Counselling Psychology. Methods of Therapy and Ethical Considerations

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Psychology - Consulting and Therapy, ( Atlantic International University ), language: English, abstract: This paper focuses on the theories and the techniques involved in counselling as well as the ethical issues related to counselling. Each therapy style is discussed individually in an attempt to supply a user-friendly approach to the similarities and differences in relation to each style of therapy. The buzz term at the moment in counselling is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and while this technique of counselling has its merits it is important for us to open ourselves to the vast array of therapeutic styles. It is my opinion that a competent counsellor utilises a combination of counselling techniques to best serve the needs of the client. Having a thorough understanding of how each technique can add value to the counselling environment makes for a more productive and successful practice. While each individual technique has its own application, it also has its own limitations in the counselling realm; these will be discussed in turn along with the implications and applications for multicultural counselling. In the South African field of counselling, along with numerous other countries in the world, the concept of multicultural sensitivity is of huge importance. Counsellors or therapists in this country will be exposed to clientele from many different cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to the application of a particular therapeutic approach to multicultural counselling is paramount. Another important component of therapy is ethical practice. This concept goes beyond informed consent and client confidentiality and will be discussed later in this paper.