Personal Philosophy and Framework for Counseling Therapy

Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy Philosophy

The acquisition of a counseling and psychotherapy philosophy and framework typically depends on the personality of the counseling student and his or her familiarity with the existing major approaches and techniques in therapeutic practice. A therapist's theoretical perspective, philosophy, and framework determine what he or she looks for and observes after making initial contact with clients. Personal philosophy and framework shape the therapist's focus and course of action while influencing the choice of therapeutic strategies and processes (Corey, 2012, p. 4). Therefore, a counseling student should carefully consider his or her own basic assumptions when developing a therapy practice.

This is an increasingly involved process that goes beyond mere acceptance of the tenets of a specific theory or combination of theories. Generally, an individual's theoretical approach and therapy framework is a reflection and expression of his or her experiences in life. As such, developing a coherent personal philosophy requires sustained self-examination alongside rigorous study of established therapeutic traditions.

Major Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy

Counseling and psychotherapy is a process involving engagement between two individuals who are both expected to be affected by the therapeutic experience. This process is typically collaborative, as the therapist and client work together to develop solutions to issues or concerns. The theories developed in the field of counseling and psychotherapy are mainly directed toward explaining the collaborative nature of psychotherapeutic practice, and counselors draw on these theories to develop their personal philosophy and framework.

According to Corey (2009), therapists are not engaged in the work of changing clients, giving them quick advice, or solving their problems on their behalf. These professionals instead promote and facilitate healing through a procedure grounded in genuine dialogue (p. 6). Therefore, the most significant factor that promotes the needed change in the client is the type of person the therapist is. This implies that counselors should explore their personal beliefs, attitudes, and values in depth and work toward enhancing their own awareness. Doing so helps them avoid functioning merely as technicians — people who possess wide theoretical and practical knowledge but lack human qualities such as honesty, compassion, sensitivity, and good faith (Corey, 2009, p. 6).

The process of increasing personal awareness requires the therapist to remain open to his or her own growth and to address any personal problems. Clients need their therapists to have a strong sense of personal awareness and to have worked through their own difficulties in order to trust both the therapist and the psychotherapy process. In essence, therapists should identify ways in which they personally relate to the various approaches and theories in counseling and psychotherapy.

One of the most important steps toward developing a personal philosophy and framework for therapy is to familiarize oneself with the current major approaches to therapeutic practice. In the counseling field, these therapeutic approaches are described through various theories that have been developed to guide and explain the practices of therapists. Some of the major theories in counseling and psychotherapy include psychoanalytic therapy, Gestalt therapy, Jungian therapy, reality therapy, existential therapy, Adlerian therapy, behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and marital and family therapy (Tan, 2011). These theories differ based on the techniques and procedures developed by their founders and practitioners, and each contributes to the development of personal philosophy and framework in therapy.

The Four Forces of Psychotherapy

The development of the various theories in counseling and psychotherapy has been influenced by the four forces of psychotherapy: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, existential-humanistic, and emerging theories (Thomson, 2003). Psychodynamic aspects of personality and psychotherapy represent the first major force and are among the most complex sets of psychological theories. These theories originated from Sigmund Freud's work in psychoanalysis and suggest that a person's present and future are strongly influenced by the past.

In contrast, cognitive-behavioral forces constitute the second force in psychotherapy and are divided into cognitive and behavioral foundations. Existential-humanistic theories form the third force, from which many significant concepts in counseling — including listening skills and empathy — originate. This force is grounded in the assumption that it is important to be authentic to one's self in body, mind, experience, and environment. The emerging theories force highlights the importance of treating each client as a unique individual, being sensitive to his or her spirituality and culture, and adapting therapeutic techniques to accommodate unique needs.