SMS Kabir's Book on Counseling Approaches

Tuesday, January 30, 2018Tuesday, January 30, 2018
SYED MD. SAJJAD KABIR (SMS KABIRSYED MD. SAJJAD KABIR (SMS KABIR((
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGYASSISTANT PROFESSOR DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
JAGANNATH UNIVERSITY, DHAKA -1100JAGANNATH UNIVERSITY, DHAKA -1100
Ex-Chairman, Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong,Ex-Chairman, Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong,
Chittagong – 4331Chittagong – 4331
Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017(. Essentials of Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100;Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017(. Essentials of Counseling. Abosar Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100;
ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.comISBN: 978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100; smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd; smskabir218@gmail.com

Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
Essentials of Counseling. Abosar ProkashanaEssentials of Counseling. Abosar Prokashana
Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100; ISBN:Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-1100; ISBN:
978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100;978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100;
Person Centered TherapyPerson Centered Therapy
Gestalt TherapyGestalt Therapy
Existential TherapyExistential Therapy
Counseling Approaches

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HUMANISTIC APPROACHHUMANISTIC APPROACH
Person Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy,Person Centered Therapy, Gestalt Therapy,
Existential TherapyExistential Therapy
 Third force besides behaviorism and psychoanalysis,Third force besides behaviorism and psychoanalysis,
is concerned with human potential and the individual’sis concerned with human potential and the individual’s
unique personal experience.unique personal experience.
 They do not deny the importance of behaviorism andThey do not deny the importance of behaviorism and
psychoanalysis; they value the awareness ofpsychoanalysis; they value the awareness of
antecedents to behavior as well as childhoodantecedents to behavior as well as childhood
experiences and unconscious psychological processes.experiences and unconscious psychological processes.
 It is also holistic in that it assumes anIt is also holistic in that it assumes an
interrelatedness between the client’s psychological,interrelatedness between the client’s psychological,
biological, social, and spiritual dimensions.biological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
 It assumes that people have an innate capacityIt assumes that people have an innate capacity
toward self-understanding and psychological health.toward self-understanding and psychological health.

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 Humanistic therapy helps individuals access andHumanistic therapy helps individuals access and
understand their feelings, gain a sense of meaning inunderstand their feelings, gain a sense of meaning in
life, and reach self-actualization.life, and reach self-actualization.
 Aim of this therapy is usually to help the clientAim of this therapy is usually to help the client
develop a stronger, healthier sense of self.develop a stronger, healthier sense of self.
 This theory sees each individual’s personality as beingThis theory sees each individual’s personality as being
composed of physical, intellectual, emotional,composed of physical, intellectual, emotional,
behavioral, creative, and spiritual elements.behavioral, creative, and spiritual elements.
 Humanistic therapists help clients remove and replaceHumanistic therapists help clients remove and replace
the attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that do notthe attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that do not
produce a positive state of being, and integrate theproduce a positive state of being, and integrate the
various components of their unique personalities sovarious components of their unique personalities so
that each individual is more self-aware, mature, andthat each individual is more self-aware, mature, and
authentic.authentic.

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Key points of humanistic therapy are –Key points of humanistic therapy are –
 Empathic understanding of the client’s frame of referenceEmpathic understanding of the client’s frame of reference
and subjective experience.and subjective experience.
 Respect for the client’s cultural values and freedom toRespect for the client’s cultural values and freedom to
exercise choice.exercise choice.
 Exploration of problems through an authentic andExploration of problems through an authentic and
collaborative approach to helping the client develop insight,collaborative approach to helping the client develop insight,
courage, and responsibility.courage, and responsibility.
 Exploration of goals and expectations, including articulationExploration of goals and expectations, including articulation
of what the client wants to accomplish and hopes to gainof what the client wants to accomplish and hopes to gain
from treatment.from treatment.
 Clarification of the helping role by defining the therapist’sClarification of the helping role by defining the therapist’s
role but respecting the self determination of the client.role but respecting the self determination of the client.

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Key points of humanistic therapy are –Key points of humanistic therapy are –
 Assessment and enhancement of client motivation bothAssessment and enhancement of client motivation both
collaboratively and authentically.collaboratively and authentically.
 Negotiation of a contract by formally or informally asking,Negotiation of a contract by formally or informally asking,
““Where do we go from here”?Where do we go from here”?
 Demonstration of authenticity by setting a tone of genuine,Demonstration of authenticity by setting a tone of genuine,
authentic encounter.authentic encounter.
 In humanistic therapy two widely practiced techniques are:In humanistic therapy two widely practiced techniques are:
gestalt therapygestalt therapy-- focuses on thoughts and feelings “herefocuses on thoughts and feelings “here
and now” instead of root causes andand now” instead of root causes and client-centeredclient-centered
therapytherapy-provides a supportive environment in which clients-provides a supportive environment in which clients
can reestablish their true identity.can reestablish their true identity.

