Types of Counseling

Life Counseling Can Include Many Types

Listed below are details about psychodynamic psychotherapy, gestalt, mindfulness based therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I can happily answer any of your questions about counseling types, just make an appointment.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

types of life counselingAn integrative model for counseling

Psychodynamic therapy is a form of depth psychology focused primarily on revealing the unconscious content of a client’s psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension. In this way, it is similar to psychoanalysis, though psychodynamic therapy tends to be briefer and less intensive. Psychodynamic therapy also relies on the relationship between client and counselor more than other forms of depth psychology. In terms of approach, this form of counseling also tends to be more eclectic than others, taking techniques from a variety of sources, rather than relying on a single system of intervention.

Read more about Psychodynamic Psychotherapy here.

Gestalt

Resolve core issues, not just surface symptoms

Gestalt psychotherapy by integrates a philosophical position, a theory of personality and a therapeutic style. The philosophical position is historically related to existentialism and perceptual psychology. The Gestalt theory of personality evolved primarily out of clinical experience, rather than as a purely theoretical construct. The therapeutic approach emphasizes personal empowerment, responsibility, choice, and the I-Thou relationship.

In the I-Thou relationship, human beings are aware of each other as having a unity of being. In the I-Thou relationship, human beings do not perceive each other as consisting of specific, isolated qualities, but engage in a dialogue involving each other’s whole being. In the I-It relationship, on the other hand, human beings perceive each other as consisting of specific, isolated qualities, and view themselves as part of a world which consists of things. I-Thou is a relationship of mutuality and reciprocity, while I-It is a relationship of separateness and detachment.

Mindfulness Based Therapy

Mindfulness - life counseling type.Mindfulness Based Approaches are designed to deliberately focus one’s attention on the present experience in a way that is non-judgmental. Mindfulness has its roots in Eastern techniques, in particular Buddhist meditation. Mindfulness Based/Contemplative Based Approaches were developed by Zindel Segal, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mark Williams and John Teasdale. The practice requires that one intentionally directs focus away from states of mind that would otherwise occupy them, such as frightening or worrisome thoughts, and instead observe and accept the present situation and all it has to offer, regardless of whether that is good or bad. Mindfulness approaches include mindfulness based cognitive therapy, (MBCT), mindfulness-based stress reductions (MBSR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Mindfulness based approaches and contemplative approaches are becoming widely accepted methods for relieving symptoms related to many psychological issues and can be applied across many different population segments. Mindfulness is practiced individually or in group settings.

Interpersonal Neurobiology

Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) was developed by Dan Siegel and Allan Schore. IPNB uses the clinical evidence that supports continuous brain growth as its foundation. This technique examines the opportunity for healing trauma by stimulating the brain with powerful and positive persuasion. Studies have shown that conditions that were once considered to be irreversible may actually be able to be transformed in a healthy way. Because the brain grows continuously throughout our lives, the implications for healing are unending. This technique is being used across a broad sector of the population, including with those who work in the areas of mental health, education, parenting, business, industry, and others.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR therapy is recognized as an effective form of trauma treatment in numerous practice guidelines worldwide. In the US, this includes organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and Department of Defense. More than twenty randomized studies support the effectiveness of the therapy in the treatment of PTSD. Further, more than twenty randomized studies have demonstrated positive effects of the eye movements.