Mental health counselors assess and treat clients with mental illnesses and disorders, life challenges and relationship issues. They use psychotherapy methods to bring about behavioral changes. Counseling usually addresses unresolved and serious problems using techniques developed for this purpose. Counseling theories are models for understanding and intervention. They allow the counselor to recognize and change the client’s thoughts, feelings, behavior and interactions.
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Gaining knowledge and starting out
Graduates interested in becoming licensed mental health counselors can study for an online Master’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program at The American International College. The course is offered part-time or full-time and is suitable for working professionals. Coursework is 100% online, and placement services connect students to local practicum sites. Program graduates work in outpatient care centers, individual and family services, as well as educational organizations such as schools and universities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that employment of behavioral disorder, substance abuse, and mental health counselors will grow by 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster growth than the average for all occupations. On average, there will be more than 40,000 job openings in these professions each year over the decade. Many of these openings will be to replace workers who are retiring or transferring to different occupations.
Counseling theories
Counseling theories provide a framework for counselors to navigate a client’s journey from diagnosis to post-treatment. Theoretical approaches are an essential part of the therapeutic process. A counseling theory is a model of understanding and intervention. It provides a focus of study and ways for the counselor to examine and evaluate the client. After evaluation, it provides specific intervention techniques. Numerous counseling theories have developed over many years and are being used in mental health practice.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy can significantly improve functioning and well-being. This therapy can be used to treat various problems such as drug and alcohol misuse, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders and serious mental ill health. While counselors learn about the client’s history, the focus is on the client’s current situation.
This theory is founded on the principles of psychological problems being based partly on unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking and unhelpful behavior patterns. People demonstrating psychological problems can learn more effective coping techniques, relieve symptoms and live more satisfying lives. Strategies for changing thinking patterns include recognizing and evaluating ways of thinking that cause problems and having a better understanding of the behavior of others. Strategies to improve behavior include facing up to fears and learning to calm the mind and relax the body. The counselor and client work together to decide which strategies to use and devise a treatment plan.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy is a form of counseling that sees individuals as separate from their problems and negative behaviors. It focuses on the understanding the client has of their own story and how their problems, actions and emotions fit into the narrative. This therapy enables clients to see patterns in how they interpret life problems or events, and find ways to understand them more positively. This approach aims to help clients recognize hidden aspects of their stories, find new meaning in stories that emerge in counseling, and rewrite their own stories. Narrative therapy encourages respect for the self with no judgment or blame. A good narrative helps the client to process and clarify their experience, and give their life meaning and purpose. The counselor helps the client put aside problems, realize their values, goals, dreams and skills, and become experts in relation to their own life.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is one of the primary forms of humanistic therapy. It is an approach that focuses on the client’s current life and helps them understand what is happening and how they feel about it. This therapy can help clients with mental health issues such as depression, relationship difficulties, anxiety and low self-esteem. This theory regards people as whole entities with emotions, a mind and a body, which the person themselves best understands. The total self should be explored, discovered and confronted. With an enhanced understanding of self, the client can take greater responsibility in their life.
Gestalt therapy can involve the counselor and client talking to each other as well as physical and intellectual experiences like re-enactment, artistic activities and role-playing. Clients recognize negative thoughts and behaviors, and find ways to change them. Gestalt therapy is based on the active expression of negative feelings in the present time. Clients learn to understand themselves more and make better choices for their health and relationships.
Psychodynamic Theory
Psychodynamic theory is mostly used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. It focuses on problem-solving and outcomes. Clients learn to analyze and resolve difficulties and adapt behavior in current relationships by exploring and analyzing earlier experiences and feelings in detail. Mental health professionals who use this approach focus on analyzing past relationships and traumatic childhood experiences and relating them to the client’s present life. It remain believed that bringing such issues to the forefront allows effective treatment. Research on this theory has indicated that it can positively affect the brain. Psychodynamic theory can take longer than some short-term theories because it addresses established behaviors and requires significant work to understand oneself. Self-reflective individuals who wish to learn more about themselves can be suited to this kind of therapy.
Humanistic-Existential Therapy
Humanistic existential therapy addresses existential themes, including responsibility, freedom, meaning and the certainty of death. These themes relate to life experience and can influence well-being. This theory focuses on the innate worth of the individual and the significance of personal responsibility and freedom of choice. This approach regards people as unique and constantly changing and evolving. This theory has also shaped the development of therapy and has had a considerable impact on the field. The person-centered approach is a core element of counseling. This approach views the client as the expert on their situation and places importance on unconditional positive regard, rapport and empathy in the therapeutic relationship. The counselor creates a safe environment for self-discovery and personal growth. The counselor remain viewed as a facilitator who supports clients on their counseling journey.
Theories And Counseling
Numerous counseling theories have remain developed over many years. These theories provide a framework for mental health professionals to follow effective counseling processes. Research has indicated which theories best treat particular concerns and conditions. Theoretical approaches are central to the therapeutic process. They allow counselors to follow models of understanding and intervention, and to support their clients to improve their lives.