 Person-centered therapy (PCT) is also known asPerson-centered therapy (PCT) is also known as
person-centered psychotherapy, person-person-centered psychotherapy, person-
centeredcentered
counseling, client-centered therapy andcounseling, client-centered therapy and
RogerianRogerian
psychotherapy.psychotherapy.
 PCT is a humanistic approach that deals withPCT is a humanistic approach that deals with
thethe
ways in which individuals perceive themselvesways in which individuals perceive themselves
consciously rather than how a counselor canconsciously rather than how a counselor can
interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas.interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas.
 It is a non-directive form of talk therapy.It is a non-directive form of talk therapy.
 PCT provides a supportive environment in whichPCT provides a supportive environment in which
clients can reestablish their true identity.clients can reestablish their true identity.
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PERSON-CENTERED THERAPYPERSON-CENTERED THERAPY
Dr. Carl Ransom RogersDr. Carl Ransom Rogers
(January 8, 1902 – February 4, 1987)(January 8, 1902 – February 4, 1987) 66

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PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY
View of Human NatureView of Human Nature 66
 Human nature as basically good. If given theHuman nature as basically good. If given the
appropriate environment of acceptance, warmthappropriate environment of acceptance, warmth
and empathy, the individual would move towardand empathy, the individual would move toward
self-actualization. Selfactualization is theself-actualization. Selfactualization is the
motivation that makes the individual move towardmotivation that makes the individual move toward
growth, meaning, and purpose.growth, meaning, and purpose.
 It is often referred to as a self theory, self beingIt is often referred to as a self theory, self being
a result of the person’s life experiences and thea result of the person’s life experiences and the
person’s awareness of comparisons to others as theperson’s awareness of comparisons to others as the
same or different.same or different.
 Individual often behaved in ways that wereIndividual often behaved in ways that were
incongruent with the real self. The greater thisincongruent with the real self. The greater this
incongruence between the real self and the idealincongruence between the real self and the ideal
self, the greater isolated and maladjusted theself, the greater isolated and maladjusted the
person became.person became.

• Therapist-Client PsychologicalTherapist-Client Psychological
ContactContact
• Client Incongruence orClient Incongruence or
VulnerabilityVulnerability
• Therapist Congruence orTherapist Congruence or
GenuinenessGenuineness
• Therapist Unconditional PositiveTherapist Unconditional Positive
RegardRegard
• Therapist EmpathyTherapist Empathy
• Client PerceptionClient Perception
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PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY Key ConceptsKey Concepts 66

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 Realistic self-perceptionRealistic self-perception
 Greater confidence andGreater confidence and
selfdirectionselfdirection
 Sense of positive worthSense of positive worth
 Greater maturity, social skill, andGreater maturity, social skill, and
adaptive behavioradaptive behavior
 Better stress copingBetter stress coping
 More fully functioning in all aspectsMore fully functioning in all aspects
of their lives.of their lives.
Goals of TherapyGoals of Therapy 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY
Role of the CounselorRole of the Counselor 66
 Counselor sets up an environment where the clientCounselor sets up an environment where the client
is safe to explore any aspect of the self.is safe to explore any aspect of the self.
Counselor’s job is to facilitate the explorationCounselor’s job is to facilitate the exploration
through a special “I Thou” relationship ofthrough a special “I Thou” relationship of
unconditional positive regard, empathy and warmth.unconditional positive regard, empathy and warmth.
 Counselor uses psychological testing on a limitedCounselor uses psychological testing on a limited
basis. The Q-sort gives an indication of thebasis. The Q-sort gives an indication of the
incongruence between the perceived real self andincongruence between the perceived real self and
ideal self.ideal self.
 Use of diagnostic categories is discouraged asUse of diagnostic categories is discouraged as
incompatible with the philosophical view of theincompatible with the philosophical view of the
individual as unique. Diagnosis places the counselorindividual as unique. Diagnosis places the counselor
in a position of authority and imposes a treatmentin a position of authority and imposes a treatment
plan.plan.

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 Qualities of the therapist, includingQualities of the therapist, including
genuineness, warmth, accurategenuineness, warmth, accurate
empathy, respect, and non-empathy, respect, and non-
judgmentalness and communication ofjudgmentalness and communication of
these attitudes to clients arethese attitudes to clients are
stressed.stressed.
 Clients use this real relationship withClients use this real relationship with
the therapist to help them transferthe therapist to help them transfer
their learning to other relationships.their learning to other relationships.
Therapeutic RelationshipTherapeutic Relationship 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY Techniques of TherapyTechniques of Therapy 66
 Basic techniques include active listening andBasic techniques include active listening and
hearing, reflection of feelings, clarification,hearing, reflection of feelings, clarification,
and being there for the client.and being there for the client.
 This model does not include diagnostic testing,This model does not include diagnostic testing,
interpretation, taking a case history, orinterpretation, taking a case history, or
questioning or probing for information. questioning or probing for information.
 Counselor helps the client through accurateCounselor helps the client through accurate
reflections of feelings, keeping the clientreflections of feelings, keeping the client
focused on the concern, and clarification offocused on the concern, and clarification of
feelings and information.feelings and information.
 Counselor uses open-ended questions or phrasesCounselor uses open-ended questions or phrases
to help the clients gain insight into experiencesto help the clients gain insight into experiences
and necessary changes in their lives.and necessary changes in their lives.

