Question

As we moved from the assessment phase to the "therapy" part of counseling, we have had an opportunity to take a look at some of the different theories/types of counseling.

There are few graduate students in social sciences who have not seen the 1964 movie “Three approaches to psychotherapy”, a film developed by Everett Shostrom about the world of counseling and psychotherapy. This movie shows a real client “Gloria” being interviewed in turn by psychotherapists Carl Rogers (Person-Centered Therapy), Albert Ellis (Rational Emotive Therapy) and Fritz Perls (Gestalt Therapy).

As we discuss “helping” and “intervention” please see how each therapist approaches Gloria and her concerns in the links below. Look past the trappings of the early 1960s--the grainy black and white film, attire, and the ever present cigarette smoke—

1. What therapeutic intervention appears most helpful and what are the pros and cons of each approach?

2. How would you do, as a client, with a therapist who mainly listened in a non-committal way?

3. How would you respond to a therapist who is highly structured in their approach tackling rational and irrational belief systems?

4. How would you react to a therapist who is very directive?

Links:

Carl Rogers & Gloria

Answer 1

• I guess carl rogers therapy appears most effective.Gloria continually talked about ‘contact’ and I think that the only therapist Gloria made safe contact with is Rogers.Rogers,sought to understand Gloria’s inner world and validated her expereince of it. His reflecting back to her, as if he was a mirror, contronted Gloria with her feelings, thoughts and self criticism. His warmth allowed her to feel secure in revealing aspects of herself that were below the surface. The fact Rogers and Gloria continued to have contact after this event is testimony to the significance of that half hour for
  both. But the approach relies on an overly optimistic view of people.
• A completely non directive therapy would be a little difficult as a client since as a client I would constantly look at the therapist for help and guidance because I have come for that so some cues and help would be needed from the therapist which could open my mind and change my perspectives.
• A highly structured approach could work for some people but for me personally I would regard it as too formulaic and over powering since the therapist would ask you think positive and replace irrational beliefs and would appear pushy which could disturb me if it gets too much.
• Since I am coming with questions to be asked from the therapist I would want that he focuses on my questions and not direct his own way and dsregard my questions since obviously I know about my problems but yes little help would be needed from the therapist.He does know best but a combination of both is needed and not just therapist talking.