Counselling and Psychotherapy Orientations in Australia: Responses from 24 Australian Psychotherapists

Abstract

Counsellors and psychologists worldwide use different theoretical approaches at least sometimes in conjunction. The theoretical orientation of Australian practising psychologists and psychotherapists appears to be following an international trend that emphasises eclectic or integrative use of the orientations. The aim of the current study of 24 experienced counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia was to identify dominant theoretical orientations used in assisting clients and to compare these orientations with the trend towards integration of theories in practice. We were also interested in which of the major theories were most used in practice by these professionals and what strategies or skills they considered most important. Twenty-four counsellors and psychotherapists thus responded to a series of online survey questions about their personal approaches, resources and practices. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was the most common of all therapies cited, but person-centred approaches were also popular. However, 21 of the 24 psychotherapists adopted an eclectic or integrative approach (using three or more approaches in their practice). This current finding is consistent with some earlier Australian research, though the eclectic trend may be strengthening. This study also provides insight into the key strategies that the 24 psychotherapists indicate as making a difference for clients, and outlines main reasons why they joined the profession.

To what extent are cognitive behaviour therapy competencies incorporated into clinical psychology training? A national survey of Australian universities

“…CBT has been adapted for a range of problems and disorders and is commonly practiced across various countries and practice contexts (A. T. Beck, ; Norcross, Sayette, & Pomerantz, ; Orlinsky et al, ). In Australia, CBT is a primary orientation identified by clinicians (Byrne & Reinhart, ; Hicks, Alexander, & Jones, ; Kazantzis & Deane, ) and is the preferred intervention for government‐funded community access to psychological services (Department of Health, ).…”

A Holistic Approach to Cope with Depression and Hopelessness for Parents of Special Needs Children

“…Even though a counselor who adopts eclectic approach grounds his approach on psychoanalytic theory as in this example, s/he benefits from the techniques of behavioristic theory as well (Lin, 2016). Comprehensive approaches avoid both limiting the problems of an individual to a specific area and to a single theoretical approach (Corey, 1996;Hicks, Alexander, & Jones, 2016). Thus, they can help counselors fulfill the needs of their clients (Hicks, Alexander, & Jones, 2016;Lin, 2016).…”

“…Comprehensive approaches avoid both limiting the problems of an individual to a specific area and to a single theoretical approach (Corey, 1996;Hicks, Alexander, & Jones, 2016). Thus, they can help counselors fulfill the needs of their clients (Hicks, Alexander, & Jones, 2016;Lin, 2016). Considering the fact that the difficulties the parents of children with special needs are all interrelated and in a wide range, eclectic approach can be said to be a relatively functional intervention type.…”

“…Although it is not totally possible to combine some basic identifications in the same therapeutic environment within the conceptualization framework of various theories (Oddli, Nissen-Lie, & Halvorsen, 2016), the assumption of the difficulties the individuals live are multidimensional and thus a theory might not be sufficient in terms of providing solutions for the problems of individuals causes the acceptance of comprehensive interventions (Cardoso, 2016;Hicks, Alexander, and Jones, 2016;Lin, 2016;Wu, Huang, Jackson, Suve & Morrow, 2016). For example, the eclectic approach that can be conducted on having parents accept their disabled child facilitates a person both benefiting from notions of psychodynamic approaches to understand personal dynamics of the difficulty s/he experiences and behavioristic techniques by having him or her participate in social environments to face this problem.…”