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PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY Techniques of TherapyTechniques of Therapy 66
Three periods of time in which different techniquesThree periods of time in which different techniques
were stressed-were stressed-
 Nondirective Period (1940 1950)Nondirective Period (1940 1950).. Focused onFocused on
listening and creating a permissive atmosphere. Didlistening and creating a permissive atmosphere. Did
not provide interventions, but communicatednot provide interventions, but communicated
acceptance and clarification.acceptance and clarification.
 Reflective Period (1950 1957).Reflective Period (1950 1957). EmphasizedEmphasized
being non judgmental of client, while responding tobeing non judgmental of client, while responding to
client’s feelings and reflecting affect accurately.client’s feelings and reflecting affect accurately.
 Experiential Period (1957 1980Experiential Period (1957 1980).). This is theThis is the
period of EWG: Empathy, Warmth and Genuineness.period of EWG: Empathy, Warmth and Genuineness.

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• Its principles have been applied to marital andIts principles have been applied to marital and
family therapy, community programs, administrationfamily therapy, community programs, administration
and management, and human relations training.and management, and human relations training.
• It is a useful approach for teaching, parent/childIt is a useful approach for teaching, parent/child
relations, and working with groups composed ofrelations, and working with groups composed of
people from diverse cultural backgrounds.people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Helping individuals to overcome specific problemsHelping individuals to overcome specific problems
such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders,such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders,
eating disorders and alcohol addictions.eating disorders and alcohol addictions.
• This therapy can help individuals to reconnect withThis therapy can help individuals to reconnect with
their inner self in order to transcend anytheir inner self in order to transcend any
limitations.limitations.
Who Can Benefit?Who Can Benefit? 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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 Focus is on breaking cultural barriers andFocus is on breaking cultural barriers and
facilitating open dialogue among diversefacilitating open dialogue among diverse
cultural populations.cultural populations.
 Main strengths are respect for clients’ values,Main strengths are respect for clients’ values,
active listening, welcoming of differences,active listening, welcoming of differences,
nonjudgmental attitude, understanding,nonjudgmental attitude, understanding,
willingness to allow clients to determine whatwillingness to allow clients to determine what
will be explored in sessions, and prizing ofwill be explored in sessions, and prizing of
cultural pluralism.cultural pluralism.
 Core values of this approach may not beCore values of this approach may not be
congruent with the client’s culture.congruent with the client’s culture.
MulticulturalismMulticulturalism 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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 Client take an active stance and assumeClient take an active stance and assume
responsibility for the direction of therapy.responsibility for the direction of therapy.
 It is an open system. People withoutIt is an open system. People without
advanced training can benefit byadvanced training can benefit by
translating the therapeutic conditions totranslating the therapeutic conditions to
both their personal and professional lives.both their personal and professional lives.
 Basic concepts are straightforward andBasic concepts are straightforward and
easy to grasp and apply.easy to grasp and apply.
 It is a foundation for building a trustingIt is a foundation for building a trusting
relationship, applicable to all therapies.relationship, applicable to all therapies.
ContributionsContributions 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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 Clients in crisis may need more directive measures.Clients in crisis may need more directive measures.
 The theory needs to be reassessed in light ofThe theory needs to be reassessed in light of
current knowledge and thought if rigidity is to becurrent knowledge and thought if rigidity is to be
avoided.avoided.
 They do not place the same emphasis on boundariesThey do not place the same emphasis on boundaries
of time and technique as would a psychodynamicof time and technique as would a psychodynamic
therapist.therapist.
 Counselor might diverge considerably from orthodoxCounselor might diverge considerably from orthodox
counseling techniques.counseling techniques.
 The philosophy that people are essentially good, andThe philosophy that people are essentially good, and
that ultimately the individual knows what is right forthat ultimately the individual knows what is right for
them, is the essential ingredient of successful personthem, is the essential ingredient of successful person
centered therapy as “all about loving”.centered therapy as “all about loving”.
LimitationsLimitations 66PERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPYPERSON-CENTEREDTHERAPY

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GESTALT THERAPY
Friedrich (Frederick) Salomon Perls
[Better known as Fritz Perls]
(July 8, 1893 – March 14, 1970)
77
 It is a form of psychotherapy that derives from theIt is a form of psychotherapy that derives from the
gestalt school of thought.gestalt school of thought.
 It is guided by the relational theory principle thatIt is guided by the relational theory principle that
every individual is a whole (mind, body and soul), andevery individual is a whole (mind, body and soul), and
that they are best understood in relation to theirthat they are best understood in relation to their
current situation as s/he experiences it.current situation as s/he experiences it.
 It focuses on the whole of the client’s experience,It focuses on the whole of the client’s experience,
including feelings, thoughts and actions.including feelings, thoughts and actions.
 Client gains self-awareness in the ‘here and now’ byClient gains self-awareness in the ‘here and now’ by
analyzing behavior and body language and talkinganalyzing behavior and body language and talking
about bottled up feelings.about bottled up feelings.

