Theories of Counseling in Psychology: Gestalt and Person-Centred Therapy

Running Head: PSYCHOLOGY
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Theories of Counseling
5/17/2019

PSYCHOLOGY
1
Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................... 2
Theories/therapies in Psychology.................................................................................... 2
Gestalt Therapy....................................................................................................... 3
Person-centred/Client-centred therapy...........................................................................4
Strengths and Weakness of gestalt Therapy.....................................................................5
Strengths and Weakness of Person-centred therapy...........................................................5
Conclusion................................................................................................................ 6
References................................................................................................................ 7

PSYCHOLOGY
2
Introduction
The report brings about the discussion on the theories of counselling and various
other approaches used in Psychology. It is referred to as the science of behaviour and mind,
and functions, including the study of conscious and unconscious aspects. Theories of
counselling in context to psychology include humanistic theory, behavioural, psychodynamic,
humanistic, systemic, and cognitive theories. The theories are used by psychologists to
determine and provide right direction to the clients. Therefore, the discussion will bring
assessment of the two theories of psychology, i.e. Gestalt, and person-centred theory of
psychology (Rhyne, 2016). The reason behind choosing these two therapies and their
relevance in our lives will be analysed through discussion. In addition, these theories will
study the related problems, and the change within therapy. In the later part, strengths, and
weaknesses of each theory or therapy used in psychology will also be mentioned.
Theories/therapies in Psychology
Mental health counselling provides a framework to understand clients and help them
with their problems affecting their health and wellbeing. It has been found that Psychologists
explore behaviour and deal with the mental health processes, which consists of perception,
cognition, attention, intelligence, motivation, brain functions, and personality of an
individual. These aspects lead to several problems and issues affecting the state of balance of
mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, it stated the need of the theories of counselling which
address several life related issues presented by clients within therapeutic relationships (Levis,
2017).
A number of approaches or therapies are used in psychology, i.e. behaviour therapy,
psychodynamic theory, cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, and holistic therapy, gestalt
theory, and person-centred psychotherapy. Thus, it has been analysed that using a particular
theory or therapy established in psychology, a counsellor enhance their competence, and deal
with their clients. In this report, two theories of counselling have been selected for the
analysis, i.e. Gestalt therapy and person-centred therapy (Tomasello, 2017).
The rationale behind choosing these two therapies, i.e. gestalt therapy is it aligns with
my personality. Moreover, from the perspective of this therapy, I get awareness about the
aspects of functioning into different environmental settings, i.e. school, work, or with friends.