Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Counselling
Counselling
Counselling
counselling similar? How are they able to aid medical professionals in disciplinary
proceedings?
Abstract
Counselling theories are varied and are often theoretically different at their origin. In the
1950s Humanistic psychology spawned person-centred therapy (Rogers, 1951) where the key
concept is the intrinsic human ability to “self-actualize”. The Solution Focused Therapy
approach (de Shazar et al, 1988; 1994) which was formulated much later, believes that
problems are not the issues to be dealt with, but the solutions and coping mechanisms of the
client are. Although different, the two approaches share a number of values and beliefs which
is promising for the unification of counselling theories into an individual scientific paradigm. In
relation to counselling medical professionals in disciplinary proceedings, both approaches
provide a very client orientated view which would be ideal in promoting self esteem and coping
strategies in such a stressful process.
Introduction
When someone has a dilemma or difficulty in their life, what is the difference between seeing
a qualified counsellor and a long chat with a well experienced individual (say, a parent)? The
fundamental thing to realise is that each professional counsellor will take their own approach
yet this will be underpinned by their theoretical perspective. Furthermore, theories in
counselling are based on psychological understanding and research. Each is developed from a
particular understanding of the way people function. One of the oldest and one of the newest
of the counselling theories are the person-centred and solution focused approaches
respectively. Although the theoretical basis for these two theories is different, are they
comparable? What are the issues surrounding their use in counselling? In recent years, an
increasing number of professional organisations have offered counselling for issues that their
members might encounter. Counsellors acting in such a service may have to aid employees
facing disciplinary procedures (for a number of reasons), a large number of which are often in
the medical profession due to the nature of the work, but how can they help? These theories
and issues are discussed here.
Counselling is a young technique that has only really found its niche in the last 50 years.
Therefore, the definition of what counselling entails is often a blurry one. The British
Association of Counselling defines it as “work with individuals and with relationships which
many be developmental, crisis support, psychotherapeutic, guiding or problem solving” (BAC,
1984). Others have stressed the importance of the professional relationship and reaching ‘self
determined goals’ (Burks and Stefflre, 1979). The cultural evolution that has been so key for
the practice has left definitions unclear and the range of different ideas that have been
involved through the years have made the move towards a unifying scientific paradigm very
difficult (Ellingham, 1997).
Following this, the theory underwent an evolution, consolidating the earlier ideas. The
resultant model of the therapeutic relationship included what Rogers (1957) called the
“necessary and sufficient” conditions of empathy, congruence and acceptance. The condition
of empathy required the therapist to experience an understanding of a clients “inner world” as
if it were their own and communicate this to the client. The condition of congruence required
that the therapist be is genuine and transparent with the client. Acceptance, otherwise known
as unconditional positive regard for the client meant that the therapist should always accept or
value the client as a person, despite any behaviour that they might display.
Rogers’ formulation of the person centred approach was very much based on trust in the
client’s humanity, and like most humanistic psychologist, the belief the humans are self-
actualizing1. Indeed, it is supposedly this actualisation that is the motivation for change in the
client (Van Belle, 1990). As Rogers himself put it (1986b, page 198), person-centred
counselling “depends on the actualizing tendency present in every living organism’s tendency
to grow, to develop, to realize its full potential. This way of being trusts the constructive
directional flow of the human being toward a more complex and complete development.” The
theory identifies that it is the directional flow towards actualization that is to be release by the
therapist.
The basic person-centred value is that the authority of the person rests in the person rather
than in an outside expert (Bozarth, 1990a). This gives emphasis to the internal (i.e., the
client’s) rather than the external (i.e., the therapist’s) view. Clients are allowed to go at their
own pace and to pursue their growth in their unique ways. The external view is meaningless in
the therapy process since the only function of the therapist is to facilitate the client’s
actualizing process. Rogers thought the client should be approached naively without
preconceptions as a unique individual and be allowed to develop his/her own therapy process.
