Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Vs PCT

he therapeutic relationship is the core of all talking therapies. Without a functioning relationship between the two, the therapist cannot hope to help the client work towards emotional well being.

In Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy, there are many similarities when approaching the client. For example; non-judgement and Empathy, always being reliable and always conveying interest when the client is talking, are all essential for a successful client-counsellor relationship. There are also some key differences that uniquely shape each approach and the relationship between client and counsellor.

In PCT, it is believed the therapeutic relationship should be the primary focus of the
The relationship is very similar to PCT, but offers honest feedback to the client, takes more control over the sessions and although it is still important, the therapeutic relationship is seen as secondary to the therapy its self. In the Psychodynamic approach, the relationship centres around maintaining an equal relationship with the client, offering acceptance and working towards building trust. This encourages the client to explore issues from their adolescence that are unresolved or hidden in their subconscious, which are now impacting them in their adult life. The client can talk freely to the counsellor with them occasionally interjecting their interpretations and thoughts on the subjects the client discusses. There goal is to help the client unravel root causes of their feelings and ultimately resolve them. The counsellor will challenge the client more in Psychodynamic therapy.

When looking at the case study of Mary, her immediate problem appears to be her most recent bout of depression which may be further impacted by the hormone replacement therapy. The Hormone therapy Mary mentions, infers she is currently going through the menopause which is a volatile and emotional time. She also reports being continually tired and suffering from sleep
Mary speaks of her father as being “quite harsh” and indeed she seems to have trouble being able to approach her current husband for the same reason. In the Psychodynamic approach, the counsellor would explore this with the client, making her aware of the connection and would try to find the reasons for her choice in husbands. If this was an unconscious act on Mary's part, it could be beneficial for her to realise that she has essentially married men who remind her of her domineering father and to look at why she chose these men. This could be seen as confrontational and in Mary's current mental state, could be detrimental to