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Depending on
the nature of the problem(s), different durations
of therapy might be more appropriate:
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- Short term: It is
appropriate in some instances for the therapy to be
focussed around a particular issue and to be
time-limited, say six to twelve sessions.
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- Long term: In
some instances it is necessary to have a more open
ended arrangement, as the issues being dealt with are
more complex.
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Depending on the nature of
the problem(s), different modes of therapy might be
more appropriate:
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- Individual
one-to-one work. Clients are seen on a frequency of
one to three times a week. Each session is fifty
minutes long, and takes place at the same time each
week. This work could be either long or short term.
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- Couples are
usually seen by two therapists, on a weekly,
fortnightly, or occasional basis. These sessions are
one hour long. This work can be either time limited or
more open ended.
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- Group psychotherapy.
Some issues are best dealt with in psychotherapy
groups. The groups consist of between five to eight
participants, who meet regularly with a group
facilitator on a once or twice weekly basis. Each
group session is one and a half hours long. This work
is long term
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Types of Therapy/Counselling
Therapists have different approaches to
treatment. I have listed a few of the methods you may come across
and I have tried to decipher the 'psycho-babble' to bring you
understandable definitions.
Explanation
of theoretical approaches
Both counsellors and
psychotherapists work from a variety of theoretical approaches with their
clients. These therapies range from the type of psychoanalysis, originally
practised by Sigmund Freud and later developed into other forms of
analytic psychotherapy by his pupils, through humanistic psychotherapy
(based on personal growth and self development) to the behavioural
therapies used for dealing with specific phobias and anxieties.
The following is
an alphabetical list of commonly used theoretical approaches with brief
descriptions of their meanings:
Adlerian therapy
This is sometimes called individual psychology and uses the personality
theory and system of counselling originated by Alfred Adler. Rather than
psychoanalysis, Adler placed greater emphasis on infantile experiences of
power and powerlessness and the goal-orientation of human behaviour. He
created the terms “inferiority complex” and “superiority complex”.
Behavioural
therapy
This therapy is based on the belief that behaviour is learnt in response
to past experience and can be unlearnt, or reconditioned, without
analysing the past to find the reason for the behaviour. It works well for
compulsive and obsessive behaviour, fears, phobias and addictions.
Brief therapy
(see also Solution focused brief therapy)
This uses the cognitive behavioural approach with a small, planned number
of sessions and possibly a single follow-up session after some time has
elapsed.
Client-centred
counselling (see Person-centred counselling)
Cognitive
analytical therapy
This combines cognitive therapy and psychotherapy and encourages clients
to draw on their own resources to develop the skills to change destructive
patterns of behaviour. Negative ways of thinking are explored and
treatment is structured and directive involving diary-keeping, progress
charts, etc.
Cognitive
behavioural therapy
This combines cognitive and behavioural techniques. Clients are taught
ways to change thoughts and expectations and relaxation techniques are
used. It has been effective for stress-related ailments, phobias,
obsessions, eating disorders and (at the same time as drug treatment)
major depression.
Cognitive therapy
Uses the power of the mind to influence behaviour. It is based on the
theory that previous experiences can adversely affect self-perception and
condition attitude, emotions and ability to deal with certain situations.
It works by helping the client to identify, question and change
self-denigrating thoughts, thus altering habitual responses and behaviour.
It can help pessimistic or depressed people to view things from a more
optimistic perspective.
Eclectic
counselling
An eclectic counsellor will select what is applicable to the client from a
range of theories, methods and practices. Justification is based on the
theory that there is no proof that any one theoretical approach works
better than all others for a specific problem.
Existential
counselling
Existentialists believe that life has no essential (given) meaning: any
meaning has to be found or created. Existential counselling involves
making sense of life through a personal world view and includes a
willingness to face one’s life and life problems.
Gestalt therapy
The name is derived from the German for “organized whole”. Developed
by Fritz Perls, it is based on his belief that the human response to
experiences is summed up in a person’s thoughts, feelings and actions.
The client gains self-awareness by analysing behaviour and body language
and giving expression to repressed feelings. Treatment often includes
acting out scenarios and dream recall.
Humanistic
psychotherapy
This embraces techniques coming from the “personal growth movement”
and encourages people to explore their feelings and take responsibility
for their thoughts and actions. Emphasis is on self-development and
achieving highest potential rather than dysfunctional behaviour.
