Running head: THEORY COMPARISONS 1-6 1

Whats Your Theory Comparisons One Through Six: A Comparison Between Varying
Theoretical Perspectives and my Perspective of Counseling
Lyndsey G. Hepworth
Seattle University

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Name: Lyndsey Hepworth Whats your theory # 2
Date: 1/23/2012 Theory: Classic Psychoanalysis

1. My basic assumption of the nature of people is that each person is unique and that he or
she strives for what they define as leading a happy and balanced life. Freud has determined that
people have an innate drive toward reduction of tension and anxiety, (Seligman &
Riechenberg, 2010, p. 46). Freud referred to this concept as defense mechanisms, which can be
used in healthy ways, but often are used to repress bad memories or revert back to past ways of
dealing with stress or hard situations. Unlike Freud I do not think that human nature is driven by
biological, sexual forces, life is driven by acquiring the basic necessities and finding your
definition of a balanced life.
2. Freud determined that people have difficulty in life when their three dimensions of
personality, the id, ego, and superego, are not balanced. Moving onto the next stage of
development without resolving your issues in that stage will also make for difficulties. I dont
believe that people have difficulties because their personalities arent balanced, because most
people are not aware of these forces. People have difficulties because of pressure from society
and self, unexpected accidents and disasters, and lack of a healthy coping mechanism.
3. This theory fits well with my belief that people will achieve a greater sense of wellness if
they are aware of their unconscious and conscious thoughts. To have the greatest sense of
wellness these two thoughts will be congruent with one another. I think that peoples dreams
and unconscious thoughts should not be ignored; they can provide fruitful information on your
true feelings. Freud believed strongly in unconscious awareness, dream analysis, free
association, and Freudian slips. These parts of his theory I agree with and find quite interesting.
4. The overall goal of psychoanalysis is the best possible psychological equilibrium for
the functioning of the ego (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 48). For change he is requiring
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that the ego be at the optimal level of psychological balance. I think that when there is a will
there is a way. The person must want to change and eventually, with proactive techniques, the
individual will reach their ideal self.
5. To Freud a happy healthy functioning individual will have no incongruences between
their unconscious thoughts and their conscious thoughts. Their id, ego, and superego will be
balanced. Your dreams and gut feelings can provide information on how your true self feels.
All to often we only listen to our mind, but our body can tell us a lot. To be a healthy
functioning individual every part of you has to be aligned with one another.
6. The role of the counselor is to be an active listener and to actively guide the sessions in
meaningful directions and promote the uncovering of repressed material (Seligman &
Reichenberg, 2010, p. 49). The counselor makes all interpretations and presents the client with
the underlying symbolism, holding a lot of power. To me, the client is the expert on their life
and it is the counselors role to be a listener, collaborative, and encouraging.
7. The client-counselor relationship is one that should be based on trust, respect, and
encouragement of progression for both parties. Freud encouraged the client to lie down on a
couch while he sat behind their head, creating a very anonymous relationship. He did not use
empathy, rather created meaning out of their dreams and told them to the client. I dont enjoy
the power Freud had and think there are better models of the client-counselor relationship.
8. Freud emphasized that background is essential in understanding the clients health and
dysfunction. I believe that thoughts are more important in understanding the clients health than
background. For example, how you perceive an event in the past may be more powerful than
what actually happened. Understanding multiple levels of your clients health is essential.