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GESTALTTHERAPY 77
 In gestalt therapy, self-awareness is key to
personal growth and developing full potential.
 Self-awareness can become blocked by negative
thought patterns and behavior that can leave
people feeling dissatisfied and unhappy.
 It is the aim of a gestalt therapist to promote a
non-judgemental self-awareness that enables
clients to develop a unique perspective on life.
 By helping an individual to become more aware of
how they think, feel and act in the present moment,
gestalt therapy provides insight into ways in which
s/he can alleviate their current issues and distress
in order to aspire to their maximum potential.

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GESTALTTHERAPY
 Person strives for wholeness and integration ofPerson strives for wholeness and integration of
thinking, feeling, and behaving.thinking, feeling, and behaving.
 Through self acceptance one becomesThrough self acceptance one becomes
selfactualized.selfactualized.
 Individual naturally seeks to become an integratedIndividual naturally seeks to become an integrated
whole, living productively.whole, living productively.
 People have the ability to change and becomePeople have the ability to change and become
responsible.responsible.
 It focuses on the client’s own inner world ofIt focuses on the client’s own inner world of
interpretation and assessment of the present lifeinterpretation and assessment of the present life
situation.situation.
 Individuals emphasize intellectual experience,Individuals emphasize intellectual experience,
diminishing the importance of emotions and senses,diminishing the importance of emotions and senses,
resulting in an inability to respond to the situationsresulting in an inability to respond to the situations
or events in their life.or events in their life.

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GESTALTTHERAPY
 Individual recognizes their internal need and meetsIndividual recognizes their internal need and meets
that need through manipulation of the need andthat need through manipulation of the need and
the environment.the environment.
 Difficulty may arise in several ways -Difficulty may arise in several ways -
• Loss of contact with the environment and itsLoss of contact with the environment and its
resources.resources.
• Loss of contact with self through over involvementLoss of contact with self through over involvement
with environment.with environment.
• Fail to put aside unfinished business.Fail to put aside unfinished business.
• Experience conflict between what one should do andExperience conflict between what one should do and
what one wants to do.what one wants to do.
• Experience difficulty with life’s dichotomies, i.e.Experience difficulty with life’s dichotomies, i.e.
love/ hate, pleasure/ pain, masculinity/ femininity.love/ hate, pleasure/ pain, masculinity/ femininity.

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Key ConceptsKey Concepts 77GESTALTTHERAPY
 Wholeness and Integration:Wholeness and Integration: Wholeness refersWholeness refers
to the whole person or the individual’s mind andto the whole person or the individual’s mind and
body as a unit rather than as separate parts.body as a unit rather than as separate parts.
Integration refers to how these parts fitIntegration refers to how these parts fit
together and how the individual integrates intotogether and how the individual integrates into
the environment.the environment.
 Energy and Blocks to Energy:Energy and Blocks to Energy: GestaltGestalt
Therapists often focus on where energy is in theTherapists often focus on where energy is in the
body, how it is used, and how it may be causing abody, how it is used, and how it may be causing a
blockage (Corey, 2005). Blocked energy is a formblockage (Corey, 2005). Blocked energy is a form
of resistance, e.g. tension in a part of the body,of resistance, e.g. tension in a part of the body,
not breathing deeply. Gestalt Therapy is aboutnot breathing deeply. Gestalt Therapy is about
finding and releasing the blockages that may befinding and releasing the blockages that may be
inhibiting awareness.inhibiting awareness.

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Awareness:Awareness: Two main causes lacking awareness –Two main causes lacking awareness –
(a) Preoccupation with one’s past, fantasies, flaws(a) Preoccupation with one’s past, fantasies, flaws
and strengths that the individual becomes unawareand strengths that the individual becomes unaware
of the whole picture, and (b) Low self-esteem.of the whole picture, and (b) Low self-esteem.
Three ways people may achieve awareness –Three ways people may achieve awareness –
1.1.Contact with the environmentContact with the environment -- through looking,through looking,
listening, touching, talking, moving, smelling, andlistening, touching, talking, moving, smelling, and
tasting.tasting.
2.2.Here and nowHere and now -- Being conscious at the presentBeing conscious at the present
moment rather than worrying about the past ormoment rather than worrying about the past or
the future.the future.
3.3.ResponsibilityResponsibility -- Taking responsibility for his/Taking responsibility for his/
her own life rather than blaming others.her own life rather than blaming others.

