Introduction to Counseling Essay

meeting time or location becomes necessary, for example, when the therapist relocates or changes offices. Nevertheless, the framework remains as the structural skeleton. Ethical behavior that is strongly backed by one or more of these principles and does not conflict with others can be viewed as reasonably well established. However, practitioners will encounter scenarios where it is impractical to reconcile all the relevant principles and may need to decide between them.

When evaluating the ethics of a decision or action, it is not enough to rely solely on its controversy or the differing opinions of other practitioners in similar situations. Practitioners have a responsibility to carefully consider all relevant factors and take ownership for their decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on helping individuals effectively manage their problems by recognizing how their thoughts can impact their emotions and behaviors. CBT combines examining one's thoughts with addressing actions in order to break down overwhelming problems into smaller, more manageable parts.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is a widely used talk therapy option for common mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. This form of treatment assists individuals in directing their attention to the present moment and understanding how past experiences might have influenced their thoughts and behaviors (Capuzzi, 2013). Despite variations in theories, humanistic and existential approaches both acknowledge an individual's capacity for self-awareness and decision-making.

The humanistic perspective emphasizes the innate goodness of human nature and its capacity for building positive relationships and making choices that benefit both oneself and others. Psychoanalysis aids individuals in comprehending and releasing negative emotions linked to

childhood trauma, thus promoting personal growth. This therapeutic approach is founded on the belief that by acknowledging repressed conflicts from our past, we can advance psychologically. Family therapy, also referred to as systemic therapy, targets families and close connections with the aim of fostering transformation. It centers on examining the interactions among individuals within these familial or relational units.

Therapy seeks to address the difficulties that arise from familial and couple differences, as well as the intense emotions that can emerge when loved ones face adversity. The primary goal of therapy is to cultivate support and comprehension among family members and loved ones. Through therapy, individuals have an opportunity to comprehend and value each other's needs, strengthen familial bonds, and ultimately generate beneficial changes in their lives and relationships. Erikson's psychosocial theory proposes that individuals undergo eight stages of "psychosocial crisis," which profoundly influence their growth and character.

The most commonly referenced stage model is the eight stage model by Erikson, although Joan Erikson described a 'ninth' stage after Erik's death. (Joan Erikson's work on the 'ninth stage' appears in her 1996 revisions to The Life Cycle Completed: A Review, and will in the future be summarized on this page.)
Erikson's theory refers to 'psychosocial crisis' (or psychosocial crises, being the plural), which is an extension of Sigmund Freud's use of the word 'crisis' to represent internal emotional conflict. This type of crisis can also be referred to as an internal struggle or challenge that individuals must negotiate and overcome in order to grow and develop.

Erikson's theory of 'psychosocial' is based on two core elements: psychological and social. The psychological element relates to the mind, brain, and

personality, while the social element pertains to external relationships and environment. This theory can also be expanded to include the term 'biopsychosocial,' where 'bio' refers to biological aspects.

There are several problems with diagnosing, testing, and assessing learning disabilities. One problem is the lack of consistent definition that recognizes the condition's innate and lifelong nature. Another problem is a failure to understand and accommodate normal variations in learning and behavior. In addition, there is inadequate support for teachers in meeting the needs of children without learning disabilities but requiring alternative instructional methods. Furthermore, there is a shortage of competent professionals in diagnosing and managing exceptional individuals. Additionally, there is a misconception that underachievement is synonymous with specific learning disabilities. Finally, there is a misguided belief that quantitative formulas alone can diagnose learning disabilities.

In relation to therapy, Rogers and the humanistic approach differed from other perspectives. Psychoanalysts believed childhood events determined behavior, while behaviorists argued that all past experiences influenced actionsAccording to Rogers, clients have the freedom to choose their behaviors and actions, which was seen as revolutionary and heretical by his contemporaries in psychology.

Rogers emphasized the importance of therapists meeting their clients where they are at. In other words, therapists should engage with clients about the topics they wish to discuss without directing them. As Carl Rogers stated, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change" (Kuckertz, 2015).

Perls and Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy teaches therapists and patients the phenomenological method of awareness. This approach distinguishes perceiving, feeling, and acting from interpreting and reshuffling preexisting attitudes.

The text emphasizes that direct perception and feeling are deemed more reliable than explanations

and interpretations. In Gestalt therapy, patients and therapists engage in dialogue to express their phenomenological perspectives. The aim is to explore and discuss the differences in perspectives through ongoing experimentation and dialogue. The ultimate objective is for clients to gain awareness of their actions, methods, and the potential for personal change, all while learning to accept and value themselves. Process (current occurrences) receives more attention in Gestalt therapy than content (topics discussed). The focus is on what is presently done, thought, and felt, rather than dwelling on the past, speculation, or ideals.

Ellis and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy

Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and an important contributor to cognitive-behavioral therapy, discovered that people's emotional functioning is strongly influenced by their beliefs. Specifically, certain irrational beliefs can cause feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as lead to self-defeating behaviors.

1. Kottler, J., & Shepard, D. (2014). Introduction to counseling: Voices from the field. Cengage Learning.
2. Capuzzi, D., & Gross, D. R. (2013). Introduction to the counseling profession. Routledge.
3. Kuckertz, J. (2015). PSY 452 Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy.