Analysis of specialist Humanistic approach

Feeling overwhelmed by problems can give clients a sense of sinking deeper beneath their difficulties and where time can appear to stand still (Hudson-Allez, 2008). So, how can a therapeutic approach determine the length of time needed for clients to self-heal; without running risk of therapy being cut short and without feeding into client’s ideas of therapy offering an immediate solution (Cooper, 2017)? Any counselling that has a time limit (up to 20 sessions) is classed as brief therapy and consists of two positions (Bor, et al, 2004). These differ by either being intentionally set to deliver a directive mode to address an issue in the short term; or being time limited by choice or circumstance and not being a driver to move towards a goal (Feltham, 1997). Although other understandings of working briefly do exist (Bor, 2003). Furthermore, Hudson- Allez (2008) conclude that therapy is not cut short if therapy is not long term and highlight that if strategically short in its approach, it helps focus the work and clients can consciously utilise time productively (Hudson -Allez, 2008).

Several approaches are recognised as Brief therapy (Feltham, 1997). In the 1980’s, Steve de Shazer (1940-2004) developed Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) by trying to solve clients visible change to problems in a more positive and focused way (Barker, et al, 2010), which is pragmatic rather than theoretical in approach (De Shazer and Dolan, 2007). Macdonald (2007) stated that: ‘Goals for therapy will be chosen by the client and that clients themselves have the resources to change’ (Macdonald, 2011, p. 8). Brief therapists focus on expectations to the problem, strengths and future goals (Feltham, 1997). In SFBT clients are encouraged to find their own solutions (Macdonald, 2011). All Brief models share the same approach and share the Humanistic principles that individuals can recognise their own potential and that human beings are capable to heal their own psychological hurt (Postle, et al, 1989). Yet, SFBF directive techniques contradict the principles of Person- Centred Therapy (PCT) as it prevents therapy being solely client lead (Hayley, 1993). Although another brief therapy model called counselling for Depression (CfD) fits with Emotion Focused Therapy elements that arise from PCT (Elliott, et al, 2003).

However, Feltham (2002) found that clients who are too distressed emotionally are unable to access tangible thought processes (Feltham, 2002). Therefore, it can be argued that Brief therapy may be useful to help clients access the knowledge clients already possess, though it is important to still maintain humanistic position (Tudor, 2008). Bor, et al (2004) argues that, the therapist helps the client to re-establish his connectedness with hopefulness for the future and possibilities for the future and possibilities for the present as well as looking at the past (Bor, et al, 2004, p.7). Campli (2015) concluded that we get to develop a new and improved equilibrium of the solution (Campli, 2015). Time-limited approaches are especially useful in helping clients be more realistic with having above high expectations of life’ (Cooper, 2017).

Brief therapy models share the Humanistic principles that individuals can recognise their own potential and that human beings are capable of change (Schneider, et al, 2015), which supports ethical principles (Bond, 1997) (see Appendix I). Moreover, the Humanistic counsellor regards a human being’s experience as a passive entity which cannot be precisely measured (Braud and Anderson, 1998). Thus, by selecting a specific issue set out to be resolved within a specific time frame, runs risks to only acknowledging only a part of the clients difficulties and may miss or trigger deeper rooted issues that may prevent the client from creating and encouraging change (Prochaska,et al, 1994). Feltham and Horton (2006) argued that: ‘cheating clients out of what they really need; encouraging superficial, transient ‘flight into health’ and possible symptom substitution; as overly problem focused instead of growth promoting’ (Feltham and Horton, 2006, p. 494). However brief therapy depends greatly on not only the client’s willingness and capacity to change, though, any disbelief the therapist may have about the rational of working can negatively influence the therapeutic work (Feltham and Horton, 2006). Hayley (1993) found that: ‘the therapist takes responsibility for directly influencing people’ (Hayley, 1993, p.17). Additionally, Bor, et al, (2004) argued that, maintaining emotional distance, complete neutrality or making the occasional prompting gesture will not help to achieve the level of engagement and security needed to work in a time sensitive way. (Bor, et al, 2004, p.6)

Feltham (2010) concluded that research suggests that most clients frequently benefited more from around six sessions rather than longer term therapy (Feltham, 2010). However, if difficulties develop over a lengthy time, must it be acknowledged that they are likely take time to resolve? (Beckett and Taylor, 2016). Bandler (1997) found that human brains learn better quickly rather than over a lengthy time period (Bandler, 1993). By focusing on a problem this can raise conflict to the Humanistic practitioner and without collaboration between client and practitioner, the Humanistic principles may become ambiguous (Whitton, 2003). Feltham (2010) argued that: ‘sometimes the removal of one symptom does lead to the emergence of another’ (Feltham, 2010, p. 26). This is supported by Dormar, et al, (1989) who observed how difficulties within therapy have been shown to connect to low levels of agreement regarding goal setting (Barker, et al, 2010). However, pushing clients forward too soon may leave them feeling unable to deal with problems that are future orientated (Mitchelmore, 2015). However, research shows that what matters most to create change (Shazer, et al, 2007). Moreover, Bor, et al (2004) suggest that working briefly is more about connecting to clients, rather than seeing briefly from a viewpoint of time (Bor et al., 2004). In therapy, quality overrides quantity, the quality of the relationship and the quality of the moment (Watzlawick et al, 1974). Thus, the richness and quality of the client counsellor conversation defines outcomes (Bor, et al., 2004).

