A Critical Analysis Of Two Counselling Theories ...

A Critical Analysis of Two Counselling Theories: Existential Therapy and Freudian Psychoanalytic Therapy Kavya Raj, 25183834 PSY3120: Introduction to Counselling Due: Thursday 16th October 2014 Theories within psychotherapy guide interactions between the therapist and client, providing a process by which the client can come to understand and resolve their problems. However, these theories can often be conflicting with opposing techniques and goals. Existential therapy is best considered as a philosophical approach to the therapeutic process, which gives prominences to the themes of freedom, self-determination, self-awareness and anxiety (Yalom Josselson, 2011, p. 310). It emphasises the individual’s capacity to make free choices regarding the person they become, and focuses less on the use of techniques. In contrast, Freudian psychoanalytic therapy considers ways to change problematic behaviours or thoughts by examining their concealed unconscious motivations and meanings (Corey, 2013, p. 63). Past experiences are significant in determining the distinctive behaviour of the individual, which is analysed by the therapist through techniques such as dream analysis and f ree association. Whilst both theories view the individual and their difficulties as unique, existential and psychoanalytic therapy have opposing views of human nature and therapeutic goals. A key concept of existential therapy is the relationship between freedom and responsibility. In contrastShow MoreRelatedComparing and Contrasting Psychoanalytic and Existential/Humanistic Perspectives4364 Words   |  18 Pagescomparing and contrasting two out of the eight personality theories commonly used to decipher one’s personality. Those two are the psychoanalytic perspective and the existential/humanistic perspective. Both perspectives are equally important as they play a major role in understanding personality in different ways and explaining them as well. Freud’s psychoanalysis helps us to understand the individual’s personality from its early years right up to adulthood while existential and humanistic theoristsRead Moreâ€Å"People are complex and cannot be completely understood through the lens of a Meta or grand theory– i.e. Psychoanalytic or behavioural. Critically discuss†3736 Words   |  15 PagesIntroduction In counselling and psychotherapy there are more than 400 distinct models with methods of practice ranging from one to one counselling, group therapy, couples or family therapy, online therapy and over the telephone counselling. Depending on which school of thought the therapist is following, each therapy engages the client from a different angle. Each school has its own rationale and specific techniques but there are common components which are shared across all approaches ResearchRead MoreThe Personality Theories Of Sigmund Freud ( 1856-1939 ) And Carl Jung2919 Words   |  12 PagesExamined are the key elements in the personality theories of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and Carl Jung (1875-1961). Prior to Freud, personality psychology did not exist. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory conceptualized personality development in terms of psychosexual stages whereby personality was fixed by middle childhood. Freud explained that mental and physical illnesses were the result of an individual not being aware of the inner conflict which was experienced due to repressed infantile sexualityRead MorePhenomenological: Qualitative Research and Research Methodology9542 Words   |  39 Pagesthe field are critical of existing quantitative research methods and argue that, in controlling and measuring variables, results, although statistically significant, are often clinically superficial (Giorgi, 1995; Yalom, 1995; Kotsch, 2000; McLeod, 2001). The shortcomings of q uantitative research methods for investigating phenomena such as psychotherapeutic change are particularly evident when attempting to examine psychotherapeutic interventions such as ‘art therapy’. Art therapy involves the use