Introduction to Counseling

Therapeutic Relationship in self-awareness, creating successful

experience in terms of people skills
Counselling and
Psychotherapy Characteristic of Good and
Effective Counsellor
Therapeutic Relationship
1. Interpersonal Skills - gauge client’s
» fundamentally important in counselling thoughts and feelings during and after
and psychotherapy process counselling session. Relate to them by
» build confidence, reassurance, openness showing prosocial behavior (warmth and
and honesty, paving the way for clients to empathy).
accept themselves for who they are 2. Trust – confidentiality must be observed
» it is created thru shared feelings of trust, at all times, avoid intimidating or
genuine care and unconditional positive provocative non-verbal and verbal
regard (key points in Roger’s approach) gestures.
3. Flexibility – treatment plans are not
Benefits design and fit to all. May assess first the
» develop skills in terms of self-help and problem and identify what type of
coping for clients with different issues counselling technique that best suits to
» build good interpersonal skills your client. Make sure also that you have
to orient your client re counselling
» improves the concept the patient sees
technique to be utilized, as well as his/her
himself/herself and the world around
consent if the client wishes to facilitate the
» boost self-esteem and guides them to
chosen approach
create realistic goals
4. Hope and optimism – avoid toxic
» provides support and validation
positivity
- e.g. “Just be positive, spread good
3 Characteristics of vibes”, “You’ll get over it”, “Don’t be
Counselling so negative”.

1. Psych Education – provides deeper and

Active listening and affirming your
vivid knowledge about the client’s
client’s emotion is enough for them to acquire
problem, if diagnosed.
enough trust and self-esteem to conquer their
2. Therapeutic Alliance – genuine unwanted, intrusive thoughts and emotions.
engagement between therapist and client, Let your client express himself/herself.
must require the following aspect
according to Carl Roger’s – unconditional Promote conducive and warm environment
positive regard, empathy, genuineness as for your client to cooperate to create and set
well as good communication feasible goal (SMART goal – Specific,
3. Change in Behavior – behavior measurable, attainable, realistic and timely).
regulation for clients with personality 5. Multicultural sensitivity – respect for
issues or problematic behavior, mastery of ideologies about religion, gender
orientation, beliefs and attitudes.
 Introduction to Counseling
- Ethnicity and language barriers are Existential and Gestalt Psychology
common reasons why a counsellor
cannot process and guides well the Existential Psychology
client. Seek consent from your client » Rooted in the philosophy of
re his/her immediate codependent or existentialism, this approach, as explored
family member if he’s willing to sit in by figures like Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-
during counselling session to have Paul Sartre, and Viktor Frankl, explores
translator. the human condition, freedom, meaning,
6. Self-awareness – separate your personal and personal responsibility in the face of
issues to client (transference and existential anxiety.
countertransference).
- Part of self-awareness is the ability to Gestalt Psychology
know how much information should » Gestalt psychologists like Max
be disclosed. Wertheimer and Fritz Perls emphasize the
Directive Counselling importance of perception, the whole being
greater than the sum of its parts, and the
» therapist-centered role of awareness in personal growth.
Gestalt therapy, developed by Fritz Perls,
Non-directive Counselling is a therapeutic application of this
» client-centered (no advices given, approach.
encourages the client to discover Cognition and behavior (much
themselves with minimal guidance).
complex)
Theoretical Orientation Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Emotion-based Approaches » founded by Aaron T. Beck and Albert

