Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences has yielded an abundance of research. Prior research has focused on multiple intelligences in the educational setting and also in career planning and development. Pearson, O’Brien & Bulsara (2015) contribute to the growing body of literature on multiple intelligences by applying the theory to a counseling or therapeutic setting. The authors predicted that the multiple intelligences training, which takes into account client preferences and cognitive orientations, would improve therapeutic outcomes. Using semi-structured interviews and multiple intelligences training for counselors, the researchers found that applying multiple intelligences to the therapeutic relationship helped to strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and help clients improve confidence and self-efficacy. Also, the multiple intelligences approach led to more solution-focused or positive orientations in the clinical setting.
The Pearson, O’Brien & Bulsara (2015) research underscores the importance of understanding the theory of multiple intelligences, and applying the theory to the clinical setting to help clients reach their career and personal goals. When counselors start considering that each client will have different strengths and weaknesses, they are better able to understand and relate to clients and help clients reach their therapeutic goals. Multiple intelligences refer to the different predilections,...
Some people prefer to talk, others to listen to music, and others work with their hands. The implications of multiple intelligences have already transformed education and human resources. For example, emotional intelligence is especially important in the workplace environment and for career development (Bracket, Rivers & Salovey, 2011). Duckworth & Yeager (2015) discuss the importance of multiple intelligences in improving the accuracy, validity, reliability, and ethics of educational testing. Understanding multiple intelligences can promote self-awareness, in the same way that personality inventories can also help a person to recognize their strengths and weaknesses.
The multiple intelligences include visual-spatial intelligence, which explains why some people are better at drafting or architecture than others, and body-kinesthetic intelligence, which explains only some doctors prefer surgery or why some people need to work out every day. Musical intelligence accounts for the phenomenon of instantly learning a piece of music after only hearing it once or twice, whereas people who enjoy working in spreadsheets possess mathematical intelligence. Knowing a person’s intelligence makes therapists better equipped to provide guidance and counseling, not just about careers or education, but for all aspects of life. A…
