Compare Counseling Approaches

Compare Counseling Approaches

Lydia A. Newman

Florida State College at Jacksonville

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Compare Counseling Approaches

Theory has been both a plague and challenge for counselors since the beginning. The

distinction between insight theories and action theories although a convenient divide for

counseling approaches is hardly clear-cut. Some of the more insight-oriented approaches focus

on creating an authentic human encounter for its healing properties, the action oriented approach

uses the therapeutic relationship to achieve a different goal.

There are various theories grouped by what is called insight oriented approaches that

have one principle in common: It is through a process of self-awareness and self-understanding

that lasting growth occurs. Alfred Adler developed a marvelous integrative theory, that combines

some of the ideas of psychoanalysis with a more sensible approach that emphasized such ideas

like: the social context for human behavior, the interpersonal nature of client problems, the

cognitive organization of an individual’s style of thinking, and the importance of choice and

responsibility when it comes to making decisions. Adler believed the purpose of counseling is to

restore faith in one’s self to overcome feelings of inferiority. (Kottler & Shepard (2006))

So, by utilizing Adlerian theory a client can begin to make the desired life changes by

becoming aware of prejudices. By recognizing that at children are taught that they are not good

enough, a client can begin to process that mistakes reflect opportunity to learn if the mistakes are

accepted and not be discouraged by them. (Dinkmeyer, D. C., Dinkmeyer Jr, D. C., & Sperry, L.) By

working to do the best to respond to the needs of a situation a client can improve performance

not only in career settings, but in relationships as well. Once the client can learn that doing their

best and accepting the outcome is the best way to reaching the goal of changing their lifestyle

outlook.
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Action-oriented approaches to counseling are generally characterized by their reliance on

behaviorally specific interventions and outcomes measures. These approaches blend an emphasis

on action to accomplish specific therapeutic goals. Remember the key to action-oriented methods

are that talk is not enough; clients must go out in the world to do things that make the changes

last.

Expressive Therapies include a variety of approaches that all rest on the assumption that

primarily nonverbal techniques are effective in the release of a clients’ problems. There are many

options a therapist might utilize when considering expressive therapy; Art therapy, Music

therapy, Biofeedback therapy, Hypnotherapy, Exercise, and Bibliotherapy. Of course, the specific

choice of expressive therapy outlet depends on the needs of the client. For example, Art therapy

has long been a tool used for children to help them express feelings as well as talk through

images represented in their drawings. When verbal communication is problematic whether

brought on by fear, shame, or trauma, Art therapy can be a significant tool to further the client’s

self-awareness and self-understanding by removing emotional blocks. Rubin, J. A. (2009)

Clients often come to counseling anticipating either receiving insight or planning for

action. Both have very different theoretical bases. Insight therapy is based on the idea that if you

understand why you do something or feel some way, it will lead to change. In practice, both

insight and action oriented approaches are going to be present to some extent, in almost any

therapist's work.
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References

Carlson, J., & Sperry, L. (2006). Adlerian therapy. Washington, DC.

Dinkmeyer, D. C., Dinkmeyer Jr, D. C., & Sperry, L. (1987). Adlerian counseling and

psychotherapy. Merrill Publishing Co.

Lusebrink, V. B. (2004). Art therapy and the brain: An attempt to understand the underlying

processes of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy, 21(3), 125-135.

Rubin, J. A. (2009). Introduction to art therapy: Sources & resources. Taylor & Francis.
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