Counseling Techniques Demonstrated in the Videos
Solution-Focused Approach
The solution-focused approach has some features that distinguish it from other approaches in the work of psychologists. The problematic situation that the client is dealing with in this approach is not the subject of attention or investigation by the psychotherapist. Moreover, work is possible, but it excludes talking about the problem. The client and therapist focus on the present and future, not the past. This approach is based on the idea that effective, sustainable changes can be achieved without referring to the problem’s history or its associated effects. Therefore, the alliance in this approach is resource-based and supportive.
Support
The method developers, Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer, express several ideas regarding the use of the method while treating substance use disorder. The therapists used support as a warming technique to build rapport with the client. In addition, establishing a trustworthy connection was possible due to the individual’s total perception of the present moment. They also used several methods, including asking the coping question, “How will you ensure you take your job? (Insoo, 2000, 00:26:14). It allows clients to take responsibility for their lives.
StrengthsFinder
In addition, the therapists offered another tool, StrengthsFinder. This means a person has to find some qualities, activities, or other things that make them feel enlightened (Insoo, 2000). Moreover, the author of the method applied a scaling question to ensure that the clients could appraise themselves. She asked if a client with substance abuse could evaluate her condition after a few therapeutic interventions.
Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy
The other type of therapy to treat addictions is rational-emotive behavioral therapy (REBT). This direction is based on the theory that people experiencing psychological discomfort rely on irrational judgments in their thoughts and actions. The main task of REPT is to change emotions by influencing the content of thoughts (Ellis, 2009). The emotion in this or that situation depends on how a person interprets the event. Thus, not external events and people that cause negative feelings, but his thoughts about these events.
Application of Techniques to Patients with Substance Use Disorder
During the session, Albert Ellis establishes rapport by asking questions, allowing a client to open up. The therapist does not judge a client but instead encourages him to explore his feelings when he takes drugs. It enables a trusting connection, and the client starts disclosing more precise details about his experience. Ellis used a cognitive restructuring technique by making a client fear what he faced—the idea of being a bad person—which allowed for debunking the fear (Ellis, 2009).
Moreover, the therapist used directives to activate the events by asking the client to imagine some situations, tell what he feels, and take other actions. Such a strategy was helpful in terms of retrieving one’s emotions and seeing what needs were hidden behind them (Ellis, 2009). Finally, Ellis efficiently applied visualization to worsen the client’s imagined situation and make him debunk his own beliefs. Hence, this approach is more focused on one’s emotions and handling rather than taking direct steps to find a solution.
Preferred Counseling Methodology and Rationale
I prefer REPT because appealing to one’s emotions sounds more to my liking, as it is easy to discover needs hidden behind a feeling or behavior. This method makes clients presuppose possible outcomes and attempt to dissolve their myths. In addition, I greatly appreciate cognitive-behavioral therapy as it enables me to accurately define a person’s behaviors and enact new ones in my daily routine to improve my life, especially in cases of substance abuse.
References
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy for Addictions. Ellis, A. (Director). (2009). [Video/DVD] Psychotherapy.net. Web.
Solution Focused Therapy, Part 2. Insoo, K. B. (Director). (2000). [Video/DVD] Allyn and Bacon. Web.