LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Five Counseling Theories and Approaches
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
10/2022
Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired
through conditioning, and conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.
Behaviorists believe that our actions are shaped by environmental stimuli. In simple terms,
according to this school of thought, also known as behavioral psychology, behavior can be
studied in a systematic and observable manner regardless of internal mental states. Behavioral
theory also says that only observable behavior should be studied, as cognition, emotions, and
mood are far too subjective. Strict behaviorists believe that any person regardless of genetic
background, personality traits, and internal thoughts can be trained to perform any task, within
the limits of their physical capabilities. It only requires the right conditioning.
Behaviorism, also known as behavioral psychology, is a theory of learning which states all
behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment through a process called
conditioning. Thus, behavior is simply a response to environmental stimuli. Behaviorism is only
concerned with observable stimulus-response behaviors, as they can be studied in a systematic
and observable manner. Behaviorism was formally established with the 1913 publication of
John B. Watson's classic paper, "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It." It is best summed up
by the following quote from Watson, who is often considered the father of behaviorism:
"Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them
up in and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of
specialist I might select—doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and
thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his
ancestors."
Simply put, strict behaviorists believe that all behaviors are the result of experience. Any
person, regardless of their background, can be trained to act in a particular manner given the
right conditioning. From about 1920 through the mid-1950s, behaviorism became the dominant
school of thought in psychology. Some suggest that the popularity of behavioral psychology
grew out of the desire to establish psychology as an objective and measurable science.
During that time, researchers were interested in creating theories that could be clearly
described and empirically measured, but also used to make contributions that might have an
influence on the fabric of everyday human lives. Behaviorism is primarily concerned with
observable behavior, as opposed to internal events like thinking and emotion:
The starting point for many behaviorists is a rejection of the introspection (the
attempts to "get inside people's heads") of the majority of mainstream psychology.
While behaviorists often accept the existence of cognitions and emotions, they
prefer not to study them as only observable (i.e., external) behavior can be
objectively and scientifically measured.
Although theorists of this perspective accept that people have "minds", they argue
that it is never possible to objectively observe people's thoughts, motives and
meanings - let alone their unconscious yearnings and desires.
Therefore, internal events, such as thinking should be explained through behavioral
terms (or eliminated altogether).
Five Counseling Theories and Approaches
Psychotherapy theories provide a framework for therapists and counselors to interpret a
client’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings and help them navigate a client’s journey from
diagnosis to post-treatment. Theoretical approaches are an understandably integral part of the
therapeutic process. But with so many different methods out there, how do you know which
counseling approach works best for you? Whether you’re a student learning about counseling
theories or a client looking for the right therapist, the following detailed descriptions will give
you a deeper understanding of each counseling method.
Psychoanalysis/Psychodynamic Theory
Psychoanalysis or psychodynamic theory, also known as the “historical perspective,” has its
roots with Sigmund Freud, who believed there were unconscious forces that drive behavior.
The techniques he developed, such as free association (freely talking to the therapist about
whatever comes up without censoring), dream analysis (examining dreams for important
information about the unconscious), and transference (redirecting feelings about certain
people in one’s life onto the therapist) are still used by psychoanalysts today.
In general, psychotherapists and counselors who use this approach direct much of their
focus and energy on analyzing past relationships and, in particular, traumatic childhood
experiences in relation to an individual’s current life. The belief is that by revealing and bringing
these issues to the surface, treatment and healing can occur. This theory is highly researched,
and as the field of neuroscience advances, counselors are finding how psychodynamic theory
can actually positively affect a client’s brain. Psychodynamic theory can be more time intensive
in comparison to some short-term theories because it involves changing deeply ingrained
behaviors and requires significant work on understanding one’s self.
Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory is based on the belief that behavior is learned. Classic conditioning is one
type of behavioral therapy that stems from early theorist Ivan Pavlov’s research. Pavlov
executed a famous study using dogs, which focused on the effects of a learned response (e.g., a
dog salivating when hearing a bell) through a stimulus (e.g., pairing the sound of a bell with
food).
B. F. Skinner developed another behavioral therapy approach, called operant conditioning.
He believed in the power of rewards to increase the likelihood of a behavior and punishments
to decrease the occurrence of a behavior. Behavioral therapists work on changing unwanted
and destructive behaviors through behavior modification techniques such as positive or
negative reinforcement.
Cognitive Theory
In the 1960s, psychotherapist Aaron Beck developed cognitive theory External. This
counseling theory focuses on how people’s thinking can change feelings and behaviors. Unlike
psychodynamic theory, therapy based on cognitive theory is brief in nature and oriented
toward problem solving. Cognitive therapists focus more on their client’s present situation and
distorted thinking than on their past. Cognitive and behavioral therapy are often combined as
one form of theory practiced by counselors and therapists. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or
CBT, has been found in research to help with a number of mental illnesses including anxiety,
personality, eating, and substance abuse disorders.
Humanistic Approach
Humanistic therapists care most about the present and helping their clients achieve their
highest potential. Instead of energy spent on the past or on negative behaviors, humanists
believe in the goodness of all people and emphasize a person’s self-growth and self-
actualization.
Humanistic theories include client-centered, gestalt, and existential therapies. Carl Rogers
developed client-centered therapy, which focuses on the belief that clients control their own
destinies. He believed that all therapists need to do is show their genuine care and interest.
Gestalt therapists’ work focuses more on what’s going on in the moment versus what is being
said in therapy. Existential therapists help clients find meaning in their lives by focusing on free
will, self-determination, and responsibility.
Holistic/Integrative Therapy
Holistic and integrative therapy involves integrating various elements of different theories
to the practice. In addition to traditional talk therapy, holistic therapy may include
nontraditional therapies such as hypnotherapy or guided imagery. The key is to use the
techniques and psychotherapy tools best suited for a particular client and problem.
