HUS 3304 Compare and Contrast

Compare Counseling Approaches
Lydia A. Newman
Florida State College at Jacksonville

COMPARE AND CONTRAST APROACHES 2
Theory has been both a plague and challenge for counselors since the beginning. The
distinction between insight theories and action theories although a convenient divide for
counseling approaches is hardly clear-cut. Some of the more insight-oriented approaches focus
on creating an authentic human encounter for its healing properties, the action oriented approach
uses the therapeutic relationship to achieve a different goal.
There are various theories grouped by what is called insight oriented approaches that
have one principle in common: It is through a process of self-awareness and self-understanding
that lasting growth occurs. Alfred Adler developed a marvelous integrative theory, that combines
some of the ideas of psychoanalysis with a more sensible approach that emphasized such ideas
like: the social context for human behavior, the interpersonal nature of client problems, the
cognitive organization of an individual’s style of thinking, and the importance of choice and
responsibility when it comes to making decisions. Adler believed the purpose of counseling is to
restore faith in one’s self to overcome feelings of inferiority. (Kottler & Shepard (2006))
So, by utilizing Adlerian theory a client can begin to make the desired life changes by
becoming aware of prejudices. By recognizing that at children are taught that they are not good
enough, a client can begin to process that mistakes reflect opportunity to learn if the mistakes are
accepted and not be discouraged by them. (Dinkmeyer, D. C., Dinkmeyer Jr, D. C., & Sperry, L.) By
working to do the best to respond to the needs of a situation a client can improve performance
not only in career settings, but in relationships as well. Once the client can learn that doing their
best and accepting the outcome is the best way to reaching the goal of changing their lifestyle
outlook.
Action-oriented approaches to counseling are generally characterized by their reliance on
behaviorally specific interventions and outcomes measures. These approaches blend an emphasis
on action to accomplish specific therapeutic goals. Remember the key to action-oriented methods
are that talk is not enough; clients must go out in the world to do things that make the changes
last.
Expressive Therapies include a variety of approaches that all rest on the assumption that
primarily nonverbal techniques are effective in the release of a clients’ problems. There are many
options a therapist might utilize when considering expressive therapy; Art therapy, Music
therapy, Biofeedback therapy, Hypnotherapy, Exercise, and Bibliotherapy. Of course, the specific
choice of expressive therapy outlet depends on the needs of the client. For example, Art therapy
has long been a tool used for children to help them express feelings as well as talk through
images represented in their drawings. When verbal communication is problematic whether
brought on by fear, shame, or trauma, Art therapy can be a significant tool to further the client’s
self-awareness and self-understanding by removing emotional blocks. Rubin, J. A. (2009)
Clients often come to counseling anticipating either receiving insight or planning for
action. Both have very different theoretical bases. Insight therapy is based on the idea that if you
understand why you do something or feel some way, it will lead to change. In practice, both
insight and action oriented approaches are going to be present to some extent, in almost any
therapist's work.
References
Carlson, J., & Sperry, L. (2006). Adlerian therapy. Washington, DC.
Dinkmeyer, D. C., Dinkmeyer Jr, D. C., & Sperry, L. (1987). Adlerian counseling and
psychotherapy. Merrill Publishing Co.
Lusebrink, V. B. (2004). Art therapy and the brain: An attempt to understand the underlying
processes of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy, 21(3), 125-135.
Rubin, J. A. (2009). Introduction to art therapy: Sources & resources. Taylor & Francis.

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Compare Counseling Approaches

Compare Counseling Approaches

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Compare Counseling Approaches

uses the therapeutic relationship to achieve a different goal.

have one principle in common: It is through a process of self-awareness and self-understanding

Action-oriented approaches to counseling are generally characterized by their reliance on

images represented in their drawings. When verbal communication is problematic whether

self-awareness and self-understanding by removing emotional blocks. Rubin, J. A. (2009)

Carlson, J., & Sperry, L. (2006). Adlerian therapy. Washington, DC.

psychotherapy. Merrill Publishing Co.

processes of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy, 21(3), 125-135.

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