Homework Two Theories of Counselling:
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- The primary goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to assist patients in recognizing the unconscious feelings, motivations, and thoughts that underlie their behaviors. (Leonardi et al., 2021) It also helps them gain an understanding of how these unconscious elements contribute to their emotional suffering. This awareness promotes interpersonal improvement, self-acceptance, and personal development.
- The word “resistance” in psychoanalytic therapy refers to the patient’s unconscious attempts to avoid confronting or acknowledging uncomfortable or distressing aspects of their thoughts, emotions, or experiences. (Ashbach et al., 2020). Resistance is important because it has the potential to obstruct the therapeutic process and prevent the patient from understanding their unconscious dynamics.
- According to psychoanalytic theory, the phallic stage of development (about 3-5 years old) is linked to penis envy and castration dread.
- In psychoanalytic therapy, a defense mechanism is a coping technique the patient uses to avoid facing ideas or feelings that make them anxious. Repression, denial, projection, and rationalization are a few defense strategies.
- Carl Rogers identified three fundamental requirements that foster a culture of progress in therapy:
* Congruence: The therapist interacts with the client sincerely, honestly, and openly. (Araujo, 2023)
* Unconditional positive regard: The client receives acceptance and respect from the therapist, free from criticism or demands.
* Empathic comprehension: The therapist aims to comprehend the client’s viewpoint and experience.
- According to the Person-centered perspective on human nature, people are decent, competent, and driven to reach their full potential. Self-improvement and self-realization are inborn human tendencies.
- FALSE: A Person-centered therapist should not try to be “real” by forcing their beliefs on a client or seeming like someone they are not. Instead, in their conversations, they aim for sincerity and honesty. (Vay, 2024)
- The therapist’s ability to be sincere, honest, and open with the client is called “therapeutic congruence.” This is crucial because it fosters trust and provides a secure space where clients can explore their emotions and ideas. (Ibebunjo, 2024)
- The term “unconditional positive regard” describes the therapist’s unwavering acceptance and respect for the patient, free from bias or conditions. It is crucial because it fosters a feeling of self-worth and self-acceptance and gives them the confidence to explore who they are. (Knowles, 2023
References
Araujo, A. (2023). Communicating Genuine Empathy for Compassionate Care: A Case for Identity Exploration, Congruence, and Inclusive Organisational Cultures. 69–83. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21524-7_7
Ashbach, C., Fraley, K., Koehler, P., & Poulton, J. L. (2020). Suffering and Sacrifice in the Clinical Encounter. ISD LLC.
Ibebunjo, E. (2024). Examining Therapist Experience with Resistant Clients. Dissertations. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/580/
Knowles, F. (2023). “I have got anxiety”: Exploring High School Student Voice in Anxiety Counselling. Researchspace. Auckland.ac.nz. https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/handle/2292/66253
Leonardi, J., Gazzillo, F., & Dazzi, N. (2021). The adaptive unconscious in psychoanalysis. International Forum of Psychoanalysis, 31(4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/0803706x.2021.1893382
Vay, D. L. (2024). Reflections on Play Therapy: A Narrative through Training, Theory, and Practice. In Google Books. Taylor & Francis. https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=lQ0OEQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT6&dq=The+ability+of+the+therapist+to+be+sincere