Cognitive Behavioural Therapy intergrated with Personal Construct Psychology
This model reflects a counselling philosophy which has been grounded in a sound theoretical framework along with extensive skills training. This has been complemented by continued professional development, regular supervision, and the gathering of experience within the therapeutic relationship.
The theoretical philosophy I embrace reflects a Meta psychology of Personal Constructs Psychology. This way of working enables clients to make meaning of themselves, others and their world. Integration of Cognitive Behavioural therapy with personal constructs, facilitates, support, change, and hope for the future.
Essentially the cognitive behavioural approach tests the negative and unrealistic ways in which people think about themselves and their worlds as the root of their emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Cognitive behavioural counselling offers a powerful method for helping clients to change their thinking and behaviour in order to overcome their difficulties. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is similar to Personal Constructs Psychology in that it takes as its starting point the recognition that we are essentially meaning making creatures and affirms the capacity of every living thing to invent their environment, not merely to respond to it.
Both theories propose that life experiences are stored as schema, or constructs. If an event or experience matches the stored schema, then the schema is strengthened; if a miss-match occurs between the event and the stored schema then the following will happen: 1) the schema must be changed, 2) events must be interpreted to match the schema, or both may occur. Using this framework to challenge irrational thinking is I find helpful to both counsellor and client in its clarity and simplicity.
The Personal Construct Psychology counsellor is equipped with a sound knowledge of the nature of personal construct theory and its philosophy of constructive alternativisim. This provides a framework within which I can understand how my client is construing his world, which in turn leads him to have the problem he presents. Along with this knowledge I require to be aware of the ways in which my client may be viewing the counselling relationship and what may be required of him.
Personally I find the structure that both Cognitive Behavioural therapy and Personal Constructs Psychology bring to case work invaluable. I firmly believe, however that regardless of theoretical orientation, the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client is paramount. A sound alliance which embodies the core elements of a ‘person centred’ approach, and a valuing of each individual as unique is essential. Only then, will the collaborative work between client and counsellor be facilitated.
I have learned much from my clients and will hopefully continue to do so. I appreciate the privileged position of trust we counsellors hold, and will endeavour to provide a service worthy of that trust.