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 Growth Disorders:Growth Disorders: Emotional problems thatEmotional problems that
are caused by people who lack awareness andare caused by people who lack awareness and
do not interact with their environmentdo not interact with their environment
completely. People are unable to cope with thecompletely. People are unable to cope with the
changes in their lives successfully and dealchanges in their lives successfully and deal
with the problems in a defensive manner.with the problems in a defensive manner.

 Unfinished Business:Unfinished Business: People with unfinishedPeople with unfinished
business often resent the past and because ofbusiness often resent the past and because of
this are unable to focus on the here and now.this are unable to focus on the here and now.
One of the major goals of Gestalt Therapy isOne of the major goals of Gestalt Therapy is
to help people work through their unfinishedto help people work through their unfinished
business and bring about closurebusiness and bring about closure..

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 To assist clients in gaining awareness ofTo assist clients in gaining awareness of
moment-to-moment experiencing and to expandmoment-to-moment experiencing and to expand
the capacity to make choices.the capacity to make choices.
 Aims not at analysis but at integration.Aims not at analysis but at integration.
 Emphasis is on the hereand-now of theEmphasis is on the hereand-now of the
client’s experience.client’s experience.
 Client is encouraged to make choices based onClient is encouraged to make choices based on
the now as opposed to past.the now as opposed to past.
 Help the client resolve the past.Help the client resolve the past.
 Assist the client to become congruent.Assist the client to become congruent.
 Help the client to reach maturityHelp the client to reach maturity
intellectually.intellectually.
 Help the client shed neuroses.Help the client shed neuroses.
Goals of TherapyGoals of Therapy 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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Role of the CounselorRole of the Counselor 77
 Creates an environment for client to explore theirCreates an environment for client to explore their
needs in order to grow.needs in order to grow.
 Counselor is fully with the client in theCounselor is fully with the client in the
hereandnow with intense personal involvement andhereandnow with intense personal involvement and
honesty.honesty.
 Helps client to focus on blocking energy and toHelps client to focus on blocking energy and to
positively and adaptively use that energy.positively and adaptively use that energy.
 Making the client use the I instead of referring toMaking the client use the I instead of referring to
own experiences in the second (you) or third (it)own experiences in the second (you) or third (it)
person.person.
 Use of an awareness continuum that focuses on howUse of an awareness continuum that focuses on how
and what rather than on why.and what rather than on why.
 Counselor has the client convert questions intoCounselor has the client convert questions into
statements.statements.
GESTALTTHERAPY

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 Central importance is given to the I/ThouCentral importance is given to the I/Thou
relationship and the quality of the therapist’srelationship and the quality of the therapist’s
presence.presence.
 Therapist’s attitudes and behavior counts moreTherapist’s attitudes and behavior counts more
than the techniques used.than the techniques used.
 Therapist does not interpret for the clientsTherapist does not interpret for the clients
but assists them in developing the means tobut assists them in developing the means to
make their own interpretations.make their own interpretations.
 Clients identify and work on unfinishedClients identify and work on unfinished
businessbusiness
from the past that interferes with currentfrom the past that interferes with current
functioning.functioning.
Therapeutic RelationshipTherapeutic Relationship 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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Techniques of TherapyTechniques of Therapy 77
Techniques in Gestalt therapy one of twoTechniques in Gestalt therapy one of two
forms either an exercise or an experiment.forms either an exercise or an experiment.
1.1.ExercisesExercises include activities such as –include activities such as –
i.i. frustration actions;frustration actions;
ii.ii. fantasy role playing;fantasy role playing;
iii.iii. Fantasy; andFantasy; and
iv.iv. Psychodrama.Psychodrama.
2. Experiments2. Experiments are unplanned creativeare unplanned creative
interventions that grow out of theinterventions that grow out of the
hereandnow interaction between thehereandnow interaction between the
client and the counselor.client and the counselor.
GESTALTTHERAPY

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 Dream analysis -Dream analysis - Client telling the dream andClient telling the dream and
then focusing their awareness on the dreamthen focusing their awareness on the dream
from the perspective of each character orfrom the perspective of each character or
element in the dream.element in the dream.
 Empty chair -Empty chair - is a process where the clientis a process where the client
addresses parts of the personality, as if itaddresses parts of the personality, as if it
were an entity sitting an empty chair. Clientwere an entity sitting an empty chair. Client
may switch perspectives by switching chairs ormay switch perspectives by switching chairs or
may simply address the chair.may simply address the chair.
 Confrontation -Confrontation - Counselor calls attention to theCounselor calls attention to the
incongruence between the client’s verbalizationsincongruence between the client’s verbalizations
and observed emotions or behaviors.and observed emotions or behaviors.
GESTALTTHERAPY