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Name: Lyndsey Hepworth Whats your theory # 3
Date: 1/30/2012 Theory: Individual Psychology

1. Alfred Adler and I view human nature very similarly. He acknowledged that the first five
years of life play a heavy role in ones future development. Although he emphasized
background, he also suggested that the characteristics of the person that were determined by
heredity and early upbringing were less important than what the person made of them
(Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 63). To me the perception of the past event is more
important than what actually happened.
2. To Adler feelings of inferiority are very important and can be the reason people
experience difficulties in life. If one experiences these feelings of inferiority during early
childhood it is key that they deal with these feelings in a positive manner or their future
development may be impacted. No matter when one experiences these feelings it is how they
handle it that will shape them. I believe that difficulties stem from unexpected news, lack of a
good coping mechanism, and societal pressure, but can appreciate that Adler focuses on ones
emotion as being a factor in creating difficulties in life.
3. I think that if people learn how the world works or can step back and view the world as
multiple systems and forces working simultaneously that one would be able to achieve a greater
sense of wellness. If a person realizes that society puts a lot of pressure on them, perhaps some
of the pressure they put on themselves can be alleviated. One of Adlers key concepts is
lifestyle, the unique way each of us seeks to find our place in the world, to overcome feelings of
inferiority, and to achieve our goals (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 66). I think this
concept fits nicely with my if people could learn to understand thoughts.
4. Adler was very optimistic and believed that people could change their goals and
lifestyles in order to achieve happier and more fulfilled lives (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010,
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p. 68). The conditions needed for change are will and to follow his four stages of treatment,
establish therapeutic relationship, understanding of person and problem, encouragement of
change, and reorientation. Adler also defined specific interventions such as catching oneself
and pushing the button. I think that all stages are important for change, especially
encouragement from the counselor, but I would add encouragement from friends and family.
5. Adler viewed the healthy, well-functioning adult as a person who is independent,
emotionally and physically self-reliant, useful and productive, and able to cooperate with others
for both personal and social benefit (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 67). I define a happy,
healthy functioning individual as one who lives their idea of a happy, healthy functioning
individual. When you are living what you think is the correct or best way to live you should
ideally be very happy.
6. Upon re-reading the therapeutic alliance section and my response to the role of the
counselor and the client-counselor relationship I realized that I agree heavily with Adlers view
on the therapeutic alliance. He believes the role of the counselor is to be a role model, establish
attainable goals, and help the client reach them. It is the counselors role to be encouraging and
to help the client work through whatever problem they are dealing with.
7. Adler believed the client-counselor relationship is to be one of mutual respect, trust, and
collaboration, as do I. Having a positive therapeutic relationship and working together to
improve the clients overall health is essential.
8. Although Adler emphasized background, thoughts and behaviors, as well as
background, are primary targets of the Adlerian clinicians efforts (Seligman & Reichenberg,
2010, p. 68). Of background, emotions, thoughts, actions, and context, I think the three Adler
focuses on are the most essential in understanding the clients health and dysfunction.
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Name: Lyndsey Hepworth Whats your theory # 4
Date: 2/6/2012 Theory: Person-Centered Counseling

