Comparison of Three Counseling Theories

Introduction

Humans are faced with traumas and tragedies of life, which not only make them physically weak, but the psychological imprints are much deeper and strong. These imprints can make the individual weak and tormented, to resist against these shackles. Humans belong to society comprised of people, relationships and togetherness, who love and care for each other. Helping fellow in distress is the noble act and this desire to help other became the basis of for psychotherapy theories. The continuous research and practice of psychotherapy with clients many approaches came onto existence. All psychotherapy therapy theories are originated from the theory of personality (Sharf, 2012).

There are many psychotherapy theories developed to help people, in the condition of misery and anxiety. A theory can be defined as a logically organized laws or relationships which depend upon an explanation in a discipline. Theories of psychotherapy are evaluated in terms of precision and clarity, which means that it should be based on clear and specific rules. Theories must be comprehensive so that it can be widely applied. The theory proposed must be tested so to evaluate their validity and effectiveness, to test the extent to which they bring change in the behavior of patients or clients. Lastly a good theory not only suggest hypothesis to be tested but is describe ways to understand the client and techniques to recover their mental illness.

Psychotherapy or counseling can be defined as an interaction between client and therapist. The main objective is to help those, suffering from disorders of thinking, emotional suffering. The therapist may use knowledge of theories to conduct the session, and must ensure to follow the rules of ethics in interacting with client (Sharf, 2012).

Theories of Counseling or Psychotherapy

There are many approaches developed to help the client in different situation. The therapist must be able to select the theory, according to the nature of problem and client's readiness to solve the problems. The paper discusses three theories of counseling presenting approaches to treat the client. There are many theories in the study of psychology which have been evolved to cater the mental disabilities of human mind. There are some theories which in the past, originated to respond mental illness, imposing positive and brighter side on human mind. In this regard several theories have been introduced in the study of psychology (Corey, 2012).

Alfred Adler

Background of theorist

Alfred was in 1870 in a village, Vienna. His mother was typical house wife who devoted all her life in raising seven children. His father was middle class merchant who belongs from Hungary. At the age of, he nearly died due to pneumonia. He went to ice skating with an older boy who abandoned him; this experience along with the death of his younger brother motivated him to become a physician (Richard, 2012).

In his early childhood he was always in competition with his older brother, who was physically stronger and good in studies. Alfred took as factor of motivation and tried ...