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 Group exercise -Group exercise - Client is instructed to sayClient is instructed to say
the same sentence to each member of thethe same sentence to each member of the
group and then adding something personal togroup and then adding something personal to
each person.each person.
 I take responsibility -I take responsibility - Follows eachFollows each
statement expressing or perceptions thatstatement expressing or perceptions that
the client states. The process is to help thethe client states. The process is to help the
client to integrate their internal perceptionsclient to integrate their internal perceptions
and their behaviors.and their behaviors.
 Exaggeration -Exaggeration - Client’s gestures andClient’s gestures and
movements to help gain insight into theirmovements to help gain insight into their
meaning.meaning.
GESTALTTHERAPY

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 It can be applied as a long-term therapy or asIt can be applied as a long-term therapy or as
a brief and focused approach.a brief and focused approach.
 It has been found effective for managingIt has been found effective for managing
tension, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatictension, anxiety, addiction, post-traumatic
stress, depression and other psychologicalstress, depression and other psychological
problems that can prevent people from livingproblems that can prevent people from living
life to the full.life to the full.
 It is also effective in counseling groups,It is also effective in counseling groups,
couples, and families.couples, and families.
 Overall, people who participate in gestaltOverall, people who participate in gestalt
therapy tend to feel more self-confident, calmtherapy tend to feel more self-confident, calm
and at peace with themselves.and at peace with themselves.
Who Can Benefit?Who Can Benefit? 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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 Its focus on expressing oneself nonverbally isIts focus on expressing oneself nonverbally is
congruent with those cultures that look beyondcongruent with those cultures that look beyond
words for messages.words for messages.
 Can help to overcome language barrier withCan help to overcome language barrier with
bilingual clients.bilingual clients.
 Focus on bodily expressions is a subtle way toFocus on bodily expressions is a subtle way to
help clients recognize their conflicts.help clients recognize their conflicts.
 Clients who have been culturally conditioned toClients who have been culturally conditioned to
be emotionally reserved may not embracebe emotionally reserved may not embrace
Gestalt therapy.Gestalt therapy.
MulticulturalismMulticulturalism 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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 Main contribution is an emphasis on direct experiencingMain contribution is an emphasis on direct experiencing
and doing rather than on merely talking about feelings.and doing rather than on merely talking about feelings.
 It provides a perspective on growth and enhancement,It provides a perspective on growth and enhancement,
not merely a treatment of disorders.not merely a treatment of disorders.
 It uses clients’ behavior as the basis for making themIt uses clients’ behavior as the basis for making them
aware of inner creative potential.aware of inner creative potential.
 The approach to dreams is a unique, creative tool toThe approach to dreams is a unique, creative tool to
help clients discover basic conflicts.help clients discover basic conflicts.
 Therapy is viewed as an existential encounter; it isTherapy is viewed as an existential encounter; it is
process-oriented, not technique-oriented.process-oriented, not technique-oriented.
 It recognizes nonverbal behavior as a key toIt recognizes nonverbal behavior as a key to
understanding.understanding.
ContributionsContributions 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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 For Gestalt Therapy to be effective, the therapistFor Gestalt Therapy to be effective, the therapist
must have a high level of personal development.must have a high level of personal development.
 Effectiveness of the confronting and theatricalEffectiveness of the confronting and theatrical
techniques of Gestalt Therapy is limited and has nottechniques of Gestalt Therapy is limited and has not
been well established.been well established.
 It has been considered to be a self-centred approachIt has been considered to be a self-centred approach
which is concerned with just individual development.which is concerned with just individual development.
 Potential danger for therapists to abuse the powerPotential danger for therapists to abuse the power
they have with clients.they have with clients.
 Lacks a strong theoretical base.Lacks a strong theoretical base.
 Deals only with the here and now. Does not deal withDeals only with the here and now. Does not deal with
diagnosis and testing.diagnosis and testing.
LimitationsLimitations 77GESTALTTHERAPY

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How Does Gestalt Therapy Work?How Does Gestalt Therapy Work? 77GESTALTTHERAPY
 Role-playRole-play  Empty Chair/ OpenEmpty Chair/ Open
Chair TechniqueChair Technique
 DialogueDialogue  DreamsDreams
 Attention to BodyAttention to Body
LanguageLanguage
 Use of LanguageUse of Language
 Topdog – UnderdogTopdog – Underdog  FantasyFantasy
 Body as a Vehicle of CommunicationBody as a Vehicle of Communication
• IdentificationIdentification
• Locating emotions in the bodyLocating emotions in the body
• Repetition and exaggerationRepetition and exaggeration
 ConfusionConfusion  Confrontation.Confrontation.

