Eclectic and Integrative Counselling: Theories, Methods, and Elements

This essay provides a detailed comparison of eclectic and integrative counselling approaches. It begins by defining both methods and exploring their commonalities, such as their client-centered focus and the need for a skilled practitioner. The essay then differentiates between the two, highlighting that eclecticism emphasizes techniques while integration focuses on theories. It further explains the elements of the integrative approach, including common factors, theoretical integration, and assimilative integration, along with the application of various theories like psychoanalysis, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. The essay concludes by summarizing the key aspects of each approach and their implications for mental health treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding these diverse methods for effective counselling practices. The assignment is contributed by a student to be published on the website Desklib. Desklib is a platform which provides all the necessary AI based study tools for students.

Similarities and Differences
between Eclectic and Integrative
Approaches

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK...............................................................................................................................................1
Similarities between Eclectic and Integrative counselling.....................................................2
Differences between Eclectic and Integrative counselling.....................................................2
Elements of Integrative approach to counselling...................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Counselling is an activity in which a trainer called as counsellor analysis the patient and
briefs him about the difficulties which are affecting his life. He advices solution for his problem
and motivates him so that he could overcome stress (Stoltenberg and McNeill, 2011). Different
approaches like eclectic and integrative are used by the counsellor to cure his problem. They are
the most common theoretical orientation among different consultants. This essay explores the
different aspects of these two terms and similarities & differences between them.
TASK
Eclectic counselling is the mixture of directive and non-directive counselling. It depicts a
middle status between two directive and non-directive methods. In this technique he is nor to
active and nor to passive and he try to follow the middle path between these two. In this
procedure, a counsellor try to analyse the demands of an individual and his personality. In the
next stage he choose the approaches, which will be useful for that person. Which method has to
be used whether directive or non-directive depending upon the demand of case. In this process
the first step involves diagnosis of the cause and then its analysis is done (Wedding, 2010). A
plan is prepared for handling the case and after that it is made sure that there is suitable
environment. Meeting is arranged with the client to know what are his expectations and will he
comfortable in the process of counselling. Final stage consists of handling of the problems which
he is facing and making him adjust in the current situations. All the procedure of counselling
should be according to the need of the need of individual or it should be client centred.
Whenever it is possible practitioner should use passive methods and when there are some
situations which goes out of control for that they can look for active way. Through use of passive
techniques client would be more comfortable in expressing his story and experiences. He could
easily deliver his emotions through this. In the final level of eclecticism is referred to as technical
eclecticism.
Integrative counselling is a multidimensional approach that brings together different
components and these may be the skills & knowledge. This approach is based on the fact that no
single approach can be useful for different situations (Stricker and Gold, 2013). Integrative
counsellor uses different theory in the treatment procedure of their clients. According to the need
of the person and its personal situations various methods are used. It supports the idea that there
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are many ways in which human psychology can be explored and understood. Each theories have
its own significance so every method should be considered. Normally, integration occurs in
variety of modalities perspective which include humanistic, psychoanalytical, cognitive and
behavioural therapies. These mentioned therapies are used to know behaviour of human being or
any particular client. Through understanding of these they can easily control their emotions
because they know such factors affect the life of the human (Jones-Smith, 2011). For example; a
counsellor who is a integrative therapist came across a client who has some sort of behavioural
problem. So he will try to reduce those symptoms which are affecting him and his day to day
life. He might encourage him to adjust his behaviour according to the need of situation.
Similarities between Eclectic and Integrative counselling.
Both are similar to each other, as both are used by the counsellor to cure their clients. In
these approaches coordination is required with the patient because both are customer centred. A
more focuses is given on the job efficiency and treatment of the individual in a better way. In the
beginning of the methods a meeting is held with the patient to know their problem or the areas
where they are facing issues in adjusting. If both approach has to be properly implemented a
right coordination is required in-between a counsellor and client. Patient has to show trust on his
therapist and should give all the detail about his personal life. It is only through his answers he
can come out with any solution.