The assumption was that a client's innate actualizing tendency could be fostered most
effectively by the creation of a distinctive interpersonal environment fundamentally based on
the trust and respect. The therapist's basic task is to listen with respect and understanding
and help the client to clarify his/her feelings and thoughts as they are expressed to the
therapist.
All counsellors agree that a good client relationship is necessary of effective treatment.
However, most modern counsellors feel that more than just a relationship with the client is
needed for constructive change and therefore they often require a set of interventions in
addition. These helping strategies are chosen specifically by the counsellor for each patient,
1
Maslow also used “self-actualization” in many of his theories.
sometimes considering a relative probability of success for the client. These Interventions
often reflect the theoretical standpoint of the counsellor although some counsellors are more
eclectic in their approach and therefore prefer a variety.
One of the more recently developed theories in use in modern counselling is known as
Solution-Focused therapy (SFT). SFT is an approach to counselling based upon the building of
solutions rather than more specific problem-solving. It delves into current resources and
future hopes of the client rather than present problems and past causes. The approach was
first developed by de Shazer et al (1986) and it originated from an interest in what were
identified as “inconsistencies” in problem behaviour. The group noted that however serious,
fixed or chronic the problem there were always exceptions and these exceptions could contain
the origins of the client’s own solution. de Shazer (1988, 1994) and Berg (Berg, 1991; Berg &
Miller, 1992) also found that the clearer a client was about their goals the more likely it was
that they were achieved. Finding ways to elicit and describe future goals has since become
intrinsic to SFT. Theoretically, the approach was evolved from problem focused therapy2 but
believes that problems are not the issue to be dealt with, the solutions are.
To build a picture of a client’s preferred future the counsellor needs to get a picture of where
the client wants to get to, without the problem that has led them to counselling. The miracle
question was devised with this in mind: ‘Suppose that tonight, while you are sleeping, a
miracle happens and the problem that has been troubling you sorts itself out overnight… what
would you see the next morning that would let you know the miracle had happened? What
would you find yourself doing the day after the miracle, what would others notice you doing?’
(Lethem, 2002; Iveson, 2002). The counsellor then looks for exceptions to the problem in the
client’s life and highlights any success and resources they might have. The idea is to empower
the client in taking control over their own change and affirming the client as an expert
(Greenberg & Ganshorn, 2001; Saunders, 1996). A counsellor may also use “Scales” where 10
equals the achievement of all goals and zero is the worst possible scenario. The client is asked
to identify his or her current position and the point of sufficient satisfaction. Within this
framework it is possible to define objectives, what the client is already doing to achieve them
and what the next step might be (Greenberg & Ganshorn, 2001).
Although the approaches of person-centred therapy and solution-focused therapy have taken
a very different theoretical evolution, they seem to have a number of features that take the
same view (Hales, 1999). Primarily, both approaches highlight the strengths and resources of
2
This is another counselling theory that was developed just before SFT. The main writers were: Weakland
et al., 1974; Watzlawick, Weakland, & Fisch, 1974; Fisch, Weakland, & Segal, 1982.
the client during the process. The belief by person-centred counsellors, that clients are “self-
actualizing” (Rogers, 1961) is played upon explicitly by STF in identifying strengths and
resources to a client (Saunders 1998). From a person centred approach, the emphasis placed
on these factors by SFT is directly facilitating the self- actualization of the client.
In addition, both approaches look at the “whole picture” of the client’s situation. The
importance of the whole person in person-centred counselling equates to interest in the whole
context of a person’s life in STF (Iveson, 2002). SFT acts on what the exceptions to the
problem there are in other areas. It is seen as useful to point out the wider context of a clients
difficulties without belittling them (Lethem, 1994), and this equates very much to the person-
centred approach’s gestalt view of looking at the whole and not just individual parts of a
person (Rogers, 1980).
