Approaches used in Counselling  

What is an Integrative Counselor?  

This where a Counselor has been trained in one Counselling approach and in addition to this to this has added other training and learning from other approaches. Consequently the Counsellor has  picked up others tools , ideas and skills from other models which they can integrate  into their practice. This benefits the service they offer to the client , as rather than sticking rigidly to one model which could have its limitations , they are able to adapt their tools  and skills to  be more creative to fit with  whatever the client bring to the sessions. 

Person Centred Counselling (Client Centred Approach)

The  general hypothesis  of this approach is that each person has within themselves the resources for self understanding, to be able to alter their own self concept, attitudes and behaviour.    

Motivational Interviewing 

Motivational Interviewing is a client centred  semi directive method of engaging motivation to change unhelpful  behaviour. This involves developing discrepancy and exploring and resolving ambivalence within the client. Motivational Interviewing attempts to increase the clients awareness of the potential problems caused, consequences experienced and risks that are faced because of the behaviour in question. The aim is to help the clients envisage a better future and became increasingly motivated to achieve it. Either way the approach helps the clients think differently about their behaviour and consider what may be gained through change. 

Psychodynamic Approach 

The Psychodynamic approach was founded by Freud, it has been developed by Psychodynamic Psychologists throughout the years . The basis of this approach is the  idea that a persons behaviour is determined by their unconscious  forces  of which they are  unaware  which are shaped by their biological drives and their early experiences.The belief is that each  thought or behaviour may hide a hidden motive or intention. and that the  motives for our behaviour reflect our instinctive biological drives and our early experiences. In the main it is how we were treated by our parents and other influential people as children that shapes our adult behaviour. It can be said that the Psychodynamic approach can be useful in looking at the individuality and complexity of human beings and how we can behave irrationally.  The Psychodynamic approach shows us  the importance of childhood and how this is influenced by unconscious processes which  can affect us in later life. The awareness and understanding of these processes are important in  helping us make changes and move forward. 

Transactional Analysis (T.A) 

Transactional analysis is a theory developed in the 1950s by Eric Berne,. It is in short a theory that outlines how we have developed , treat ourselves and how we communicate and relate to others. T.A offers suggestions and interventions to give us awareness to use to enable us to change and grow if we want to. There are different ways of working with T.A for example looking at the 'drama triangle' which keeps us in psychological  and social model games and serves as a training  ground for powerlessness,  and prevents psychological equality in relationships. Counselling helps in providing awareness of  when we are part of  these psychological games, and how to keep safe and keep out of them .It is about building safe boundaries in relationships and keeping out of these roles of victim, persecutor or rescuer which we usually do  unconsciously in everyday life.  Counselling is to uncover limiting beliefs caused by these life games and to support our clients to change them and to take responsibility for themselves.   Transactional analysis is a fascinating, useful and effective model for managing , developing and helping people in life and a useful  model for increasing self awareness and self development.  

C.B.T Cognitive Behavioural Therapy /REBT Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy

C.B.T is a structured approach that deals in process and stages working with unhelpful thought processes. It shows  more positive ways of thinking and attempts to change negative thought patterns in order to think more positively. This is to help people think more  constructively which results in people being able to face their fears and anxieties.

 'Where you are looking is usually where your attention is . When clients come to therapy their attention is usually focused on others or events which they blame for causing their emotional problems. Clients rarely blame their thinking . for causing these problems' (Neenan and Dryden 2006) 

 C.B.T can work in Counselling as it challenges thought processes and looks  at  'common thinking distortions' that can keep us stuck ion the situation such as 'awfulising'  and 'catastrophising ' 'all or nothing thinking', 'living by fixed rules' and 'jumping to conclusions' .  The techniques used can be helpful in exploring hidden assumptions behind your thoughts and what is behind them, and checking out whether  thoughts and beliefs are rational or irrational . Recognising this and having more understanding of your thought processes can help you become 'unstuck' in life situations and make more sense of what is happening.   

Solution Focused Approach 

 This approach looks at keeping things simple, this therapy looks at minimal intrusion into the clients life and  looks at ways for ending the therapy as soon as possible . The assumption is that clients have problems , rather than they are the problems. This views the clients as temporarily unable to overcome a difficulty in their lives as they have not yet found a way to overcome it. Consequently the sessions focus on the clients strengths and the building of their competencies, (If it isn't broken then don't fix it. ) . Alternatively the approach works with 'if it is not working stop doing it'  in keeping with the principle of abandoning  failed solutions and to do something different to break the failure cycle . Another characteristic of  the Solution focused Approach is that small changes can lead to bigger changes,  by breaking down the process of change into small manageable steps. The belief is that clients who feel overwhelmed by their problems can feel more hopeful about their future if they take small significant steps as a starting point.