 It is a unique style of therapy that putsIt is a unique style of therapy that puts
emphasis on the human condition as a whole.emphasis on the human condition as a whole.
 It uses a positive approach that applaudsIt uses a positive approach that applauds
humanhuman
capacities while simultaneously maintaining acapacities while simultaneously maintaining a
genuine perception of the limitations of humangenuine perception of the limitations of human
being, human spirit, and human mind.being, human spirit, and human mind.
 Existential therapy shares many similaritiesExistential therapy shares many similarities
withwith
humanistic psychology, experientialhumanistic psychology, experiential
psychotherapy, depth psychotherapy, andpsychotherapy, depth psychotherapy, and
relational psychotherapy.relational psychotherapy.
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88
EXISTENTIAL THERAPYEXISTENTIAL THERAPY
Dr. Viktor Emil FranklDr. Viktor Emil Frankl
(March 26, 1905 – September 2, 1997)(March 26, 1905 – September 2, 1997)
Rollo Reece MayRollo Reece May
(April 21, 1909 – October 22, 1994)(April 21, 1909 – October 22, 1994)

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY View of Human NatureView of Human Nature 88
 Individual writes their own life story by the choicesIndividual writes their own life story by the choices
that they make.that they make.
 Anxiety is seen as the motivational force that helpsAnxiety is seen as the motivational force that helps
the clients to reach their potential. Throughthe clients to reach their potential. Through
awareness, this anxiety can be helpful in living moreawareness, this anxiety can be helpful in living more
fully.fully.
 Each person searches for meaning in life and that whileEach person searches for meaning in life and that while
this meaning may change, the meaning never ceases tothis meaning may change, the meaning never ceases to
be.be.
 According to Frankl life’s meaning can be discovered inAccording to Frankl life’s meaning can be discovered in
three ways –three ways –
• by doing a deed (accomplishments or achievements),by doing a deed (accomplishments or achievements),
• by experiencing a value (beauty, love, nature, and arts),by experiencing a value (beauty, love, nature, and arts),
• by suffering (reconciling ourselves to fate).by suffering (reconciling ourselves to fate).

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 Capacity for self-awarenessCapacity for self-awareness
 Freedom and responsibilityFreedom and responsibility
 Creating one’s identity and establishingCreating one’s identity and establishing
meaningful relationships with othersmeaningful relationships with others
 Search for meaning, purpose, values,Search for meaning, purpose, values,
and goalsand goals
 Anxiety as a condition of livingAnxiety as a condition of living
 Awareness of death and nonbeing.Awareness of death and nonbeing.
Key ConceptsKey Concepts 88EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY
Goals of TherapyGoals of Therapy 88
Goals of existential therapy are to enable people to –Goals of existential therapy are to enable people to –
• take responsibility for life and life decisions.take responsibility for life and life decisions.
• develop selfawareness to promote potential,develop selfawareness to promote potential,
freedom, and commitment to better lifefreedom, and commitment to better life
choices.choices.
• develop an internal frame of reference, asdevelop an internal frame of reference, as
opposed to the outward one.opposed to the outward one.
• successfully negotiate and come to terms withsuccessfully negotiate and come to terms with
past, present and future crises.past, present and future crises.
• become more truthful with themselves.become more truthful with themselves.
• understand themselves and others better andunderstand themselves and others better and
find ways of effectively communicating andfind ways of effectively communicating and
being with others.being with others.

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 Unique relationship with counselor focusingUnique relationship with counselor focusing
on being authentic with client and enteringon being authentic with client and entering
into a deep personal sharing relationship.into a deep personal sharing relationship.
 Counselor models how to be authentic, toCounselor models how to be authentic, to
realize personal potential, and to makerealize personal potential, and to make
decisions with emphasis on mutuality,decisions with emphasis on mutuality,
wholeness and growth.wholeness and growth.
 Existential counselors do not diagnosis, norExistential counselors do not diagnosis, nor
do they use assessment models like thedo they use assessment models like the
DSMIV.DSMIV.
Role of The CounselorRole of The Counselor 88EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY

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 Therapist’s main tasks are to accuratelyTherapist’s main tasks are to accurately
grasp clients, being in the world and tograsp clients, being in the world and to
establish a personal and authenticestablish a personal and authentic
encounter with them.encounter with them.
 Clients discover their own uniqueness inClients discover their own uniqueness in
the relationship with the therapist.the relationship with the therapist.
 Authenticity of the here-and-nowAuthenticity of the here-and-now
encounter are stressed.encounter are stressed.
 Both client and therapist can be changedBoth client and therapist can be changed
by the encounter.by the encounter.
Therapeutic RelationshipTherapeutic Relationship 88EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY Techniques of TherapyTechniques of Therapy 88
 Few techniques flow from this approach,Few techniques flow from this approach,
because it stresses understanding first andbecause it stresses understanding first and
technique second.technique second.
 Therapist can borrow techniques from otherTherapist can borrow techniques from other
approaches and incorporate them in anapproaches and incorporate them in an
existential framework.existential framework.
 Diagnosis, testing, and external measurementsDiagnosis, testing, and external measurements
are not deemed important.are not deemed important.
 The most common technique used in existentialThe most common technique used in existential
counseling is the relationship with the client.counseling is the relationship with the client.
 Confrontation is also used by existentialConfrontation is also used by existential
counselors, when they challenge the clients withcounselors, when they challenge the clients with
their own responsibility for their lives.their own responsibility for their lives.

