Integrating the theories – Fall 09

Defining eclecticism

•  Eclectic refers to integrating the various elements of the theories in such a way as best fits the individual practitioner. Sometimes you'll see integration or convergence used as terms to define sam idea.

•  Eclectic does not mean haphazardly using techniques without an overall therapeutic rationale. Nor does it mean blending theories that have as their foundation very different philosophies of human nature or opposing viewpoints of how one achieves psychological health.

•  Syncretism refers to the grapping of techniques without a theoretical foundation, making no attempt to determine whether they are effective.

•  To be eclectic, must have an understanding of the theories and why you would use an aspect or technique in a particular case.

•  Technical eclecticism – using techniques from different schools without believing in the theories from which they came.

•  Theoretical integration refers to blending two or more theoretical approaches to create a new, integrated theory that uses the best of the approaches.

•  Common factors integration looks for what is common among the theories and joins those factors.

•  Assimilative integration approach refers to being grounded in a particular school of therapy along with being open to incorporate practices from other approaches.

Textbook talked about which theories are on the rise and which are on the decline – p. 451. Review this section. Emphasis is on short-term, solution-focused, with cognitive basis.

Principles common to all psychotherapies

•  Therapeutic climate – a basic set of conditions that in and of themselves may produce change; the product of the qualities of the patient, the therapist and the relationship between them.

•  Therapeutic climate consists of:

 i. Cultural belief that change is possible and desirable.

 ii. Patient's faith, expectations and motivation for change – that seeking help is a positive act, that the therapist can help, and have faith that the therapist is trustworthy and will make efforts to understand and assist them.

 iii. Qualities of the therapist – regardless of training, all therapists share a status of skilled expert, which contributes to the belief in the therapy to help. Having a therapeutic framework also gives structure to the session, regardless of what that framework is. Personal qualities of the therapist – authenticity, positive regard, empathy, humor, willingness to recognize and reveal own shortcomings and flexibility.

iv. Relationship – Client must perceive therapist has qualities to be a helper. Whatever the therapist's theoretical approach they must be able to establish a relationship. Above all, do no harm: therapists do not manipulate clients to serve their own needs (whether financial, sexual, ideological, or power-oriented). Therapeutic alliance also means that the client must contribute motivation, cooperation, interest, concern and expectations.

Effective counselors are authentic, respectful, have healthy boundaries, effective interpersonal skills, live ethically, are open to change and seek help when needed. Beginning counselors will make mistakes and it is your responsibility to seek continued education and supervision.

You will have an entire course on ethics so we won't cover Chapter 3 in any depth, but Corey lays out some helpful steps to follow when making ethical decisions. I want to emphasize seeking consultation and supervision when faced with an ethical dilemma. Counselors get themselves into the most trouble when they “fly solo” – if you are afraid to talk about a situation with a colleague or supervisor, that is exactly the time that you need help.

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