It is clear that person-centred therapists like to believe that the client is “in-charge” of the
counselling process and that it is the client that makes all the judgements about experiences
and decisions. Again, it seems that SFT uses this idea much more explicitly and clients are
often asked directly what they want out of counselling, how they want to change and how they
would know when the counselling has done its job. Both approaches seem to share an
emphasis on the client making the decisions during the process even though in SFT, the
therapist may seem to be much more active (Hales, 1999).
It is clear and obvious from the evaluation of the two approaches that they share many of the
same beliefs and values, yet STF makes them much more explicit to all parties involved. Some
have posited that there is a lack of empathy in SFT (Hales, 1999) but as Letham (1994) points
out “acknowledgement is the hidden ingredient of solution focused therapy”, and is often used
to find a starting point for solution strategies.
Ethical Considerations
McLeod (1993) notes that many, if not most people who seek counselling are dealing with a
moral dilemma of sorts. In person-centred counselling and STF, many of the decisions that will
be made throughout the process will have some moral and ethical components. Although in
these approaches the focus is on the client to make the decisions, the counsellor must subtly
influence the ones that will most help the client.
The level of disclosure and the relationships that are formed between clients and counsellors
often means that information discussed is of a very detailed and personal nature to the client,
and may involve several other parties. Determining the appropriate course to take when faced
with a difficult ethical dilemma can be a challenge, especially as the need for trust in the
client-counsellor relationship is so vital for success. Indeed, such is the prevalence of ethical
dilemmas in the field of counselling the ACA has even developed an “Ethical Decision Making
Model” using work combined from several authors3.
1. Autonomy is the principle that addresses the concept of independence and allowing an
individual a freedom of choice and action. In doing this, it must be remembered that the client
should be helped to understand how their decisions and their values may or may not be
received within the context of the society in which they live, and how they may impinge on the
rights of others. Also, a consideration of the client's ability to make sound and rational
decisions is necessary and clients not capable of making competent choices should not be
allowed to act on decisions that could harm themselves or others.
2. Non-maleficence is the principle of not causing harm to others and reflects both the
idea of not inflicting intentional harm, and not engaging in actions that risk harming others
(Forester-Miller & Rubenstein, 1992).
4. The principle of Justice does not mean treating all individuals the same. Kitchener
(1984) points out that the formal meaning of justice is "treating equals equally and unequals
unequally but in proportion to their relevant differences" (page 49).
When exploring an ethical dilemma, examining the situation and seeing how each of the five
principles may relate to that particular case can help clarify the issues enough that the means
for resolving the dilemma become obvious and an ethical decision to be made.
Counselling is now a wide spread phenomena, and more often than not, you will be able to
find a counsellor for any type of problem. In a career related context, counsellors have been
used in areas such as career development and by organisations in the form of EAPs. There is
no doubt that these sorts of schemes are successful. Borrill et al (1988) evaluated two NHS
trust staff counselling services, finding a reduction in the proportion of clients with significant
levels of psychological disturbance from 87 per cent at intake to 27 per cent after an average
of five sessions. In a study into counselling provision in the Post Office, Cooper & Sadri (1991)
found marked reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as significant
organisational benefits.
Yet, one of the most stressful times for an employee is when they are parting with their
employer on bad terms. Employees undergoing disciplinary action will be not only
3
The model is a combination of work from Van Hoose and Paradise (1979), Kitchener (1984), Stadler,
(1986, Haas and Malouf (1989), Forester-Miller and Rubenstein (1992) and Sileo and Kopala, (1993)
experiencing a stressful battle against an organisation that, no doubt, has more money than
they do, but also have to deal with unemployment and the emotional consequences of the
whole situation. Such individuals can look to their professional body or GP for support and
referral to a counsellor (Herrington et al, 2003). Indeed, many employees do not seek the
support of a counsellor in such situations, yet it is much more common in the medial
profession than most others. The reason for this is largely due to the severity of incident that
such a professional will be facing. Medical professionals have patient’s lives in their hands on a
daily basis and medical negligence can lead to loss of life or serious damage. The stress of this
situation places health care professionals at risk of many mental health problems (Higgs,
1995). It also means that individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol while at work (Gossop et
al, 2000), and this can lead to severe consequences.
