This Essay is written to explain about counseling .

1. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
Topic: Counseling theories and its importance
Name: Satya Jeet Singh
LANGUAGESTEACHER
Discipline:English/hindi

2. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
Counseling theories and its importance
Counseling in simple terms means adopting some strategic ways to solve the problems of an
individual. It also includes the process of help, advising and problem solving of any kind
whether psychological, social or personal. It is evident that counseling is based on thinking and
thinking sometimes solves all problems. However, some counselors use eight theories to solve
problems relative to an individual. These eight theories are: Psychoanalytic theory, Adlerian
theory, Gestalt theory, Existential theory, Person-centered theory, Behavior theory, Rational-
emotive theory, Reality theory. Since, it is difficult to critically analyze all the eight theories, this
essay will focus on only four theories.
Counseling requires knowing about the person’s personality and development. This process is
called Psychoanalytic theory which helps to understand three aspects of our mind which is ego,
Id and superego. The conflict between these three creates anxiety. Sigmund Freud: the originator
of Psychoanalytic theory stated that the major drive for is reduction of tension and the major
cause of tension is anxiety. In anxiety, the ego defense mechanism tends to create a false reality
in an unconscious state. This gives a person idea that knowing and understanding about
Psychoanalytical theory will help the counselor to understand about a person’s fear or problems
of any kind. Through this a counselor can build a person’s self-esteem and boost self-confidence
so that the person can openly discuss about the problems. For example, if a student is not able to
concentrate on his/her studies due to peer pressure and maybe indulged in activities like smoking
and alcohol consumption. Probably then the counselor may have to apply Psychoanalytical
theory to understand that the student is anxious and has fear in heart while talking. He can build
the self-confidence in the student by telling him/her that he/she (counselor) is available to
helping to solve the problem associated and no harm will come on that particular student. In this
way the counselor can build self-confidence in a student and the student may have no problems
in sharing the problems with the counselor.
Psychoanalytic theory is a theory with many advantages and functions. However, this theory is
unpopular among all the psychologists and counselors in the world. The reason being for this is
firstly, it is not appropriate for all the cultures and different races of people. For example,
drinking grog in Fiji is a traditional culture for different races of a people in Fiji. A person who
is an I-Taukei and is not able to take out time for his family because of being busy most of the
time and after work has to go with village people to drink grog as a custom. After considering
about the situation if the counselor tells him to leave Grog then the situation is directly switched
upon foregoing one of the Traditional customs. Secondly, this theory consumes a lot of time and
may be not be practical and affordable for many clients. Lastly, the Psychoanalytical theory
relies heavily on the client fantasy. Since Psychoanalytic theory in counseling is typically an
unconscious process where the attitudes, feelings, and desires of our very early significant
relationships get transferred onto the therapist, it is evident that relationship with the Counselor
or therapist may deepen but if the counselor does not know how to stop this process of
transference after examining the client then he/she may be get attracted to the client and this is

3. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
not required from counselors. Hence, it is strongly proved that it is better to reject this theory as a
counselor as it is not safe to use this theory unless a definite need for this theory arises and the
counselor must be highly qualified to use this theory and knows how to come in and go out from
the processes related to this theory.
"Every psychological activity shows that its direction is governed by a predetermined goal.
However, soon after a child's psychological development starts, all these tentative, individually
recognizable goals, come under the dominance of the fictitious goal, a finale that is regarded as
firmly established.” (Alfred Adler). Unlike Psychoanalytic theory, Adlerian theory discusses that
human beings are determined by psychic energy and past experiences, human beings are
motivated by social interests, life affects one’s personality and growth, goals to be achieved in
life. By understanding this theory, the counselor will be able to help an individual develop
certain goals in life; explain on how to understand the present situation of the present and
probably future or elaborate on their attitude towards the society. This theory is mostly centered
on subjects as lifestyle, beliefs and fictions, psychological environment and a person’s approach
toward there striving for goals. This theory can be an advantage in directing a student towards
studies. For example, using this theory, counselors in Fiji can direct those students who are slow
learners. Students who are engrossed in other activities that only give entertainment can be
counseled and told about the goals in life. However, the theory not only applies students but all
individuals who need have and achieve some goals in life. This is an appropriate theory in letting
the counselor help an individual in goal setting.
There are drawbacks for Adlerian theory as it is practiced by most of the counselors but there are
few drawbacks of Adlerian theory that can also change our views. For example, most counselors
who use this theory as a basis of their counseling and do not know other theories can land in a
problem. For example, a person who needs Psychoanalytic theory counseling can end up in
realizing that he has not been given a proper treatment just because the counselor used Adlerian
theory instead psychoanalytical theory. Secondly, many people view a counselor as an expert or
authority figure and therefore expect answers from them. This does not fit into in Adlerian
therapy and therefore can be considered a limitation depending on the client and their
expectations of therapy. Culture can also present a limitation. The therapist typically wants
requires a detailed and personal life story from the client. So a person who comes from a culture
where private family matters are not shared this could be a definite hurdle. Lastly, Adlerian
theory is of limited use for clients seeking immediate solutions to their problems and for clients
who have little interest in exploring early childhood experiences and memories. Hence, it can be
said that though Adlerian theory can be one of the influential theories used by counselors but
cannot be stated as the most appropriate theories in the field of counseling.
Another known therapy/theory in counseling is Person-centered theory developed by Carl
Rogers. This theory emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship as one built on
unconditional positive regard and accurate empathy. Rogers believed people are innately
trustworthy and have great potential to understand themselves and resolve their own problems

4. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
without intervention by the therapist. This approach is opposite to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory
where clients require significant time to freely associate their experiences for counselor
interpretation. Person-centered theory holds requires that individuals are able to find their
potentialities within themselves and knowing best what they need to do to resolve issues. In
Person-centered therapy the client moves towards the goals of realization, fulfillment, autonomy,
self-determination, and perfection. Using this theory, counselors avoid being directive, taking the
role that the client is responsible for his/her direction instead. For example, a Fijian student doing
agriculture wants to score high marks will have to go directly to the counselor and take help. The
counselor will plan out a time table for him to follow. Here the counselor gives the direction and
tells him what to do but it is up to the student to realize the value of time-table and act according
to it.
Person-centered therapy cannot be called most advisable theory to be used in counseling because
it also has certain limitations which does not make it a perfect method to solve problems related
to counseling. Firstly, this theory does not use any specific technique for problem solving.
Hence, it cannot be called a standardized theory. Another concern is the inability of therapists to
be appropriately challenging of clients while being overly empathetic. Lastly, Person-centered
therapy does not draw on developmental, psychological or behavioral therapy thus limiting the
overall understanding of clients.
The most famous and well-known theory used in counseling is Behavior Therapy or
Psychotherapy. It is developed by scientists like Albert Bandura, B.F. Skinner and David L.
Watson. This theory enables the counselor to explain the concept of self-management to their
clients. Behavior therapy is based on four aspects. Firstly, classical conditioning which occurs
when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus. For, example if an I-
Taukei student is paired with an Indian student in a classroom then it can result in both students
learning each other’s language. Secondly, it also concentrates on operant conditioning which is
controlling a behavior through the means of punishments and rewards. Since teachers in Fiji are
not allowed to give punishments allowed to give punishments in classroom nowadays they are
encouraged by the Ministry of Education to use positive reinforcement either to reward students
or negative reinforcements to punish them. Thirdly, social approach is another branch of
Behavior therapy which states that an individual learn from the surrounding around him. For
example, a spoilt or naughty student who does not know how to keep his shirt tucked in may
learn this from his teacher who is professionally dressed. Lastly, Cognitive behavior therapy
which emphasizes that changing maladaptive thinking leads to change in affect and behavior.
Helps individuals replace maladaptive behavior with coping skills, cognitions, emotions and
behaviors with more adaptive ones.
Behavior therapy also has some disadvantages. Firstly, Behavior therapy may change behaviors,
but it does not change feelings. For example, the counselor may be able to change the mind of a
an Indian student to sit with other students from different backgrounds and help them in learning
better but this will not change the feelings of the Indian student that he is sitting with different

5. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
race of students which are not his friends at the current point of time. Behavior therapy does not
provide insight or does not give deep understanding of a person.
Out of all the theories, which is the best one? It is noted that each theory or therapy does have
limitations or disadvantages. However, if speaking in terms of school environment, it is best for
counselors to use behavior therapy because it is one of the theories which have been already
experimented and positive feedbacks have been received for it. Secondly, it enables counselors
to make different choices regarding the problem. The simple reason as to why counselors are
able to make different choices is because of the four different choices. Lastly, it enables a
counselor to decide when & how to be directive or supportive, formal or informal, and tough or
tender. Apart from school counselors, other counselors can also use this theory because no it
concentrates on the cognitive side but also on the emotive side of an individual and nowadays all
the most of the problems are associated with either cognitive or emotive side of a person’s mind.
To conclude, it can be said that out of all theories stated in the essay, Behavior is the best and the
most appropriate one for counselors to follow because it is neither in conflict with person-
centered therapy nor with psychoanalytic theory and the same with Adlerian theory. It can be
used almost in all aspects of problem solving unless and until it is urgent to follow other theories.
(Approximately: 2000 words)

6. Written by Satya Jeet Singh
References
1. Psychoanytic Theory. (2014). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychoanalytic_theory
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of psychoanalytic theory? (n.d). In Yahoo
Answers. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071026141429AA8Mgqq
3. Lecture Notes, Approaches of Counseling based upon Counseling Theories, Week 8, 9
4. Counseling Theories. (2006). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from
http://www.myshrink.com/counseling-theory.php?t_id=18
5. Classical Adlerian Quotes: The Fictional Final Goal. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2014,
from http://www.adlerian.us/qu-goal.htm
6. Person-Centred Therapy. (2014). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 2, 2014 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person-centered_therapy