The Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy

By Dr. Suzanne LaCombe, April 2006.

Reviewed by: Dr. Tracy Halpen (My Psychic Therapist)

And, by:Dr. Carole Gaato (My Therapy Sucks)

I think several issues surface for new clients that relate to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Addressing their concerns early, helps them to transition to the therapeutic process.

As you are well aware, we all approach counseling with the desire to know ourselves, but with a fear of what we might find. This ambivalence shows up in our cultural myths about psychotherapy.

My Personal Musings

When these underground issues are not identified and resolved it can affect the client's commitment to the process. In other words, it can mean the difference between a client that "shops" for three or four sessions and one who is commited to the process.

As you know, it is often the latter clients that provide the meaningful exchanges that inspires many of us to pursue this profession.

Brief Overview

The following articles are based on an holistic approach to counseling with an appreciation for what recent advances in neuroscience reveals. The section is heavily linked with Psychotherapy Practice and Counseling Issues where I have defined common terms and their relevance for psychotherapy.

One of the tenets of MyShrink's approach to the theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy is the notion that as therapists we can benefit our clients most, when we have done our own work. So as you read this article, imagine yourself as client. I have written it using the first person tense.

I refer to what "good counseling" or a "good therapist" potentially offers. I don't have a quick definition of what constitutes "good counseling" and a "good therapist" but I will share with you some ideas from clinical practice and neuroscience to help you define what this means to you. I think you might agree that it is the job of all therapists to do this for themselves.

When I speak of 'change' I am referring to embodied change that occurs in the secure relationship with a therapist. I am not referring to mere symptom reduction, although that is certainly a necessary part of good counseling. For more information on change you might enjoy reading, Holistic Psychotherapy and Changing from the Inside Out.