Personal Counseling: Theory of Change Essay -- Psychology

Over the last 100 years, the underpinning concepts in the fields of psychology and counseling were wrought. Within this period, these concepts have transformed and evolved from somewhat crude conceptions of the psyche toward more holistic interventions and approaches. As the profession continues to move forward, adaptations of the original theorists regarding the nature of man and the development of personality continue to emerge. These adaptations, along with the integration of new concepts and ideas, continue to contribute to the field. The author describes his view of man and human nature, personality development, and explores potential implications for counseling. Nature of Man The work of Sigmund Freud continues to influence contemporary practice, as many of his basic concepts remain the foundation from which other theorists develop. Freud described life instincts, a central tenant of the Freudian approach, as instincts that serve the purpose of survival for man as well as the human race. Glasser’s Choice Theory maintains that human behavior is internally motivated by five genetic impulses. The first noted among these impulses is survival (Skeen, 2002; Wubbolding, 2005). Man is a carnal being, sharing the same defensive and predatory instincts found throughout the animal kingdom. Man has basic needs and is driven towards satisfying them. When examining the development of the human brain, it is known the first portion to develop is the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the seat of human life support systems and our natural instincts. Sharing the fight or flight responses, the experience of apprehension towards looming animals or objects, and a need to live and reproduce are innate. These all may be experienced to differen... ... Journal of Individual Psychology, 38(1), 1-6. Adler, K. A. (1994). Socialist influences on Adlerian psychology. Individual Psychology, 50(2), 131-141. Day, S. X. (2008). Theory and design in counseling and psychology. Boston: Lahaska. Manaster, G. J. (1987). Adlerian theory and movement. Individual Psychology, 43(3), 280-287. Minor, J. (2007). Some reasons why I use REBT in my private practice and personal life. ETC: A Review of General Semantics, 320-323. Shaughnessy, M. F., & Mahan, V. (2002). An interview with Albert Ellis about rational emotive behavior therapy. North American Journal of Psychiatry, 4(3), 355-366. Skeen, J. W. (2002). Choice theory, virtue ethics, and the sixth need. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 21(1), 14-19. Wubbolding, R. E. (2005). The power of belonging. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 24(2), 43-44.