Interpersonal and systems theories in counseling practice

¶ … Interpersonal Systems Constructivist Theories

Interpersonal Theory

The theory's core argument is that members learn from interaction with others through feedback and exchange. The learning process is through distortions to the perceptual interpersonal, corrections of emotional experiences and cognition. The learning model view the interaction of members as a learning process with the objective of creating awareness, change in relations and insights (Reid, Dalton, Laderoute, Doell, & Nguyen, 2006). What is obtained as a lesson through the intergroup relations is reflected in contexts outside the group and this is the objective of interpersonal theory. To allow the intended impact on individuals, the facilitator should direct interrelation towards the desired outcome.

Interpersonal learning is ideal where there is a need to validate some behaviors and discredit others. The validation occurs in a natural setting with little or no guidance required. In the event that the some behaviors are considered inconsistent with acceptable norm invalidation will occur through disapproval by the significant others (members of the group or social setting). With disapproval from the significant others, such behaviors will have a diminished value to the individual owing to the higher value in attachment to significant others (Reid et al., 2006).

It is, however, notable that facilitators need to have a keen interrogation on the relations within the group. The desirable changes and distortions coming from relations may end up yielding unwarranted disapproval. While a group's member may disapprove a certain member's action, it may come out negatively thereby discrediting the process of interrelation for learning. The undesirable discrediting requires corrective measures such as consensual validation. The individuals are allowed to observe their actions as ideal in accordance with their own evaluation. The interpersonal theory is, however, applicable to groups with similar challenges as opposed to individuals with differing challenges. This implies that although there is simplification on the attention to the challenges and corrective measures, the measures arrived at will be limited in innovation and applicability.

Systems Theory

Systems theory looks at the interlocking influencers to an individual's knowledge comprising of the social systems, individual systems, and the wider environmental factors. The systems theory observes that the resultant interactions of the individual and the surrounding facilitate in creating diversity in knowledge (Peavy, 2004). The aspect that individuals have ties to a specific range of systems build an association of the resultant knowledge to the system one is closely linked with. In delivering counseling sessions, it is imperative to bear in mind the relative systems one affiliate with. This will further foster articulation of the challenges an individual is facing and help in corrective measures (Peavy, 2004)

With the understanding of the systems influencing an individual knowledge outcome, it is possible for career counselors to have a better way of advice for the individual. This is opposed to coming up with individual-centered solution to challenges faced. Involving the systems surrounding the individual in coming up with solution also bears a greater impact on the individual allowing the family and the immediately related society members to play a role in resolving the problem. In the case for systems theory in counseling, it may be difficult to incorporate family or members of society in the therapy session owing to time constraints and accessibility. In other cases, the members of the society may be unwilling to help in creating a solution.

Integration and Solution to Challenges

The theories discussed above have a common bearing in looking at the possible solutions from the group and relations perspective. A counselor may thus combine their use in alteration or combination in cases where any of the theory seems deficient. The key concept to uphold is the need to incorporate the surrounding environment for a cohesive longer lasting solution.