“Client-centred” or “non-directive” approach is often used and the
therapy can be described as “holistic”. The client’s creative
instincts may be used to explore and resolve personal issues.
Integrative
counselling
This is when several distinct models of counselling and psychotherapy are
used together in a converging way rather than in separate pieces.
Neuro-linguistic
programming (NLP)
NLP combines cognitive behavioural and humanistic therapies with
hypnotherapy. It works on the theory that life experiences, from birth
onwards, programme the way a person sees the world. The practitioner helps
the client to discover how he (or she) has learnt to think or feel so that
he can take control of his actions. The client is taught how to change
speech and body language in order to communicate better and bring about
personal change.
Person-centred
counselling
Devised by Carl Rogers and also called “client-centred” or
“Rogerian” counselling, this is based on the assumption that an
individual (client), seeking help in the resolution of a problem he (or
she) is experiencing, can enter into a relationship with another
individual (counsellor) who is sufficiently accepting and permissive to
allow the client to freely express emotions and feelings. This will enable
the client to come to terms with negative feelings, which may have caused
emotional problems, and develop inner resources. The objective is for the
client to become able to perceive himself as a person, with the power and
freedom to change, rather than as an object.
Primal therapy
This is based on the theory that suppressed birth or infancy traumas can
resurface as neuroses. The therapy takes the client back to the “primal
scene” where trauma can be re-experienced as an emotional cleansing.
Psychoanalysis
This is based on the work of Sigmund Freud, who believed that the
unacceptable thoughts of early childhood are banished to the unconscious
mind but continue to influence thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
“Repressed” feelings can surface later as conflicts, depression, etc
or through dreams or creative activities. The analyst seeks to interpret
and make acceptable to the client’s conscious mind, troublesome feelings
and relationships from the past. “Transference” onto the analyst, of
feelings about figures in the client’s life, is encouraged. This type of
therapy is often used by clients suffering high levels of stress and can
be a lengthy and intensive process.
Psychodynamic
psychotherapy/counselling
This approach stresses the importance of the unconscious and past
experience in determining current behaviour. The client is encouraged to
talk about childhood relationships with parents and other significant
people and the therapist focuses on the client/therapist relationship (the
dynamics) and in particular on the transference. Transference is when the
client projects onto the therapist feelings experienced in previous
significant relationships. The psychodynamic approach is derived from
Psychoanalysis but usually provides a quicker solution to emotional
problems.
Psychosynthesis
Sometimes described as “psychology of the soul”, Psychosynthesis aims
to integrate or “synthesize” the level of consciousness, at which
thoughts and emotions are experienced, with a higher, spiritual level of
consciousness. Painting, movement and other techniques can be used to
recognize and value different facets of the personality. Psychosynthesis
is useful for people seeking a new, more spiritually oriented vision of
themselves.
Re-birthing
In this approach, emotional or physical traumas during birth are said to
create feelings of separation or fear in later life. Breathing techniques
are used to release tension whilst the client re-experiences traumatic
emotions. A skilled practitioner is essential.
Solution-focused
brief therapy
This promotes positive change rather than dwelling on past problems.
Clients are encouraged to focus positively on what they do well and to set
goals and work out how to achieve them. As little as 3 or 4 sessions may
be beneficial.
Systemic
therapies
These are the therapies which have, as their aim, a change in the
transactional pattern of members. It can be used as the generic term for
family therapy and marital therapy.
Transactional
analysis
This is based on the belief that everyone has a child, adult and parent
self within them and, within each social interaction, one self
predominates. By recognising these roles, a client can choose which one to
adopt and so change behaviour. This form of therapy has produced the term
“inner child”, used to describe unfulfilled needs from childhood.
Transpersonal
therapy
This describes any form of counselling or therapy which places emphasis on
spirituality, human potential or heightened consciousness. It includes
psychosynthesis.
These are the main types of therapy but you
may still come across other approaches. Some therapists will tailor
the therapy to meet your needs others will simply tell you that their type
of counselling is not suitable for you and you may be advised to look else
where. Either way the links below will direct you to therapists in
your area and hopefully help you find a suitable one. GOODLUCK.
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