My philosophical Approach to counseling

Essay by Anonymous UserA, January 1995

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Philosophical Approach 3

My philosophical approach to counseling                                 My basic understanding of the human behavior is not grounded in one psychological approach, instead there are two therapeutic approaches that govern my rationale. These two approaches, Existential and Person-centered (Client-centered to many) heavily influence my philosophical orientation to counseling. In writing this paper, I will explore some of the basic philosophical premises that lay the essential groundwork for these two approaches. The following information will also show the reader that using the two therapeutic approaches together will effectively diagnose and treat teenagers.

Definition of Existential Therapy

        One survey taken by Corey suggests a definition of Existential Therapy include two key elements:

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        Existential Therapy is essentially an approach to         counseling and therapy rather than a firm theoretical         model, it stresses core human conditions. Normally,         personality development is based on the uniqueness of        ÂÂ

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        each individual.

Sense of self develops from infancy.         Self determination and a tendency toward growth are         control ideas. Focus is on the present and on what one

        is becoming; that is the approach has a future         orientation. It stresses self-awareness before action.         (1996, p.465)

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        In layman terms, Existential therapy can be described as a philosophical approach that is not designed to cure people but instead help the client reflect and search for value and meaning in life. Existential Therapy does not supply a cookbook of methods like other approaches but instead it provides a framework that is adaptable to the therapist, in which to view the individual and the world in which they participate.

Definition of Person-Centered (Client-Centered) Therapy

        According to Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, client-centered therapy is a non directive method of group or individual psychotherapy, originated by Carl Rogers, in which the role of the...