TITLE:
Counselling and Psychotherapy Orientations in Australia: Responses from 24 Australian Psychotherapists
AUTHORS:
Richard E. Hicks, Victoria Alexander, Clive M. Jones
KEYWORDS:
Counselling and Psychotherapy Orientations, Strategies and Skills of Psychotherapists, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eclectic Psychotherapy Practice
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.7 No.8,
July
18,
2016
ABSTRACT: Counsellors and psychologists worldwide use different theoretical
approaches at least sometimes in conjunction. The theoretical orientation of
Australian practising psychologists and psychotherapists appears to be
following an international trend that emphasises eclectic or integrative use of
the orientations. The aim of the current study of 24 experienced counsellors
and psychotherapists in Australia was to identify dominant theoretical
orientations used in assisting clients and to compare these orientations with
the trend towards integration of theories in practice. We were also interested
in which of the major theories were most used in practice by these
professionals and what strategies or skills they considered most important. Twenty-four
counsellors and psychotherapists thus responded to a series of online survey questions
about their personal approaches, resources and practices. Cognitive-Behavioural
Therapy (CBT) was the most common of all therapies cited, but person-centred
approaches were also popular. However, 21 of the 24 psychotherapists adopted an
eclectic or integrative approach (using three or more approaches in their
practice). This current finding is consistent with some earlier Australian research,
though the eclectic trend may be strengthening. This study also provides
insight into the key strategies that the 24 psychotherapists indicate as making
a difference for clients, and outlines main reasons why they joined the
profession.