Developmental theories provide different views of the development of a baby through various stages up to adulthood. Freud believed thatunconscious desires and childhood experiences influenced behavior. He believed that a child’s early experiences played the utmost role in shaping their personality.

According to Freud, a person’s personality is made up of an unconscious mind, preconscious mind and conscious mind. The conscious mind is responsible for the information onwhat is happeningat present. Hidden or forgotten experiences and memories are stored in the unconscious mind. The preconscious mind has information from both the conscious and unconscious mind.

According to Freud’s theory, child development happens in a sequence of stages fixated on distinct pleasure parts of the body. Throughout each development stage, the child comes across conflicts that affect their development(Cherry, 2019).Conflicts that occur during each of these stages can have a lifetime influence on behavior and personality.

Sigmund developed techniques such as transference, dream analysis,andfree association. Free association involves talking about everything to the counselor without censoring. Dream analysis is a process that involves talking about your dreams in an attempt to get information from the unconscious mind. Transference is a process that involves redirecting emotions about specificpeople in your life onto the therapists.

These techniques are actively used bytherapist today.Psychosexual Developmental Theoryled to the development of psychoanalytical theory which is used in counseling.Counseling@Northwestern uses the psychoanalytical theory to train therapists. The theory is embeddedthroughout the trainingprocess.In general,counselors and psychotherapistswho use this approach focus most of their energy analyzing disturbing childhood experiencesin relation to a person’s present life. By analyzing and unraveling traumatic experiences from past relationships, healing and treatment can begin. Sigmund’s Psychoanalytical Theory has been immensely researched,andthrough neuroscience advancement, therapistsare discovering how this theory has positive impacts on a client’s brain.

2. Demonstrate your understanding of various counseling theories. What are the basic tenets and how it could apply to diverse groups?

Psychoanalytical Theory is built on the dynamic nature of human beings. Psychoanalytical Theory involves techniques such as transference, dream analysis,and free association.  Counselors and psychotherapists who use this approach focus most of their energy on analyzing disturbing childhood experiences in relation to a person’s present life. By analyzing and unraveling traumatic experiences from past relationships, healing and treatment can begin.

Behavioral theory is founded on the belief that all behaviors are learned. The theory has two approaches: Classic conditioning and operant conditioning. Classic conditioning involves the results of learned responsethrough stimulus. For example, dogs were trained to associate food with a bell. So when the bell rung they knew it was time to eat(Counseling@Northwestern, 2015).Operant conditioning involves reinforcing behavior through rewards and discouraging behavior through punishment.Behavioral issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder,andphobias are best treated using this theory (Cherry, 2018).Behavioral theory is used in schools where top achievers are rewarded for their performance whereas those who failedthe tests take supplementary exams or repeat the class.

Cognitive theory focuses on how people’s behaviors can be changed by changing how they think. The theory focuses on problem-solving. Therapists concentrate on the client’s present problem and their distorted thinking. A combination of cognitive theory and behavioral theory yields great results. Cognitive theory has been proven to be effective in treating mental illnesses as well as eating disorders, personality disorders,substance abuse disorders,and anxiety disorders.

Humanistic Approach involves helping the client achieve their highest potential. Humanists do not spend time in the past or analyzing negative behaviors; they believe the best about people and focus on the present(Counseling@Northwestern, 2015). Humanistic therapists emphasize a person’s self-actualization and self-growth. The humanistic approach can be used in family counseling. As a result, the family relationships grow by becoming consciousof their personal and family difficulties(Akbaş, 2015). The family members gain empathy and understanding which leads to a happy and peaceful life.

Integrative and holistic therapy involves combining and integrating the theories mentioned above. It involves combing various tactics and techniques of these theories. It combines both traditional and nontraditional therapies. The therapist can combine guided imagery or hypnotherapy with talk therapy. Integrative psychotherapy methods can be used with adolescents, adults,and children. Holistic/ Integrative therapy can be used to treat personality disorders, anxiety, and depression.

3. Discuss roles and responsibilities of the Counselor

A counselor works with societies, groups,andpersons to promote mental stability.A counselor encourages clients to talk about their feelings, and experiences. They examineissues likesuicide, stress, self-image, LGBTQ issues, relationships, depression, careers, anger management, bullying, aging,andsubstance abuse. They work with families to develop good relationships. A counselor helps a client to define their goals, take action steps and gain insight. They developtherapeutic processes. A counselor refers clients to psychologists and other services.They take a body and mind perspectiveon mental health care.

4. Discuss Career counseling, its importance, and how as a counselor you would best use it with your high school seniors

Career counseling involves guidance on career choice. Career development is a lifetime process. Some of the factors that influence your career choice are your interests, circumstances, background, personality, values,and abilities. Career counseling involves helping you know and understand yourself and the domain of work so that you can make informed life, educational and career decisions.The process involves personality and aptitude tests.

Career counseling helps students make informed decisions when choosing a career. The student learns the pros and cons of the different educational options, courses,andstreams. They learn about the career paths these different courses offer. Career counseling can boost the confidence and morale of the student becausethey know the direction their career will take. The student does not have to pay the cost of changing careers. When a student makes an informed career choice, it results in job satisfaction. Additionally, career counseling results inpopularity and professional success.

As a career counselor I would advise my high schoolseniors to choose a career they are passionate about, have an interest in and love doing it. They should consider the long-term path that the career offers. The students should consider whether fifty years down the line they would be happy with the career choice they made. I would match their careers with their skills, abilities, talents,and passions. As a result, the students would be successful in their careers.

References

Akbaş, A. (2015). Application of Humanistic Approach in Family Counseling. European Journal Of Research On Education, 3(1), 80-88. Retrieved from http://iassr.org/journal

Cherry, K. (2019). Influential Theories About How Children Grow and Develop. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/child-development-theories-2795068

Cherry, K. (2018). How Behavioral Therapy Is Used in Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-behavioral-therapy-2795998

Counseling@Northwestern. (2015). Five Counseling Theories and Approaches – Blog. Retrieved from https://counseling.northwestern.edu/five-counseling-theories-and-approaches/