling, there are a series of techniques that are directed towards a particular framework and hence function. This model of counselling has received a lot of positive credentials from counsellors who have used it 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 this model are likely to seal the loopholes in one technique and thus work towards more effective outcomes. (Deykin, Levy and Wells, 1987)

In the trans-theoretical approach, 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.

The latter theory was created in order to include different parts of counselling while at the same time engaging the theoretical aspects of the model. It should be noted that this aspect makes the transtheoretical 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 such as technical eclecticism.

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 clients’ 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 for a specific situation. The latter approach is scientifically founded. (Shim, 2007)

All in all, it can be asserted that the transtheoretical 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 transtheoretical model 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.

Cognitive analytical theory
The Cognitive Analytic Theory is a fast growing therapy among many counsellors. This is largely as a result of its applicability in brief therapeutic sessions. Additionally, this mode has become increasingly common because it is an integrative approach. The concept was developed back in the nineteen eighties, yet over the past twenty years, numerous counsellors, therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists have been training in this method. In fact, a large number of them understand the fact that this method can be applied in a series of settings involving both the single and community based interventions. (Fairbairn, 1981)

The Cognitive Analytic theory can be applied differentially. For instance, the method can yield positive results in any of the following cases
• Group work
• Self harm issues
• Borderline personality disorders
• Eating disorders (Prochaska and DiClemente, 2003)

It should be noted that more research is still needed in this area of therapy owing to the fact that it is relatively new. In order to understand this theory a little more, there is a need to look into its applicability in a specific case study like depression. When a counsellor is dealing with a depressive client, there may a series of theoretical explanations that can apply to that individual. However, for this particular essay, it may be useful to focus on one explanation known as the dysfunctional cognitive approach. According to this approach, a depressed person may find himself or herself having negative cognitions about their circumstances or about themselves. For instance, such a patient may assume that he or she is inadequate or worthless. The second aspect concerns negative cognitions about one’s surrounding such as the world is too demanding. Cognitive errors may also cause depression through overgeneralization or personalisation. Certain cognitive structures are influential in determining how one views information from their environment. For example, a depressed person may claim that they must carry out their duties perfectly or they will be labelled as failures. (Engel, 1980)

Technical eclecticism
The latter term refers to the application of a series of approaches and techniques without adhering to one particular theory. Many experts affirm that when technical eclecticism is applied to a given client without the use of another approach, then the therapeutic method will be inadequate in terms of structure. This is an important element in any therapeutic process. Additionally, if this method is not combined with another, then it usually lacks and empirical direction. Most of the time, the client will find it difficult to embrace change and the counselling process may result in failure. (Khantzian, 1999)

These critics claim that in order for the latter technique to work, then one must combine it with other types of approaches such as the integrative approach. However, for those counsellors who are thinking of applying the technical eclectic approach, they are likely to experience problems in its implementation because of obstacles that arise within the counselling session. For instance, a certain counsellor designed his own form of technical eclecticism. In this approach, the counsellor would examine each client’s problems and the height of severity. Additionally, other factors were central to the success of the process and they include;
• Coping style
• Resistance potential
• Problem complexity
• Motivational distress
• Problem severity

By measuring the severity of all these issues using standard measures, then one can give recommendations depending on what the measurements had indicated. In other words, some questions will be asked to the client and how that client will answer them will determine their level of complexity. However, practitioners affirm that such an approach can present a series of problems. Sometimes, counsellors may not be sure about what kind of questions to ask the client. Additionally, there may be too many questions to ask thus overwhelming the counsellor and the client too. One must also not forget how time-consuming the technical eclectic approach can be especially since different cases may necessitate different levels of testing. Consequently, it can be asserted that application of eclecticism is actually harboured by the counselling session itself. Any method that it flawed because of matters that cannot be avoided needs to be improved or discarded. (Wood, 2002)

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.

Conclusion
Counsellors have a wide range of approaches to choose from. Consequently, success depends on complex interrelations. The transtheoretical approach is firmly grounded in theory while at the same time having application in practice. The technical eclectic approach largely focuses on diagnosis of patients and application of what may work for them. Lastly, the cognitive analytic approach looks at some of the cognitive features that may have caused the problem in the first place.

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

The author of this article is a holder of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University and currently pursing PhD Program. He is also a professional academic writer. ResearchPapers247.Com>