Ellis, focuses on identifying and changing
Jungian Approach dysfunctional thought patterns and
» Developed by Carl Jung, this approach behaviors that contribute to mental health
emphasizes the exploration of the issues. It's goal-oriented and often used
unconscious mind and the role of for a wide range of psychological
symbols, archetypes, and personal growth. disorders.
It delves into understanding one's inner Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
self, dreams, and the collective (REBT)
unconscious.
» Developed by Albert Ellis, REBT is a
Adlerian Approach form of CBT that emphasizes identifying
» Based on the work of Alfred Adler, this and challenging irrational beliefs and
approach focuses on individual replacing them with rational ones to
psychology, including concepts like the promote emotional well-being.
inferiority complex and birth order. It Behavioral approach
seeks to understand how personal
experiences and social factors influence Behavioral Therapy
behavior and mental health.
 Introduction to Counseling
» this approach, rooted in behaviorism, 2. No boundaries (touchy, overly friendly,
focuses on observable behaviors and the sexual advances)
principles of conditioning. It includes
3. Language barriers
techniques like systematic desensitization
(a method for treating phobias) and 4. Previous trauma or attachment issues
operant conditioning, which involves
5. Transference and countertransference
rewards and punishments to modify
behavior.
Others:
The Art of the Open-Ended
Narrative therapy
Question
» Narrative therapy, developed by Michael
1. Why are open-ended questions so
White and David Epston, views people as
important?
storytellers of their own lives. It helps
» They require a person to pause, think, and
individuals reframe and reconstruct their
reflect.
personal narratives to better understand
» Answers include personal feelings,
and address their problems.
opinions, or ideas about a subject.
Reality therapy » The control of the conversation switches
» Developed by William Glasser, reality from the person asking the question to the
person being asked the question. It begins
therapy encourages individuals to take
an exchange between the caseworker and
personal responsibility for their actions
the family. If the control of the
and choices. It focuses on the here and
conversation stays with the caseworker,
now, helping clients make realistic plans
you are asking closed-ended questions.
for their future.
2. Open-ended questions begin in very
specific ways. Open-ended questions
Highlights on Client- begin with the following words: why,
Therapist relationship how, what, describe, tell me about..., or
what do you think about...
 Upon first meeting – avoid first 3. Use open-ended questions as follow ups
impression as well as inappropriate non- for other questions. These follow ups can
verbal gestures. be asked after open or closed-ended
 Must form a good relationship without questions.
insisting the client.  Ask "why" and "how" to follow up
 Relationship depth – focus on client- and gain a more thorough answer after
therapist boundary only. asking a closed-ended question.
 Too much nodding and saying “yes” and  When the participant has finished
“I understand you” creates discomfort to talking, ask an open-ended question
your client. that refers to what they just said, or is
related to what they just said. This
Barriers keeps the conversation flowing in an
open and engaging way.
1. Not offering core conditions
(characteristics of good counsellor).
 Introduction to Counseling
4. Wording is very important when asking  Religion
open-ended questions, especially if you
are looking for a certain type of answer.  Socioeconomic status/background
 Gauge the family’s comfort level  Gender identity
when asking questions. Be careful
when asking questions that are very  Beliefs
personal or require too much personal
information early in the conversation. Importance of
 A person who is uncomfortable
answering open-ended questions either
Multicultural Counselling
doesn't understand where you are Holistic approach – dynamic modality of
going with it or doesn't want to treatment plan.
answer. Explain why you are asking
the question, re-phrase the question or » Acknowledging, understanding and
save the question for another time. addressing their needs regardless of
 Open-ended questions can result in the diversity we have.
long answers. If you would like to Belief or ideology about undergoing
keep them brief or relevant, be counselling or psychotherapy.
specific when asking the question.
» When a culture has a negative
connotation about seeking help from a
psychologist or counsellor.
Multicultural Counselling,
Ethics in Counselling and Developing Multicultural
Multiple Relationships Counselling Skills
1. Being aware of their own values, beliefs
Multicultural Counselling and worldviews, limitations that might
impact their work with a culturally
» This is a term used to describe a specific
different client (ethnocentrism).
type of counselling practice that 2. Mutual exchange of viewpoints and ideas
acknowledges how various aspects of a (listening and teamwork).
client’s cultural identity might influence 3. No biases, prejudices and discriminatory
their mental health. contexts in conducting evaluation.
» Counsellors seek to understand how 4. Develop sensitivity to issues such as
several different cultures and groups oppression, sexism, heterosexism, elitism
approach mental health and counselling and racism.
issues to tailor treatment plans to these 5. Flexibility and empathy
realities more effectively. 6. Cross cultural communication
7. Conflict resolution
Relevant Factors 8. Leadership development
 Race
 Immigration status
 Introduction to Counseling
» Power, functions and Duties and
Responsibilities of the RGCs and
Ethical Principles in Psychotherapists/Psychiatrists.

