Counselling

EMMA LOUISE BENNETT

F1577534

D 171 TMA 01

“Compare and contrast the ways in which the psychodynamic and cognitive behaviour approaches to counselling understand and make use of the counselling relationships”

The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast both the psychodynamic and

cognitive behaviour theories to counselling. Both methods, including differences and

similarities will be discussed demonstrating how each model perceives and assists

the client.

Psychodynamic counselling originates from the ideas of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

who is highly regarded as being one of the founders of modern psychology and a

major influence on Western Society within the twentieth century. (Mcleod 2008).

Today, his theories and practical approach to counselling have gone far above and

beyond his initial findings.

Through Psychodynamic counselling what occurs during the early developing

relationship between a client and therapist allows feelings and relationship dilemmas

to be explored –which in turn may answer the questions why difficulties are caused

and experienced in the clients everyday life. Clients will then hopefully gain an

insight and understanding into their problems. In order for this to be achieved a

therapist must be able to provide an environment for their clients which is safe and

promotes free expression of difficult, painful thoughts/memories.

Freud’s method of treatment is called “psychoanalysis” and he suggests that the

adult personality can be influenced by our childhood experiences. He believed the

influence occurred in a particular way – through the “unconscious mind” ( the mental

life of a person that is outside of their awareness (Mcleod 2008). He believed that the

human mind is divided into three components :-

The ID – governed by the pleasure principle and is irrational. Unconscious-

aggressive and sexual instincts.

The EGO- (I) the rational, conscious part of the mind

The SUPEREGO...