PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING THEORY

Professional Counseling Theory

Professional Counseling Theory

Introduction

Several counseling and psychotherapy theories have an optimistic view of the human condition, most notably individual psychology, person-centered, and gestalt therapy. Alfred Adler, the founder of individual psychology, believed humans had an innate tendency to strive for perfection and that this striving was the most important motivator of behavior. Equally as important in psychological functioning to Adler is the interest in society, for without the support of others, humans would not survive.

For person-centered theorists, they believe that the only motivation of human behavior is the tendency to grow to full potential in constructive, positive ways. Carl Rogers, the founder of person-centered therapy, saw living beings as striving to maximize the organism and avoid experience that are detrimental to it. Fritz Perls, the founder of gestalt therapy, also saw organisms having an innate tendency to grow toward fulfillment and actualization. Gestalt therapy, then, is a growth-oriented approach in which humans are motivated to meet needs but also to attain harmony with the environment. Like these three theories, I hold an optimistic view of human nature and believe people have a need for social interest and self-actualization.

Most theories, other than solution-focused therapy, have well-stated views of human development. Of these, I most agree with the views of individual psychology, person-centered, behavior, and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Individual psychology holds that family environment, innate creative processes, and the drive for superiority influences development. Person-centered therapy also believes that humans are influenced by family and other significant individuals. It is difficult for me to think of anyone not being developmentally influenced by their families, because my family has had such an impact on me. However, not all people are influenced in the same way in the same family, like my older brother and me, which leads me to agree that something innate must be at play in determining how a person is influenced by their family. REBT, founded by Albert Ellis, agreed with this view, stating that humans develop because of innate biological and psychological tendencies that interact with social influences. Behavior therapy takes it a step further, though, and explains how a person is influenced developmentally by their social environment. In this theory, human development is the process of learning. A person develops through learning from family and significant others. Therefore, I believe it is a combination of learned family influences, as well as other significant individuals in people's lives, and innate qualities that influence a person developmentally. As a feminist, I also agree with feminist therapy's view that people are influenced by gender and power structures.

Alder and Ellis both hold a soft determinist view towards people, which means that individuals have some choice in their lives, but inherited or innate potentials also exert substantial influence. A very popular quote from Adler is: “The important thing is not what one is born with, but what use one makes of that equipment.” I, also, believe that it matters more what a person does, ...