Counselling Multiple Relationship

6 Main Ethical Principles » Also called as dual relationships.
» Example: your therapist is your
o autonomy - refers to respecting an teacher/colleague.
individual's right to make their own Your client is a friend’s son/daughter.
decisions about their own life and » Multiple role exists between a therapist
treatment, even if those decisions go and a client.
against what others might consider in the
person's best interest. Types of Dual
o justice - treating individuals fairly and
equitably, ensuring that they receive fair Relationships/Multiple
and equal access to resources, benefits,
and opportunities
Relationships
o beneficence - focuses on the obligation  social dual relationship - therapist as a
to do good and promote the well-being of friend.
individuals.  professional dual relationship -
o nonmaleficence - he principle of "do no colleague or collaborator.
harm."  business dual relationship - involved
o fidelity - often referred to as loyalty or in someone’s business.
faithfulness, emphasizes the importance of  communal dual relationship - belongs
keeping promises, being trustworthy, and in a same religious community group, or
maintaining the trust of those being activities.
served.  institutional dual relationship -
o Veracity - relates to truth-telling and therapist could be a prisoner’s counselor
honesty in all interactions. and their parole evaluator.
 forensic dual relationship - witness in
legal trials or hearings.
 sexual dual relationship - romantic
Republic Act 9258 (Guidance and relationship/fling
Counselling Act of 2004)
 digital, online or internet dual
» An act professionalizing the practice of relationship - friends in any social
guidance and counselling. media sites.
» Promote improvement, advancement and
protection of the guidance and counselling
Dual relationship can be detrimental in
profession.
therapeutic relationship as well as to the over-
» Credibility and practice world-class
all counselling.
service.
» There is a lack of objectivity.
 Introduction to Counseling
» Boundary between roles in unclear. processes in ways that interfere with
» There aren’t any guidelines for when healthy psychological functioning (talk
therapy will end. therapy).
» Power
Structures of a Human
Personality
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
» Form of talk therapy based on Sigmund
Freud’s theories of Psychoanalysis.
» This explores how the unconscious mind
influences your thoughts, feelings and
behavior. ID (Pleasure Principle)
» Examines how your experiences (often
from childhood) may be contributing to » Impulsive part of your personality.
your current experiences and actions. » Immediate gratification of all desires,
» Freud described the unconscious as the wants and needs.
reservoir of desires, thoughts, and » Fully unconscious part, most primitive.
memories that are below the surface of the » e.g. An increase in hunger should produce
conscious awareness. an immediate attempt to eat, even you are
» These unconscious influences could often in hypo-diet or maintaining a specific
lead to psychological distress and BMI.
disturbances.

SUPEREGO (moral principle)

