Psychotherapy and Counseling

This blog is part of the series for my reflections on studying different therapy theories. For any citing or quotation, please email nicoyu.w@gmail.com

Counseling is not merely the process or toolkit for a therapist to share to make the client feel better. Rather, it is an organic, unique and personal explorative journey that requires much authenticity from both the therapist and client. The article from Messer & Wampold (2002) summarized that various research supports that the efficacy of the therapist lies heavily on whether the therapist and the client believe in the session, rather than the theory of school or the methodology of the therapy they were engaged. Furthermore, the paper of DeFife & Hilsenroth (2011) also summarizes the study that establishing a positive expectation for the session can increase the effectiveness of the therapy session. Hence, it is crucial for therapists to develop their therapeutic process from the technique and theories that he or she believes in. Also, therapists should look into his or her socio-cultural background and identity because every theory of psychotherapy develops from a different cultural background.

According to the sorting table in Halbur & Halbur (2014), the top three theories that my theoretical orientation are Gestalt, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and person-centered therapy. Gestalt and person-centered therapies are both under the experimental and relationship-oriented therapies, and I agree with them on the emphasis on the humanistic approach, as well as using a different technique to guide and assist the client in exploring their emotions and feelings (Corey, 2017, p.8). However, it is arguable that people need direction from time to time, and therapists should be more actively engaging in examining the choices the clients make and helping them make the right choices. Also, some mental disorders, especially when developed since adolescence, or when it involves physiological change, might be difficult to be solved by the humanistic and experimental approach, because the client might not have the motive or awareness to change. On the contrary, Cognitive Behavior Approaches, including Behavior theory, cognitive behavior theory and choice theory/reality theory, emphasize on ‘translating one’s insights into behavioral action (Corey, 2017, p. 8) and developing new patterns of actions to change the inaccurate assumptions. This approach is similar to the saying “fake it until you make it,” and it is effective for patients suffering trauma.

Lastly, I want to point out how the cultural background affects my view of feminist therapy, and as a new beginning therapist, I should be mindful for the cultural differences. The feminist therapy stresses on the sociopolitical status and the psychological oppression of women. I agree with the concept that a person’s surroundings, family, and socio-gender role would be significant. However, growing up in the culture that does not emphasize on gender differences and value more feminist than masculine characteristics, it is not intuitive for me to consider the gender-role socialization influences on one’s mental status or well-being. As a multi-cultural therapist, it is important to be sensitive to cultural differences and aware of the socio-cultural influences.

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References

Corey, G. (2017). /Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Student Manual (10th edition)./ Boston: Cengage Learning

DeFife, J. A., & Hilsenroth, M. J. (2011). Starting off on the right foot: Common factor elements in early psychotherapy process. /Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 21/(2), 172–191.

Halbur, D. A., & Halbur, K. V. (2014). /Developing Your Theoretical Orientation in Counseling and Psychotherapy (3rd Edition)/. NY: Pearson.

Messer, S. B., & Wampold, B. E. (2002). Let’s face facts: Common factors are more potent than specific therapy ingredients. /Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice/, /9/, 21–25.