Eclectic and integrative approach for counselling requires a trained and skilled
practitioner, who is well aware about his field. Before going for any treatment clients are advised
to improve their condition on their own. These both are used by people who wants to overcome
their stress and pressure, which is leading them to depression (Dickerson, 2010). A sense of
negative can cause big troubles in individual life, so to reduce that negative thinking they need
support of a trainer. He will guide them to the right approach which they can adopt in their life.
A hierarchy is followed by such type of approaches to find different theories and techniques of
treatment.
Differences between Eclectic and Integrative counselling.
By minutely analysing these method, then only someone can find differences in them.
Eclecticism is totally focused on techniques whereas integration is concerned with theories.
Eclectic approach brings different techniques together into some coherent whole without
necessarily having regard to the theory of origin. A integrationist will mix different theories into
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a new theory that is more comprehensive than any of the single theory it has brought together.
Whose who are following integration approach are working with a large concept.
When the counsellor try to use integration approach he will use the same method of
practising it as others are using. To cure the patients through this approach they go for similar
procedure which are known to everyone (Snyder and Balderrama-Durbin, 2012). But in eclectic,
practitioners uses techniques from variety of treatments and combine them to cure a single
patient. But in the case, if that same patients goes to the another counsellor he might gives him
different treatment in the same approach. Eclectic approach can be considered as a box which
consists of some kind of tools and through those various things can be adjusted. In integrative
approach they takes different pieces and combine them together to form a new tool. Eclectic
orientation tends to harm more than integrative because they different techniques and methods
are used by various counsellors. In some cases they might not understand what is good for
patients so an uneven technique can be used, which could cause harm. But in the case integrative
approach they know that they have to use only single theory (Ziv-Beiman, 2013). This is more
focused on customer personal viewpoint, whereas in integrative model they gives more emphasis
on the external environment affecting that individual.
Eclectic counselling is an less expensive method because whatever techniques are used
they are already available so no new product is made which reduces the cost of treatment. In
integrative a new product has to be created which requires use of different theories and that
procedure will be expensive for clients. Eclectic practitioners are not confined to any theories or
methodology as they are free to use any technique which can best solve their purpose. In
integrative they have are limited to some theories and no other option is available to them.
Reassurance, giving information, case history and testing are some techniques used in
Eclectic approach to counselling. Psychoanalysis, behavioural, cognitive and humanistic theory
are some theories which are used in integrative approach.
Elements of Integrative approach to counselling.
This has to deal with the integration of knowledge and skills from different therapy
models. It more focus on the whole of an individual and is flexible in nature. It is beneficial for
those people who want to overcome negativity caused by the fears and phobias. Any person who
is dealing with an mental issue can also seek this approach through the help of a counsellor.
These all problem affects the behavioural, cognitive, affective and physiological systems which
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are the four dimensions of the human functioning. It could be said that there are some elements
which helps in integration of different theories and these are the key elements.
Common Factor
In the initial stage practitioner focus on combining those factors which are common
among all the therapies. It also has disadvantage because by following this step might ignore
other crucial points of particular therapy (Lowndes and Hanley, 2010). These are the factors
which can help them in successfully carrying out the treatment.
Theoretical Integration
In this more than one theory are combined in the hope that consequences will be better
than the single therapy. They are focused on clubbing small number of theories at a deep level.
For example; Behavioural, psychodynamic and family system theories can be combined.
Transtheoretical model is the best way to describe relationship between various theories.
Assimilative Integration
It states that most of the practitioners choose a theoretical aim that acts as their
foundation and as they acquire experience they mix ideas & strategies from other sources. As
practitioners are increasing, so they will prefer the security of any one foundational theory as
they started the procedure of integrative exploration. It is based on cognitive behavioural
therapy.
In the counselling process a counsellor tries to analysis behaviour, thoughts and feelings
of this clients through using different theories. This help him to understand his life from
diagnosis to post treatment. These are normally the theoretical aspects which are part of the
procedure.