1. Person-centered counseling is considered to be humanistic; meaning that every person
should be viewed holistically, every person has an innate self-actualization tendency, every
person has free will and the ability to make choices, and in turn has to be responsible for those
choices (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 145). I agree that most people that have the ability
to look at themselves objectively are eager to move toward self-actualization and self-awareness.
My overall view of human nature is that we all have the same basic needs and that we strive to
be happy, in whatever way you define it. I think Rogers idea is limited because it isnt
applicable to those who cant make the best choices for themselves, such as the addicted.
2. Rogers viewed incongruence, or not being true to yourself, as the cause of anxiety,
adjustment problems, and the need to seek therapy (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 148).
According to Rogers incongruence is when you behave how other people expect you too,
ignoring your organismic valuing process. Although I wouldnt use the term organismic valuing
process, I agree with his idea of being in congruency to be happy. If your
conscious/unconscious, idea of yourself/reality, and mind/body are not aligned with one another,
some form of difficulty will result.
3. On the first Whats Your Theory I noted that if people listened to their unconscious and
conscious that they would achieve a greater sense of wellness. Although Rogers doesnt use the
term unconscious, he uses the organismic valuing process to refer to peoples innate ability to
know what is important to them, what is essential for a more fulfilling life (Seligman &
Reichenberg, 2010, p. 147). Although these concepts arent exactly the same, I think that they
are both stating that every individual has within themselves their true answer. If people would
listen carefully to their mind, body, and gut, they may achieve a greater sense of wellness.
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4. For Rogers person-centered theory congruence, unconditional positive regard, a strong
therapeutic client-counselor relationship, and nondirectiveness need to present for people to
change. I agree that each of these can help facilitate change, but that there needs to be strong
will and a support system more importantly.
5. Rogers noted that a happy healthy functioning individual is open to experience, living
with a sense of meaning, has congruence in self, has unconditional positive self-regard, and
living creatively (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 148). Again being congruent is essential
for happiness and I believe that having unconditional positive self-regard would be a helpful
factor. Although this theory is focused on the individual, I think that how you perceive you fit
into society is very important. We are individuals but live in a system that can have effect on us.
6. In this theory the therapeutic relationship is key. Rogers used congruence, unconditional
positive regard, and empathy to create a positive climate [which] allowed the client to be free to
trust his or her feelings and, ultimately, for self-directed change to occur (Seligman &
Reichenberg, 2010, p. 151). In addition to setting specific goals and interventions to help the
client, I believe that every counselor should use all three of these methods.
7. The client-clinician relationship should, on the whole, be a positive experience for both
people. By helping our clients, we too can help ourselves. Rogers believed that clinician and
client are conceived of as two equal and capable human beings who become collaborators in a
shared journey in which both grow and are enriched by the process (Seligman & Reichenberg,
2010, p. 152).
8. This theory emphasizes emotion, which I think is very important to pay attention too, but
ultimately think that thoughts are the most essential in understanding the clients health.


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Name: Lyndsey Hepworth Whats your theory # 5
Date: 2/13/2012 Theory: REBT

1. Albert Ellis developed the rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) in the 1950s. This
theory views people as secular humanists; they view people as unique individuals who usually
value and choose to live in interdependent social groups (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p.
254). In this theory peoples acts are evaluated and having a rational life philosophy is
encouraged. I enjoy his non-judgmental approach and advocate geared theory. His emphasis on
social systems lets the client know that their problems may not originate from something in
themselves, but from societal pressures.
2. Ellis believed that people have difficulty in life because of their irrational beliefs. To
some extent I agree that thinking irrationally will lead to negative outcomes, but question how
does he decipher rational versus irrational thoughts. This approach seems very harsh on the
client and goes against my belief of unconditional positive regard.
3. On the first whats your theory I wrote that if people could learn to understand how the
world works then they may achieve a greater sense of wellness. By this I meant that if people
could objectively look at the world and understand how both society and environment put certain
demands on us some of the self-pressure could be alleviated and wellness could be better
attained. Being a secular humanist approach and incorporating the social system awareness I
think that our thoughts fit together nicely.
4. Ellis described three levels of insight he feels is necessary for people to change, 1) insight
to see what we choose to upset ourselves, 2) insight to see that we acquired our irrational beliefs
and how we maintain them, and 3) insight to see that we need to work hard to change (Seligman
& Reichenberg, 2010, p. 255). To create positive change I agree that it takes strong will power
and hard work. I do not agree that people need to essentially blame themselves for their
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irrational beliefs and blame themselves for getting upset. This seems to put a lot of negative
pressure on the client and I think that they may become saddened by the realization that their
thoughts and ways are the reason they are having difficulties.
5. According to Ellis a happy healthy functioning individual would have a strong sense of
self-acceptance and a rational way of thinking. By self-accepting, they will feel happier and
more stable if they accept, value, and believe in themselves even when they are disappointed in
their behaviors or experiences (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 253). I agree that employing
self-acceptance and a strong self-efficacy over negative, deteriorating thoughts will lead to living
a happier life.
6. This theory is a goal oriented treatment system in which the counselor is very active.
They must be genuine, directive, and reveal their thoughts after all they are the ones
determining if the clients thoughts are rational or irrational. I dont enjoy this aspect of Ellis
approach. I enjoy the phenomenological perspective where the client is unique and has his or her
selfs life theory and it is our job to guide them to happiness in whatever way we can do that for
them and their specific issue at hand.
7. The client-counselor relationship is a collaborative one where goals are established and
both work to achieve those goals. I enjoy order and being able to see progress or
accomplishments so this goal-oriented style fits with me nicely.
8. Not only do I enjoy the dynamics of the client-counselor relationship and the defined
goals, this is the first theory I have discussed that believes that thoughts are the essential
component in understanding the clients health. Over background and emotions, I think that
knowing your thoughts about a certain issue is necessary. How you perceive a certain issue may
be even greater than what actually happened or how you feel about it.
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Name: Lyndsey Hepworth Whats your theory # 6
Date: 2/20/2012 Theory: Cognitive Theory

