The text explores the origins of current counselling and psychotherapy practice, which can be traced back to psychiatry and psychology. It underscores the significance of critically evaluating theoretical evidence to support these points. Moreover, it draws attention to the similarities and differences between psychotherapy and counseling practices, considering their individual aims, objectives, and relevance to practice and therapeutic necessity. It is important to note that while counselling and psychotherapy originated from psychiatry or psychology, they are distinct domains separate from these two health practices.
In 1887, the field of psychotherapy emerged within psychiatry due to a shift towards science and capitalism in the nineteenth century. This change led to a fresh approach in addressing distress and mental health issues. Sigmund Freud introduced psychoanalysis during the early twentieth century. Following World War II, numerous respected psychoanalysts separated from Freud and dispersed throughout various countries like the UK, USA, and Europe.
Following that, various influential psychotherapists have developed distinct theories. Specifically, Erickson et al. introduced psychoanalysis, Rogers and Maslow focused on humanistic therapy, and Beck and Ellis emphasized cognitive-behavioral therapy. These theories have played a significant role in shaping the diverse range of therapies we have today. Both counseling and psychotherapy have become immensely popular and widely accepted. This journey towards growth, change, and independence has been relatively short but has resulted in inherent similarities between these professions.
Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) was an Austrian physician and the original founder of psychoanalysis. Originally a medical doctor, he later transitioned to clinical practice in neurophysiology. Alongside his two colleagues, Freud utilized hypnosis to aid patients with ‘hysterical symptoms’. This revelation prompted him to view hypnosis as equally effective as talking therapy. The notion of talking therapy then became the cornerstone for psychoanalysis and subsequent theories born from it.
According to Freud, human behavior is not consciously controlled, and he attributed psychological activity to three parts in the mind: the unconscious, the preconscious, and the conscious. Likewise, personality was divided into three parts: the id, the super ego, and the ego. Freud believed that each of these parts has a role in our approach to life. He also stressed that dream analysis and psychoanalysis are crucial for resolving conflicts stemming from our subconscious and unconscious mind.
Other important concepts in psychodynamic theory, such as the psychosexual stages of development, anxiety, defense mechanisms, and free association, are also significant. Carl Jung (1875 – 1961), who was initially aligned with Sigmund Freud’s ideas as his friend and colleague, eventually diverged from Freud’s school of thought in 1913. Jung had a strong fascination with mystical and magical subjects, Buddhism, and Hinduism, which influenced his own personality theory. Like Freud, Jung proposed three parts: the conscious mind (or ego), the personal unconscious, and the collective unconscious. However, their main point of departure was Freud’s interpretation of sexuality and libido. While acknowledging the importance of the sexual instinct like Freud did, Jung believed that it was one-sided. In contrast to Freud’s perspective on libido solely relating to sexuality, Jung’s theory encompasses spiritual, mystical,and creative meanings. His approach to psychoanalysis differs from conventional standpoint due to its broader foundation in personality theory.
According to Margaret Hough’s book “Counselling Skills and Theory 3rd Edition” (Hodder Education 2010), our personality contains a part called the collective unconscious based on Jung’s beliefs. This collective unconscious is made up of archetypes or models that hold our experiences within them; without these experiences,the archetypes would lack meaningThe archetypes are symbolic images described in detail by Jung. They include the mother, mana, shadow, persona, and anima & animus. The mother archetype allows us to instinctively recognize relationships based on our evolutionary environment. The mana archetype symbolizes perfection and drives us to search for meaning in life as a spiritual symbol. The shadow archetype represents the negative aspect of our personality and is responsible for cruel actions committed in the world. It has existed since pre-human existence. The persona archetype pertains to how we present ourselves and desire others to perceive us.
Wearing masks in social situations is a means of presenting ourselves, but it does not truly reflect our identity. Rather, it portrays an image that fits the given context. However, excessively relying on these masks can cause us to conceal our true selves and veer away from authenticity. The animus represents the male persona within females, while the anima embodies the female persona within males. These archetypes have persisted for centuries and are associated with sexuality, originating from observations and interactions with individuals of the opposite gender.
Other influential psychologists in the field of psychotherapy include Carl Rogers (1902-1987), who developed person-centred therapy, the most prominent approach within humanistic psychology, and B. F Skinner (1904-1990), known for his famous experiment called ‘The Skinner Box’ and his development of behaviorism as a theoretical framework. As mentioned earlier, there are numerous methods, ideas, and theories related to counseling and psychotherapy, which share similarities in terms of their applications.
According to the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), there is no universally accepted distinction between counselling and psychotherapy. The terms are used interchangeably in some well-established traditions, while others make a clear distinction between them. Any differences that exist typically pertain to the personal training, interests, and work environment of the psychotherapist or counsellor, rather than any inherent discrepancy between the two activities (BACP, 2009).
Both counselling and psychotherapy entail meeting the client in a private and confidential setting, where the counselor listens to the client’s emotional distress and strives to comprehend their experiences. The objective is to assist the client in either making changes or developing improved coping mechanisms, allowing them to gain clarity and alleviate their emotional distress.
Currently, there are regulatory bodies for counseling and psychotherapy but no legal requirements for training or qualifications. This allows anyone to claim the title of counselor and offer services without proper training or supervision. The UK Government is considering implementing legal minimal training requirements for counselors and psychotherapists, which could enhance client safety in the industry.