» Latest developing of three agencies.
Psychoanalytic Therapy vs » Ethical component of the personality.
Psychoanalysis » Suppresses entirely an urge or desires of
the ID.
Psychoanalysis » e.g. A woman feels an urge to steal coffee
from the coffee shop. However, her
» Method of treating mental health disorders
superego counteracts this urge by focusing
and explaining by having the patient to
on the fact that such behavior is wrong.
talk freely about himself or herself and
especially about dreams, problems, and EGO (mediator and reality principle)
early childhood memories and
» Strives to satisfy the ID’s desires in
experiences.
realistic and socially appropriate way.
Psychoanalytic Therapy » Weighs the cost and benefits of an action.
» e.g. if a person cuts you off in traffic, the
» Focuses on deciphering how the
ego prevents you from chasing down the
unconscious mind governs conscious
 Introduction to Counseling
car and physically attacking the offending
driver.
Common Defense
Mechanism
Anxiety
 Projection
» Is a feeling of impending danger » If a client’s traits threaten their
» Symptomatic expression of the inner self-concept, then the client may:
emotional conflict caused when a person » Fail to recognize that they possess
suppresses feelings and thoughts. these traits
» Blame-shifting and falsely
According to Freud, there are 3 types
accusing others of wrongdoing.
of anxiety
 Rationalization
1. Objective anxiety – results from a real » Justification of actions to avoid
threat in the physical world (e.g. a shame and guilt.
ferocious dog waiting for you to come in » Almost similar to lying.
the corner). Difference; lying is a conscious
2. Neurotic anxiety – results from the ego attempt to deceive while
feeling overwhelmed by the id, which rationalization often occurs partly
threatens to express its irrationality in outside conscious awareness.
thoughts and behavior. (e.g. high self-  Displacement
criticism, high levels of worry and low » Redirects negative emotion from
stress and frustration tolerance). its original source to a less
3. Moral anxiety – based on a feeling that threatening recipient.
one’s internalized values are about to be » When used appropriately, it
compromised (e.g. fear of self-punishment minimizes disappointment, protect
due to acting contrary to one’s values, our self-esteem and manage stress
feeling guilt and shameful for not living level.
up to proper standards).  Sublimation
» Redirects energy from an
Defense Mechanisms unacceptable impulse or emotion
into a more socially acceptable
» Freud later refined his theory by shifting one.
the focus toward self-esteem preservation. » Mature and healthy way of self-
Specifically, he posited that when the help and coping.
patient’s self-esteem and self-image were  Repression
challenged or threatened, they would rely » or a dis-associative amnesia
on certain cognitive or mental strategies to involves pushing the unpleasant
protect their self-esteem. thoughts, feelings and impulses
» Avoid anxiety. deep into the unconscious part of
» Defense mechanisms may be employed the mind.
unconsciously, with the client unaware  Denial
that they are using them or why. » Attempt to avoid uncomfortable
realities (such as grief), anxiety or
truth or a means of coping with
 Introduction to Counseling
distressing or painful situations, Oral and anal stages – ego develops
unpleasant feelings or traumatic
Phallic, latency and genital stages – superego
events.
develops
 Suppression
» Voluntary blocking of unpleasant
feelings and experiences from
one’s awareness to avoid
discomfort and anxiety.
 Avoidance
» You will dismiss any
uncomfortable or negative
thoughts or feelings without trying
to understand them.
» Avoid places or people that make
you uncomfortable to the extent
that it disrupts your personal life.
 Humor
» Using comedy to overtly express Psychoanalytic Techniques
feelings and thoughts without
personal discomfort and without Free Association
producing an unpleasant effect on
the others.  the practice of allowing the patient to
» Freud suggested that “Humor can discuss thoughts, dreams, memories, or
words, regardless of coherency. The
be regarded as the highest of these
patient is allowed to talk without pause in
defensive processes”.
a stream of words. Freud believed this
 Regression
non-linear way of thinking would lead to
» Dealing with emotional conflict or
the unconscious mind.
stress by reverting to childish,
immature behaviors.
 Reaction formation
» unconsciously replaces unwanted
Patient Who Underwent Free
or anxiety-provoking impulse with Association
its opposite, often expressed in an
exaggerated way.

Psychosexual Development
 Introduction to Counseling
Freud was impressed by what he heard o Some of the terms used by the
from his colleague Josef Breuer about one of therapist
his patients, Bertha Pappenheim (1859–1936), o Uses statements that distance the
called Anna O. in the case history. By therapist
describing her traumatic experiences and o Avoids particular topics
feelings about them to Breuer she seemed to o Physically withdraws from the
get some relief from debilitating symptoms conversation
such as partial paralysis and hallucinations.
Although Breuer's treatment was not nearly as
successful as he and Freud claimed,
Pappenheim eventually overcame her
symptoms to become an innovative social
worker and a leader of the women's
movement in Germany.
Hypnosis- He considered that if one could
produce symptoms by giving suggestions to
the unconscious, then it is also possible that
the unconscious might produce illness on its
own.
Considered as the tyranny of suggestion.
The client is in a sleep-like state.

Why Freud Stopped Using

Hypnosis?
Because of its fallibility and because
he found that patients could recover and
comprehend crucial memories while
conscious.

Barriers to Therapy
 Transference and countertransference
– attachment
 Resistance - unconscious (also known as
transferential) resistance to therapy, others
have “conscious, deliberate opposition to
therapeutic initiatives that they fail to
understand or accept”.
 sometimes referred to as ‘realistic
resistance and includes opposition to:
o The therapist’s overall approach to
therapy
o Specific in-session techniques