I began my training in open ended counselling and have continued to assume that I should not limit client’s therapy nature, unless on client’s requests. I respect the self-determination of the client from the moment the client makes contact or enters therapy. I follows client’s pace until he or she decides to place a limit on the length of therapy or choose to discontinue the therapy. I believe that therapy is all about accompanying the client on their journey to enable growth at their own pace. However, I like both brief and long-term therapy and I feel that it depends on the individual, the therapist, the therapeutic interventions, any socio-political influences and mostly the relationship to how therapeutic change can be achieved. I have come to understand therapeutic benefits and also noticed significant change in short term therapy. I agree with MacDonald (2011) that any change is likely to broaden the client’s phenomenological field.

Any short term or long-term work endings may become a healing experience for the client or a troubling experience if the ending triggers unexpected emotions and time is limited to help support the ending further (Feltham and Dryden, 2006). Cooper (2017) argued that, that the ending will inevitably evoke emotional response in clients -such as fear, anger or sadness. (Cooper, 2017, p.163). However, therapy can continue to create change within the client beyond the last therapeutic session.

Although I have not intentionally incorporated brief therapy into my practice, I feel that I have naturally adapted to work in this way that is more focused and positive. From a young age I remember using my imagination to create fairy tales to share with friends and the creativity aspect of brief therapy fits my personal philosophy. My creativity is stimulated in how I am moved by how my client conveys their story and I communicate what I pick up on as the essence of what is present in the room (verbal and bodily expressions). Bringing my own sense within the therapeutic relationship of what the client is sharing I feel fosters client autonomy. Whitton (2003) found that, ‘both client and therapist are part of the same process’ (Whitton, 2003, p. 63).

The use of occasional metaphoric language can describe a picture, analogy or simply a phrase that may broaden the clients expressions and bring further meaning – I feel it brings to life and expands upon a mutual understanding of the clients expressions, and it is within these transactions a space may arise that can be communicated by metaphors (Gordon, 1978). Hayley (1993) stated that: ‘One way to deal with a problem is to communicate in terms of an analogy, or metaphor’ (Hayley 1993, p. 26) (see Appendix I).

I also pay attention to social life stressors and anything else that might be influencing the client’s world in a negative or positive way. Barker, et al, (2004) argued that: ‘Counsellors working within mental health organisations might have the clout to push for clients getting support’ (Barker et al, 2004, p. 340). I constructively support client’s greater control of their situation and more possibilities in generating change, whereby I am situated on the same page as the client, which may involve a goal consensus (Duncan et al, 2009).

When practicing SFBF in a lecture practice session, I found that I was far less engaged with the client and more focused on how to respond, which felt non humanistic and unlike myself. Brief therapy techniques help widen the client’s lens, but I choose not to consistently use these as practiced in brief work (Feltham, 1997). I agree with Hoyt (1995) about how there is no time for leisure when we are time sensitive, and notice I bring sharper focus to my practice. I review therapy to acknowledge and explore the clients therapeutic process, which may invite an ending placed on therapy. By therapy being prolonged, the client may become stigmatised to believe that there is no solution to their recovery (Hayley, 1993). The study also argued that, ‘the therapeutic relationship in itself can prevent, rather than improve’.

I have a driver in me for my client to find all the best resources within them that can help them heal and intuitively will know and trust not to push this beyond their abilities and will follow the clients pace every step in the here and now no matter how dark this place and will hold the hope within me until the client is ready to move through to a desired place. Freeth (2007) argued that: ‘we must become the change we want to see in the world’ (Freeth, 2007, p.175). This fits with my own principle. While working with my client I focus on the potential and sense a positive driver in me. Saunders and Hill (2014 p.123) argue that: ‘CfD remains a ‘potentiality model’ rather than a deficiency model’. I always ensuring that my clients feel that changes are possible as per Bor et al., (2004).

In conclusion, there lies value in therapists employing a more directive manner and participation in helping clients change their lives; without the need to pay more focus on insight and reflection that is mirrored in open-ended counselling (Bryant-Jeffries, 2003). However, evidence is always based on research that can rely on what is effective in short term work. For example, in long term work it is harder to measure a spiritual shift or the development of a person’s self-concept. Moreover, in the twentieth century societal issues and conditions play on solutions of economic dependency and can be instrumental to the need for solution in therapy (Singleton et al, 2000). It is also essential to understand that counselling can be either empowering or disempowering to clients (Barker et al, 2010).

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Appendix I

Bond (1997, p.5) establishes the basic principle as:

B.2.2.3 Counsellors are responsible for working in ways which promote the clients control over his/her own life and respect the client’s ability to make decisions and change in light of his/her own beliefs and values (Bond, 1997, p.5).

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