Psychoanalysis or Psychodynamic Theory: It states that there are some unconscious
forces that affect the behaviour of an individual. He can freely talk to the practitioner about the
things which he is not supposed to talk in public. Analysing the dreams for some crucial
information which is concerned with unconscious and expressing the feelings about any
particular person which hold a special position in his life (Heatherington and et. al., 2012). This
theory is an old approach but still used by therapists because it is a successful method. Through
this approach they can know the childhood experience and family background of the client. He
could easily find a relation of the past doing with his current situation. Revealing such important
information would help him in treating and healing the patient.
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Behavioural Theory: This theory is based on the notion that behaviour is build from the
day to day experience. Whatever situation he come across from his daily routine, it creates his
mindset. For example; a dog barks when he listens some noises in night. This theory states that
good situations should be encouraged to grow and those who creates mad impact should be
ignored. All the practitioners who deals with behaviour counselling constantly focus on changing
unwanted and destructive behaviours.
Cognitive Theory: Such kind of theory more focuses on current situation of the client
rather than its past background. This focuses on the fact that people's thinking can change the
behaviour of any individual (Bohart, 2012). Counsellor can combine it with behavioural theory
to heal the condition of the client. Various mental illness like anxiety can be solved through it.
Humanistic Approach: It focuses on self growth and instead of looking at the past
negative situations. Human behaviour are emphasised and a positive environment is created
around the client so that he could feel positive vibes. It totally focus on the patient, so it could be
said that it is totally client centred. Whatever is happening around a person is because of the
action of that particular person. He could easily change his behaviour in order to get better
results (Holm-Hadulla, Hofmann and Sperth, 2011). Counsellor help his client in finding the
ways through which he can deal various situation. Importance of self- determination is taught to
the patients.
CONCLUSION
From the above essay it is to be concluded that, a person in his day to day life come
across various situation which sets his mindset. Whatever he observes can effect his behaviour
and negative circumstances can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. So in that situation he
need someone who can support him and direct him towards the right path. A counsellor can help
him in dealing with elements of that situation and how he can cope up with that time. Therapist
can use different approaches like integrative and eclectic methods to heal and cure that client.
Which approach will be more successful in different case, can be find out through analysing the
condition of the patient.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Stoltenberg, C.D and McNeill, B.W., 2011. IDM supervision: An integrative developmental
model for supervising counselors and therapists. Routledge.
Wedding, D., 2010. Current psychotherapies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
Stricker, G and Gold, J.R. eds., 2013. Comprehensive handbook of psychotherapy integration.
Springer Science & Business Media.
Jones-Smith, E., 2011. Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: An integrative approach.
Sage Publications.
Dickerson, V.C., 2010. Positioning oneself within an epistemology: Refining our thinking about
integrative approaches. Family process. 49(3). pp.349-368.
Snyder, D.K and Balderrama-Durbin, C., 2012. Integrative approaches to couple therapy:
implications for clinical practice and research. Behavior therapy. 43(1). pp.13-24.
Ziv-Beiman, S., 2013. Therapist self-disclosure as an integrative intervention. Journal of
Psychotherapy Integration. 23(1). p.59.
Lowndes, L and Hanley, T., 2010. The challenge of becoming an integrative counsellor: The
trainee's perspective. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. 10(3). pp.163-172.
Heatherington, L and et. al., 2012. The narrowing of theoretical orientations in clinical
psychology doctoral training. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. 19(4). pp.364-
374.
Bohart, A.C., 2012. Can you be integrative and a person-centered therapist at the same
time?. Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies. 11(1). pp.1-13.
Holm-Hadulla, R.M., Hofmann, F.H and Sperth, M., 2011. An integrative model of
counseling. Asia Pacific Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. 2(1). pp.3-24.
Lancaster, G and et. al., 2010. Treating children with phonological problems: does an eclectic
approach to therapy work?. International journal of language & communication
disorders. 45(2). pp.174-181.
Online
Integrative therapy. 2017. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.counselling-
directory.org.uk/integrative-therapy.html>. [Accessed on 21th June 2017]
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