1. The theorist behind cognitive theory is Aaron Beck. Although the text didnt identify
how Beck views human nature, it mentioned that this approach uses a phenomenological, holistic
model. I would think Beck would argue that every person is unique, if one is experiencing
difficulty it is due to cognitive distortions, and that all capable people can change their thinking
process into a healthy, positive one. If this were the case I would agree.
2. According to Beck people have difficulty in life because of cognitive distortions.
Peoples biology and genetic predispositions, life experiences, and their accumulation of
knowledge and learning can all attribute to dysfunctional cognitions (Seligman & Reichenberg,
2010, p. 274). Cognitive therapists focus mainly on the present, but do an extensive interview to
understand the clients history. By understanding, but not focusing on the history of the client,
the counselor can identify how the faulty cognitions came about, work to create healthy
cognitions, and teach the client how to identify and stop distorted cognitions before occurring. I
agree the difficulties stem from a faulty thought process and that they can be worked through.
3. On the first whats your theory I noted that if people would learn to understand mistakes
are okay that they may be able to achieve a greater sense of wellness. I enjoy this theory
because it acknowledges that there is some faulty logic but it does not put blame onto the client
like Ellis REBT theory. This is a structured approach where the counselor teaches the client
about cognitive theory, gives the client insight to diagnosis and their difficulties, and then
establishes a treatment plan. This structure acknowledges the faulty logic and wishes to correct
it, not put blame or pressure onto the client to change their irrational thoughts. I think that Beck
would agree that mistakes are okay, but he would wish to educate the client so that they dont
reoccur.
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4. For change in this theory clients need to be somewhat educated, eager for positive
change, and have the ability to assess their thought process. Addicts, people with suicidal
ideations, or the mentally ill are not fit for this type of therapy. I agree that all of these factors
are necessary for change, but would add maturity and perseverance.
5. A happy healthy functioning individual would have high self-acceptance and their
intermediate beliefs, core beliefs, and schemas would only include normal or positive thoughts.
Although a new client may think it is hard to assess their thoughts, it is the clinicians job to
educate the client on doing so. I think that by helping the client to realize and change their faulty
logic into positive logic it will lead to a happier, healthier client.
6. In this theory the role of the clinician is to communicate support, empathy, caring,
warmth, interest, optimism, and the other core conditions that promote a successful therapeutic
alliance (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2010, p. 278). They strive to be good role models for their
clients and nonjudgmental. I think that counselors should be all of these things, especially
nonjudgmental. We are here to guide and help, not to judge or make things worse before they
get better.
7. More than any of the theories we have learned about thus far, this theory requires a very
strong collaborative client-counselor relationship. The two work very closely together creating
goals, going over the clients test inventories, and noting the progress made on a certain
objective. I enjoy that there is structure and that you are able to easily identify any progress
made and sharing this with the client can be very powerful.
8. This theory emphasizes thoughts and I agree that understanding their thoughts is essential
when trying to understand the clients health and dysfunction fully.


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References
Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. W. (2010). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems,
strategies, and skills (3
rd
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Publishing.