Comparing Two Counseling Theories

RUNNINH HEAD: A COMPARISON OFTWO COUNSELING THEORIES

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A Comparison of Two Counseling Theories: Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Adler’s Theory May 2013 PCMH688/Counseling Theory Instructor: John Evans Student: Leopold Ndayisabye Southern New Hampshire University

RUNNINH HEAD: A COMPARISON OFTWO COUNSELING THEORIES This paper is my first step in counseling theories. I’ll be looking at and comparing Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory and Alfred Adler’s theory. It has been hard as a beginner to read some chapters of the Corey text (2009) and Rochlen text (2007), and to be able to draw enough information to use to make a comparison of these two counseling theories, both of which are complicated and have a number of different aspects.
Regardless of their differing views on some of the specifics, both theories recognize the impact of childhood events on our daily lives, on our behaviors and psychiatric health. One difference between these two theories is basically based on the abstract approach of Freud to understanding human nature, and the emphasis on unconscious forces, and the very different approach of Adler, with his focus on social factors and their interaction with humans’ behavior. Psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the social-sexual development and psychological structures of humans, while Adlerian theory places more focus on the social factors, and emphasizes the holistic approach to understanding human behavior. However, the psychoanalytic theory recognizes that human development perspective is “reflected in the view that each of us, our psychology is product of a unique developmental trajectory, influenced both by the characteristics of the family within in which we grew up and by innate, genetic attributes, such as temperament, that are in constant interaction with a person’s milieu” (Rochlen, A.B. 2007. Page 8) Although Freud has evoked the family and innate drives and desires, it can be argue
The therapeutic goals in Adlerian theory give to the client the wide field of assessment of his lifestyle through a “holistic approach.” It appears this approach is oriented to disclosing mistaken goals and the thoughts of the client toward the world. However, in my understanding, it ignores the important role that the developmental stages provide to us in arriving at unique levels and styles of emotional strength and self regulation. I can conclude by saying that both approaches are complementary to understanding the client’s behavior. 3. Therapist’s function and role The therapist’s function and role in psychoanalytic theory basically depends on relationship between client and therapist. I would argue that therapists have to help clients feel empowered to experience fuller, better lives. It’s very important to the client to know that regardless of what happens, he is able to behave rationally and feel comfortable. I have worked with a client who was in jail for 19 years. He had a serious criminal background. He had an anger management problem, alcohol addiction, depression and a diagnosed personality disorder. He is convinced that he is a “bad boy” and nobody loves him. For his intake session he was surprised to hear that he has the potential to be a good person. He cried and said “Do you believe that I can be a good person? I have been created for fighting. Look, I have muscles. I have been in jail all my life. Please can you help me to be a good