Theory Review Chart (Obj. 1.2, 1.3, And 2.1)

Theory Review Chart

Theoretical Framework

View of Human Nature

Key Theorists

Key Terminology

Key Concepts

Strengths/Weakness

Therapeutic Techniques

Personal View (Does this theory align with your personal view? Why or why not?

Psychodynamic

Psychoanalysis

Deterministic view—human personality is the product of nature and nurture that is entirely predictable

Sigmund Freud

Structure, development and dynamics of personality

Libido, psychic energy, id, ego, super ego, conscious, subconscious, unconscious, Eros, Thanatos, anxieties, defense mechanisms, childhood experiences and stages of development (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital).

His model of personality does not carry scientific validation—are purely subjective in nature. He emphasized childhood experiences ignoring later life experiences

Developmental milestones and directions for the healthy personality development of child such as careful parenting and appropriate teaching. Directions for the therapist to use free association, dream analysis and hypnosis

I personally like this theory because of its groundbreaking and logical unconscious views and appeal for dream analysis and hypnosis.

Analytical Therapy

Deterministic view—human personality is the product of nature and nurture that is entirely predictable

Carl Jung

Jungian Psychology

Personal and collective unconscious, complexes, archetypes, persona, anima, animus, shadow and self.

His model of unconscious—collective and personal unconscious and archetypes do not carry scientific validation—are purely subjective in nature.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy—gives utmost importance to the ego; as a source of I.

This theory is quite interesting with reference to the concept of archetypes.

Individual Psychology

Social psychological and theological view of human nature

Alfred Adler

Individual Psychology

Inferiority feelings, holistic concept, social forces, fictional finalism, life style, community feelings, self worth, birth order

His theory was based on personal experiences and has less external validity

Psychological investigation, lifestyle assessment disclosing faulty assumptions and mistaken goals

This theory is quite interesting with reference to the concept of birth order.

Existential-Humanistic

Existential Therapy

We perceive things as a whole rather than its parts

Soren Kikergaard and Friedrich Nietzsche

Existential Therapy

Self empowerment, problem solving, self awareness

Strength: The concept of self awareness explains the rationality behind human behavior.

Philosophical and existential approach towards exploration of problems and solutions within self.

Human being is best knowledgeable about his weaknesses and strengths—this concept carries significant importance for me.

Gestalt Therapy

We perceive things as a whole rather than its parts

Max Wertheimer

Gestalt Therapy

Unfinished business, impasse, phenomenological inquiry, deflection, confluence, retroflection, projection, introjection, self regulation

Strength: This theory is based on the most logical explanation of human perception embracing whole.

Weakness: subjectivity

Dialogue between therapist and client aimed at increasing congruence between both parties.

Its key terms make true sense of human personality

Person-Centered Counseling

Human being is naturally predisposed with the solutions of potential problems

Carl Rogers

Client Centered Therapy/Person Centered Therapy

Congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy

Strength: emphasizes client- therapist relationships

Weakness: generalized concept

Dialogue between therapist and client aimed at increasing congruence between both parties.

Its key terms (empathy, UCPR and congruence) are genuinely aimed at increasing adaptation

Cognitive-Behavioral

Behavior Therapy

Environmental factors determine personality

J. B. Watson, B. F. Skinner, Pavlov,

Behavioral Therapy

Negative and positive reinforcement and punishment

Strengths: best applicable in all types of clinical cases

Weakness: highly human nature specific; gives importance to only social factors

Behavior is shaped by social factors through modeling and reinforcement

Its key terms positive and negative reinforcement are genuinely aimed at increasing adaptation

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Human being is the product of his rationality, emotions and behavior that are interdependent

Albert Elis

REBT

Faulty and irrational belief system, extreme negative emotions

Strengths: aimed at reducing negative state of being

Weaknesses: difficulty is measuring psychotherapeutic effectiveness

Negative behaviors originate from negative emotions that are based on irrational belief systems. Hence therapists work on belief systems

I like it because it is specifically aimed at reducing negative emotional states

Cognitive Therapy

Maladjusted behaviors are based on negative cognitive schemas

A. T. Beck

CT

Mental images, cognitive schemas, accommodation, assimilation, adaptation

Strengths: high applicability

Weakness: focuses on mental processes only

Belief system is undertaken thorough contemplation

I has high applicability therefore I like it

Reality Therapy/Choice Theory

Goals can only be achieved through making better choices

William Glasser

RT

Autonomy state, problem solving, decision making

Strengths: solution focused

Weakness: only solution focused

“Now is better than past” is the crux of this therapy. Clients are encouraged to set realistic goals

It is aimed at goal making and accomplishment that is quite appealing for me as a student

Post-Modern

Narrative Therapy

Human being in enriched with potential strengths and values

Michael White and David Epston

Narrative Therapy

Destructive behavior

Strengths: sees human as strong

Weakness: subjective in nature

It views client as his own narrative, respectful and expert individual

It dignifies humans therefore I like this approach

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Human being is resourceful and contains problem solving caliber within himself

Steve de Shazer

SFBT

Problem solving, decision making, goal accomplishment

Strengths: solution focused

Weakness: only solution focused

Problems are solved through realistic goal making

It is aimed at goal making and accomplishment that is quite appealing for me as a student

Family Systems

Family Systems Theory

Family is like a molecule where each member affects the other in certain ways as the atoms do

Murray Bowen

FST

Family system

Strengths: takes individual problems as a matter of his family members

Weakness: other factors that affect behavior are ignored

Problems cannot be solved without family intervention

It is settled on the logical grounds of family dynamics hence captivates my interest.