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY Therapeutic ProceduresTherapeutic Procedures 88
 Initial phaseInitial phase - counselors assist clients in- counselors assist clients in
identifying and clarifying their assumptions aboutidentifying and clarifying their assumptions about
the world.the world.
 Middle phaseMiddle phase - clients are encouraged to more- clients are encouraged to more
fully examine the source and authority of theirfully examine the source and authority of their
present value system. This leads to new insightspresent value system. This leads to new insights
and some restructuring of their values andand some restructuring of their values and
attitudes.attitudes.
 Final phaseFinal phase - focuses on helping clients take what- focuses on helping clients take what
they are learning about themselves and put it intothey are learning about themselves and put it into
action. Clients typically discover their strengthsaction. Clients typically discover their strengths
and find ways to put them to the service of livingand find ways to put them to the service of living
a purposeful existence.a purposeful existence.

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY Areas of ApplicationAreas of Application 88
 Clients who are struggling with developmental crises,Clients who are struggling with developmental crises,
doing grief work, confronting death, or facing adoing grief work, confronting death, or facing a
significant decision.significant decision.
 Struggle for identity in adolescence, coping withStruggle for identity in adolescence, coping with
possible disappointments in middle age, adjusting topossible disappointments in middle age, adjusting to
children leaving home, coping with failures in marriagechildren leaving home, coping with failures in marriage
and work, and dealing with increased physicaland work, and dealing with increased physical
limitations.limitations.
 It can be useful for people who are on the edge ofIt can be useful for people who are on the edge of
existence, such as those who are dying, who areexistence, such as those who are dying, who are
working through a developmental or situational crises,working through a developmental or situational crises,
or who are starting a new phase of life.or who are starting a new phase of life.
 Can be applied to both individual and group counseling,Can be applied to both individual and group counseling,
marital and family therapy, crisis intervention, andmarital and family therapy, crisis intervention, and
community mental health work.community mental health work.

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY MulticulturalismMulticulturalism 88
 Focus is on understanding client’sFocus is on understanding client’s
phenomenological world, including culturalphenomenological world, including cultural
background.background.
 This approach leads to empowerment in anThis approach leads to empowerment in an
oppressive society.oppressive society.
 It can help clients examine their options forIt can help clients examine their options for
change within the context of their culturalchange within the context of their cultural
realities, values of individuality, freedom,realities, values of individuality, freedom,
autonomy, and self-realization, often conflictautonomy, and self-realization, often conflict
with cultural values of collectivism, respectwith cultural values of collectivism, respect
for tradition, deference to authority, andfor tradition, deference to authority, and
interdependence.interdependence.

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 Recognition of the need for a subjectiveRecognition of the need for a subjective
approach based on a complete view of theapproach based on a complete view of the
human condition.human condition.
 It calls attention to the need for aIt calls attention to the need for a
philosophical statement on what it meansphilosophical statement on what it means
to be a person.to be a person.
 Stress on the “I/Thou” relationshipStress on the “I/Thou” relationship
lessenslessens
the chances of dehumanizing therapy.the chances of dehumanizing therapy.
 It provides a perspective forIt provides a perspective for
understanding anxiety, guilt, freedom,understanding anxiety, guilt, freedom,
death, isolation, and commitment.death, isolation, and commitment.
ContributionsContributions 88EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY

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EXISTENTIALTHERAPYEXISTENTIALTHERAPY LimitationsLimitations 88
 Existentialists are excessively individualistic and theyExistentialists are excessively individualistic and they
ignore the social factors that cause human problems.ignore the social factors that cause human problems.
 It is highly focused on the philosophical assumption ofIt is highly focused on the philosophical assumption of
self-determination.self-determination.
 In many cultures it is not possible to talk about theIn many cultures it is not possible to talk about the
self and self-determination apart from the context ofself and self-determination apart from the context of
the social network and environmental conditions.the social network and environmental conditions.
 Lack of direction that clients may get from theLack of direction that clients may get from the
counselor.counselor.
 Structured and problem-oriented approach toStructured and problem-oriented approach to
counseling is not found in the existential approach,counseling is not found in the existential approach,
which places responsibility on client for providingwhich places responsibility on client for providing
direction of therapy.direction of therapy.

QuestionsQuestions
AnswersAnswersBook Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100;978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka - 1100;

Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Book Reference: Kabir, SMS (2017).
Essentials of Counseling. Abosar
Prokashana Sangstha, Banglabazar, Dhaka-
1100; ISBN: 978-984-8798-22-5, Dkaka -

SMS Kabir's Book on Counseling Approaches

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