When disasters do occur, there is a long procedure before any disciplinary action is taken. This
involves several written reports by all parties involved. If the view is taken that professional
misconduct contributed to the occurrence of the disaster then formal disciplinary action will
usually be taken to protect the credibility of the hospital and shield it from criticism
(Aitkenhead, 1997). There is also the possibility that the medical professional will also
undertake criminal investigation and/or civil litigation depending on the circumstances. Indeed
the effects of such a process on the medical professional can be harsh. Charles (1987) found
that 59% of American physicians in such a situation experienced depression or other
psychological symptoms. 57% found that their family life suffered as a consequence and 14%
reported a loss of self-confidence.
Counselling for professionals in such a situation can be obtained from their professional body
or GP referral. Since 1996 the British Medical Association (BMA), has run a confidential
counselling service for members and their families. Between 2001 and 2002 the service took
over 10,000 calls and received around 150 calls a month. The latest report noted that the
service receives more than 10 calls a month related to employment issues. In a similar
manner, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) counselling service also provides free employment
law advice to all its members which could be utilized in a circumstance involving disciplinary
action.
The use of person-centred counselling or SFT in a state of affairs such as this would be useful
in raising the self-esteem of the client and helping them cope with the stress of the situation.
The idea that clients develop their own solutions and “actualization” may greatly empower
someone who is feeling like they are facing a fight against an unstoppable foe (such as a huge
medical organisation). It may also aid the strain on the family life of these professionals, who
may find counselling as a useful emotional outlet, so as pent up tension is not directed
towards their family. The perspective of the person-centred approach and STF is also much
more suited to helping in a disciplinary situation than psychodynamic counselling as the
problem is certainly not related childhood, but is developed from a real-life concrete
experience.
Conclusions
There have been several calls for modern day counselling to pull together to find a unifying
paradigm to enhance the credibility of the practice (Ellingham, 1997). The fact that person
centred counselling and STF, originated from different theoretical backgrounds and are now
able to demonstrate very simple similarities is promising for this goal. However, maybe one of
the strengths of counselling is its ability to offer such a variety of options for a prospective
client. In the more specific case of disciplinary action, the focus on “self” by both person-
centred and STF approaches makes either approach suitable for counselling such a difficulty.
Ideally, the issues to be dealt with are the self-esteem of the client, and their ability to cope
with the disciplinary process. Medical professional will often have to deal with more than just
disciplinary proceedings and therefore counselling would be need to deal with several issues all
resulting from a singular incident. The fact the many professional organisations (such as the
BMA and RCN) have counselling services for their members is encouraging for the future of
counselling as a credible practice that can be used to help individuals facing seemingly
hopeless situations such a disciplinary action.
References
Aitkenhead, A.R. (1997). Anaesthetic disasters: handling the aftermath. Anaesthesia, 52:
477-482.
Berg, I.K. (1991). Family Preservation: A Brief Therapy Workbook. London: BT Press.
Borrill C S, et al (1998). Stress among staff in NHS trusts – final report. Sheffield: Institute
of Work Psychology, University of Sheffield.
Bozarth, J. D. (1990). The essence of client-centered & person-centered therapy. In G.
Lietaer, J. Rombauts, & R. VanBalen (Eds).Client-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy
Towards the Nineties. Leuven: Katholieke Universiteit te Leuven, 88-99.
Burks H M, Stefflre B (1979). Theories of counselling. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Charles S.C. (1987). Malpractice suits: their effect on doctors, patients and families. Journal
of the Medical Association of Georgia, 76: 171-175.
