MODULE 4: COUNSELLING TECHNIQUES
1. Behaviour Modification and Systematic Desensitization
2. Psychotherapy-Transactional Analysis
3. Person-cantered therapy
4. Cognitive Behaviour Modification
Behaviour Modification
Definition:
Behavior Modification is a counseling technique that focuses on identifying and
changing maladaptive behaviors that are causing distress or problems in a person's
life.
Behavior Modification involves:
1. Identifying the problem behavior: The counselor and client work together to
identify the specific behavior that needs to be changed.
2. Assessing the behavior: The counselor assesses the frequency, duration, and
intensity of the problem behavior.
3. Setting goals: The counselor and client set specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for changing the behavior.
4. Developing a behavior change plan: The counselor and client develop a plan to
change the behavior, which may include reinforcement, punishment, or other
techniques.
5. Implementing the plan: The client implements the behavior change plan, and the
counselor provides support and feedback.
6. Evaluating progress: The counselor and client evaluate the client's progress in
changing the behavior.
Some common techniques used in Behavior Modification include:
1. Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviors to increase their frequency.
2. Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase the
frequency of a desired behavior.
3. Punishment: Imposing an unpleasant stimulus to decrease the frequency of an
undesired behavior.
4. Extinction: Ignoring or removing reinforcement for an undesired behavior to
decrease its frequency.
5. Shaping: Gradually building a desired behavior by reinforcing small steps towards
it.
6. Chaining: Breaking down a complex behavior into smaller steps and reinforcing
each step.
Treat: OCD, ADHD, Anxiety disorder, phobias, bedwetting (enuresis), GAD etc..
Theory base: Skinner (1904-1990) formulated concept of operant conditioning,
through which behaviour could be shaped by reinforcement or lack of it.
Eg: Time out: A form of punishment.
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic Desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique used to help individuals
overcome phobias or anxiety disorders by gradually exposing them to the feared
object, situation, or activity in a controlled and safe environment.
It is a Counter Conditioning method based on classical conditioning of Ivan Pavlov
that treat anxiety by getting the person to associate deep relaxation with increasing
intense of feeling.
Steps/ The process involves:
1. Identifying the feared object/situation: The client and therapist identify the
specific object, situation, or activity that triggers anxiety or fear.
2. Creating a hierarchy: The client and therapist create a hierarchy of situations
related to the feared object/situation, ranging from least to most anxiety-provoking.
3. Relaxation training: The client learns relaxation techniques, such as deep
breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization, to help manage anxiety.
4. Gradual exposure: The client is gradually exposed to each situation in the
hierarchy, starting with the least anxiety-provoking, while using relaxation techniques
to manage anxiety.
5. Processing and reinforcement: After each exposure, the client processes their
experience and receives reinforcement for their progress.
The goals of Systematic Desensitization are:
Reduce anxiety: Gradually reduce anxiety and fear associated with the feared
object/situation.
Increase coping skills: Help the client develop effective coping skills and
relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
Improve functioning: Improve the client's daily functioning and quality of life
by reducing avoidance behaviors.
Psychotherapy
Definition
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a type of treatment that involves talking
with a trained therapist to learn how to manage and overcome various mental health
issues, emotional challenges, and behavioral problems.
There are several types of psychotherapy, including:
1. Transactional Analysis (TA): A method of psychotherapy that analyzes
social interactions to understand behavior.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing
negative thought patterns and behaviors.
3. Psychodynamic therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts, feelings, and
experiences that contribute to current problems.
4. Humanistic therapy: Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and
self-directed change.
5. Family therapy: Involves the entire family in the therapeutic process to
improve communication and relationships.
6. Group therapy: Involves a small group of people with similar issues or
concerns, led by a trained therapist.
Psychotherapy can have numerous benefits, including:
1. Improved mental health: Effective in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression,
trauma, and other mental health conditions.
2. Increased self-awareness: Helps you understand your thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors, and develop a better understanding of yourself.
3. Better relationships: Improves communication skills and helps you develop
healthier relationships with others.
4. Coping skills: Teaches you effective coping skills and strategies to manage stress,
anxiety, and other emotions.
5. Personal growth: Helps you develop a more positive self-image, build confidence,
and achieve personal goals.
Transactional Analysis (TA)
What is Transactional Analysis?
A method of psychotherapy that analyzes social interactions to understand behavior.
Transactional Analysis is a way of understanding how people interact with each other.
It was developed by Eric Berne.
Transactions:
A "transaction" is when two people interact with each other. There are three types of
transactions:
1. Complementary: When two people are in the same ego state (e.g., two Adults).
2. Crossed: When two people are in different ego states (e.g., one Parent and one
Child).
3. Ulterior: When there's a hidden message or intention behind the interaction.
Person-Centered Therapy
Father of Person-Centered Therapy
Carl Rogers (1902-1987) is considered the father of Person-Centered Therapy.
Definition
Person-Centered Therapy is a humanistic approach to therapy that focuses on the
client's subjective experience, personal growth, and self-actualization. It emphasizes
the therapeutic relationship and the client's inherent capacity for self-directed change.
Major Elements
The major elements of Person-Centered Therapy include:
1. Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist provides a non-judgmental,
accepting, and empathetic attitude towards the client.
2. Empathic Understanding: The therapist strives to understand the client's subjective
experience, feelings, and perspectives.
3. Congruence: The therapist is genuine, authentic, and transparent in their
interactions with the client.
4. Client-Centered: The client is the primary focus of the therapy, and the therapist
follows the client's lead in exploring their concerns.
5. Non-Directive: The therapist avoids giving advice, making interpretations, or
imposing their own views on the client.
6. Self-Actualization: The therapist trusts in the client's inherent capacity for self-
directed growth, self-awareness, and self-acceptance.
Cognitive Behavior Modification (CBM)
Cognitive Behavior Modification (CBM)
1. Focus: Identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors.
2. Goal: Replace maladaptive thoughts and behaviors with more adaptive ones.
3. Techniques: Cognitive restructuring, self-monitoring, exposure, and reinforcement.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
1. Definition: A problem-focused approach that helps individuals understand how
thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected.
2. Key components: Cognitive restructuring, exposure, skills training, and homework
assignments.
3. Goals: Identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and
improve problem-solving abilities.
4. Techniques: Keeping a thought record, cognitive restructuring, exposure hierarchy,
and relaxation techniques.
5. Effective for: Anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), and drug abuse
