For years, the terms psychotherapy and counseling have been used interchangeably due to the fact that the notions share many similarities. Notably, both disciplines involve developing a safe, therapeutic, and healing relationship between a patient and a therapist. Conversely, one of the key differences between the two fields is that counseling entails a short-term consultation while psychotherapy involves a long-term treatment. This essay provides three examples of negative behaviors from three videos and explains the most effective intervention between psychotherapy and counseling approaches. Moreover, it explains how a neurobiological viewpoint of mental health would interpret the impact of violence upon an individual. Additionally, it gives the best counseling approach to helping a person who is repeatedly subjected to violence. Finally, it provides a brief reflection of how counseling changes in society.
The videos, “Case study clinical CBT: First session with a client with symptoms of depression,” “The psychodynamic approach,” and “Smoking behavior change strategies”, present patients exhibiting three examples of negative behaviors. In the first video, the patient is showing signs of depression and has opted for social withdrawal (Johnson, 2014). The second film highlights the case of a man who is chronically violent against his wife but is full of defenses (INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications, 2006). Finally, the third film presents various clients with tobacco addiction who are unable to quit (Guth, 2000). The most effective technique of addressing such negative behaviors is psychotherapy approaches because they lead to long-term solutions (McLeod, 2013). Typically, these treatment methods extensively and intensively explore a patient’s psychological history as opposed to counseling approaches, which focus on current issues (McLeod, 2013). Thus, psychotherapy techniques would be the most appropriate techniques to deal with behaviors demonstrated by patients in the three films.
Violence is among the social ills that have far-reaching repercussions for perpetrators and victims alike. A neurobiological view of mental health can describe the effect of assault on a victim by comparing the patient’s signs of psychological disorders and empirical findings (McLeod, 2013). For instance, research indicates that people who are exposed to frequent assaults are highly likely to develop acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (McLeod, 2013). These mental conditions are connected to numerous symptoms,, such as fear, anxiety, episodic dissociation, and sadness. Such signs can help assess the impact of violence on a person from a neurobiological perspective.
Given a situation in which an individual is constantly exposed to assault, the person-centered approach would be the most effective counseling technique to help the victim. This method starts and ends with experiencing, where patients are seen as responding to the world based on their moment-by-moment life encounters (McLeod, 2013). As a result, the person-centered approach focuses on fulfilling two fundamental needs: self-actualization and the need to be valued and loved by others. In this method, the therapeutic process centers on greater disclosure of experience. With time, the client develops a sense of ‘inner referent’ as they explore their issues in a personal manner, which allows the processing of feelings as opposed to reasoning (McLeod, 2013). The patient gradually starts showing signs of ‘psychological loosening,’ such as tears, moistness in the eyes, muscular relaxation, and sighs accompanied by open feelings expressions. Therefore, the person-centered approach would be the ideal counseling technique for an individual who is frequently subjected to violence.
In conclusion, psychotherapy approaches would be the most convenient method in dealing with such negative behaviors as signs of depression, addiction, and defense because they offer long-lasting solutions. As violence and addictions continue to be an issue of societal concern, a neurobiological perspective can be instrumental in the interpretation of the impact of the assault on victims by comparing empirical findings and a person’s mental status. In circumstances where an individual is experiencing frequent cases of violence, the person-centered approach would be the most suitable counseling intervention. Overall, counselors have a valuable contribution to the world as they help people overcome numerous life stressors. However, this profession is subject to changes due to innovations and modifications in society. As the world continues to face emerging challenges, counseling also evolves to remain relevant.
References
Guth, J. (2000). Smoking behavior change strategies. [Video]. Films on Demand. Web.
INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications. (2006). The psychodynamic approach. [Video]. INTELECOM Online. Web.
Johnson, J. (2014). Case study clinical example CBT: First session with a client with symptoms of depression (CBT model). [Video]. YouTube. Web.
McLeod, J. (2013). An introduction to counselling (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.