Cooper C L and Sadri G (1991). The impact of stress counselling at work. Journal of
Behaviour and Personality 6(7): 411 – 423.
de Shazer, S. (1985). Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. New York: Norton.
de Shazer, S. (1988). Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy. New York: Norton.
de Shazer, S. (1994). Words were Originally Magic. New York: Norton.
de Shazer, s., Berg, K.I., Lipchik, E., et al (1986). Brief Therapy: focused solution
development. Family Process, 25, 207-221.
Ellingham, I. (1997). On the Quest for a Person-Centred Paradigm. Counselling, 8, 52-55.
Forester-Miller, H. & Rubenstein, R.L. (1992). Group Counselling: Ethics and Professional
Issues. In D. Capuzzi & D. R. Gross (Eds.) Introduction to Group Counselling (307-323).
Denver, CO: Love Publishing Co.
George, E, Iveson, C., & Ratner, H. (1999). Problems to solutions: Brief Therapy with
Individuals and Families. London: BT Press.
Gossop, M., Stephens, S., Stewart, D., Marshall, J., Bearn, J. and Strang, J. (2001).
Health Care Professionals referred for treatment of alcohol and drug problems. Alcohol &
Alcoholism. 36(2): 160-164.
Greenberg, G.R. et al (2001). Solution-focused therapy. A Counselling model for busy
family physicians. Canadian Family Physician, 47: 2289-2295.
Hales, J. (1999). Person-Centred Counselling and Solution Focused Therapy. Counselling, 10,
233-236.
Hales (1989). Feeling and meaning in client-centred therapy. Counselling, 67.
Herrington, P., Baker, R., Gibson, S.L. & Golden, S. (2003). GP referrals for counselling:
a review. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 17(3): 263-271.
Higgs, R. (1995). Doctors in crisis: creating a strategy for mental health in health care work.
In health Risks to the Health Care Professional, ed. Litchfield, P., Po. 115-131. Royal College
of Physiciams, London.
Iveson, C. (2002). Solution-Focused brief therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 8:
149-157.
Kitchener, K.S. (1984). Intuition, critical evaluation and ethical principles: the foundation for
ethical decisions in Counselling psychology. Counselling Psychologist, 12: 43-55.
Lethem, J. (1994). Moved to Tears, moved to Action: Solution Focused Brief Therapy with
Women and Children. London: BT Press.
Lethem, J. (2002). Brief Solution Focused Therapy. Child and Adolescent Mental Health,
7(4): 189-192.
Mahrer, A. (1989). The integration of psychotherapies: A guide for practicing therapists.
New York: Human Science Press.
McLeod, J. (1993). An introduction to Counselling. Open University Press.
Rogers, C. (1942). Counselling and Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Rogers, C. (1951). Client-Centred Therapy: Its current Practice, Implications and Theory.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Rogers, C. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality
change. Journal of consulting psychology, 21:95-103.
Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin.
Rogers, C. & Dymond, R.F. (eds) (1954). Psychotherapy and Personality Change. Chicago:
university of Chicago Press.
Rogers, C.R. (1986b). Client-centered approach to therapy. In I.L. Kutash & A. Wolf (Eds.),
Psychotherapist's casebook: Theory and technique in practice (pp. 197-208). San Francisco:
Jossey Bass.
Rogers, C. (1980). A way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Royal College of Nursing (2002). Counselling for staff in health service settings. London:
RCN.
Saunders C. (1998). Solution focused therapy: what works? Counselling, 9(1): 45-48.
Saunders, C. (1996). Solution-Focused Therapy in Practice. Counselling, 7, 312-316.
Truax, C.B. (1966). Reinforcement and non-reinforcement in Rogerian psychotherapy.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 71:1-9.
Van Belle, H.A. (1990). Rogers’ later move towards mysticism: implications for client-
centred therapy. In G. Lietaer, J. Rombauts and R. Van Balen (eds), Client-Centredabd
Experimental Therapy in the Ninties. Leuven: Leuven University Press.