A report that reflects on Person Centred Therapy and considers how this model could be incorporated alongside the core model of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in my current Counselling Practice.
Comparative Models of Counselling, Assignment Two
A report that reflects on Person Centred Therapy and considers how this model could be incorporated alongside the core model of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in my current Counselling Practice.
I reflected on Person-centred Therapy (PCT) as the comparative model because of the conflict that exists between this and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The conflict is historical, political and from personal experience. In therapy twenty years ago I became frustrated with my counsellor’s person-centred approach. I challenged my counsellor to provide me with more support and help. I therefore had preconceived ideas of PCT which may be similar to stereotypical thinking of these models. It was excessively warm, completely non-directive and only reflected back to the client, which I found frustrating. I understand now it was because my coping style was externalised and I had no control over external events, which suited a more direct counselling approach. So, how would this influence my practice as a counsellor?
In theoretical terms and in observed practice I appreciated the benefits of PCT for its empathetic understanding and for clients who require a non-directive approach to gain emotional awareness. Presenting issues that can be helped by PTS are bereavement, drug and alcohol issues, depression, panic and anxiety, eating difficulties, self-harm, childhood sexual abuse (Tolan and Wilkins, 2012). I have used the model affectively for bereavement and sexual abuse as an offer of a direction would have been inappropriate and incongruent at the time.
My preconceptions of CBT were solution focused, challenging and that low intensity based interventions ignore the client’s past. I feel competent in using certain behavioural intervention in my practice and challenge maladaptive thinking patterns in sessions. CBT is a medical model and although we have been taught the disadvantages to diagnoses, CBT is
A report that reflects on Person Centred Therapy and considers how this model could be incorporated alongside the core model of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in my current Counselling Practice.
I reflected on Person-centred Therapy (PCT) as the comparative model because of the conflict that exists between this and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The conflict is historical, political and from personal experience. In therapy twenty years ago I became frustrated with my counsellor’s person-centred approach. I challenged my counsellor to provide me with more support and help. I therefore had preconceived ideas of PCT which may be similar to stereotypical thinking of these models. It was excessively warm, completely non-directive and only reflected back to the client, which I found frustrating. I understand now it was because my coping style was externalised and I had no control over external events, which suited a more direct counselling approach. So, how would this influence my practice as a counsellor?
In theoretical terms and in observed practice I appreciated the benefits of PCT for its empathetic understanding and for clients who require a non-directive approach to gain emotional awareness. Presenting issues that can be helped by PTS are bereavement, drug and alcohol issues, depression, panic and anxiety, eating difficulties, self-harm, childhood sexual abuse (Tolan and Wilkins, 2012). I have used the model affectively for bereavement and sexual abuse as an offer of a direction would have been inappropriate and incongruent at the time.
My preconceptions of CBT were solution focused, challenging and that low intensity based interventions ignore the client’s past. I feel competent in using certain behavioural intervention in my practice and challenge maladaptive thinking patterns in sessions. CBT is a medical model and although we have been taught the disadvantages to diagnoses, CBT is
References: BACP, (2009), Accessed online 15/01/13. Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Lutterworth: http://www.bacp.co.uk/admin/structure/files/repos/416_course_accreditation_scheme_.pdf. Casemore, R and Tudway, J, (2012). Person-centred Therapy and CBT, Siblings not Rivals. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Castonguay, L & Hill, C, (2012). Transformation in Psycholtheraphy. Corrective Experiences across Cognitive Behavioral, Humansitic and Psychodynamic Approaches.. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Cooper, M and McLeod, J, (2010) Assessed Online26/06/13. Pluralism: towards a new paradigm for therapy. http://www.therapytoday.net/article/show/2142/ ed, Therapy Today.net. Mearns, D & Thorne, B with McLeod, J, (2013). Person-Centred Counselling in Action. 4th ed. London: SAGE Publication Ltd. NICE, (2008), Accessed online 27/06/13. Cognitive behavioural therapy for the management of common mental health problems, Commissioning guide. http://www.nice.org.uk/media/878/F7/CBTCommissioningGuide.pdf, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Tolan, J and Wilkins, P, (2012). Client issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Person-centred Practice, London: SAGE Publication Ltd. Westbrook, D, Kennerley, H and Kirk, J, (2007). An Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 2nd Ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd.