Here’s a comprehensive grid comparing various theoretical approaches to therapy based on the categories provided:
### Theories Comparison Grid
#### 1. Psychoanalytic Therapy
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Erik Erikson |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Determined by irrational forces, unconscious motivations, sexual drive, life/death instincts.<br>*Personality Structure:* ID (instinctual, pleasure principle), Ego (rational, reality principle), Superego (morals, rewards/punishments).<br>*Ego-Defense Mechanisms:* Deny/distort reality unconsciously. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Make the unconscious conscious.*<br>*Strengthen the Ego to make behavior more reality-based.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Therapist is neutral, maintains professional distance, often avoids eye contact. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Free association, interpretation, dream analysis, analysis of resistance and transference.* |
| **Applications** | Intensive therapy for deep emotional pain, further exploration of psyche. |
| **Strengths** | Focus on unconscious factors, early life trauma, and in-depth exploration of psyche. |
| **Limitations** | Lengthy, expensive, requires specific training, not suitable for daily life problems. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Focuses on internal factors which may conflict with cultures emphasizing interpersonal and environmental aspects. |
#### 2. Adlerian Therapy
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Alfred Adler |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Driven by social interest and striving for superiority.<br>*Inferiority Complex:* Feelings of inadequacy influencing behavior.<br>*Lifestyle:* Individual’s unique way of handling life tasks. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Develop social interest and community feeling.*<br>*Overcome inferiority and achieve personal goals.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Collaborative, egalitarian, encourages client self-disclosure. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Lifestyle assessment, encouragement, interpretation of family dynamics and early recollections.* |
| **Applications** | Works well for individuals dealing with feelings of inferiority or interpersonal issues. |
| **Strengths** | Emphasizes social interest and community, holistic approach to understanding behavior. |
| **Limitations** | May not be as effective for clients seeking immediate symptom relief rather than long-term goals. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Emphasizes social factors, which aligns with many cultural values focusing on community and support. |
#### 3. Existential Therapy
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, Irvin D. Yalom |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility.<br>*Existential Angst:* Anxiety about life’s inherent uncertainties.<br>*Search for Meaning:* Central focus on finding purpose in life. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Help clients find meaning and purpose in their lives.*<br>*Address existential concerns and enhance personal responsibility.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Collaborative, supportive, and genuine. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Exploration of life’s meaning, discussion of existential themes, and promoting authentic living.* |
| **Applications** | Effective for individuals struggling with meaning, purpose, or existential crises. |
| **Strengths** | Addresses deep existential issues and personal responsibility. |
| **Limitations** | May be less structured; not suitable for clients seeking practical solutions rather than philosophical exploration. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Focus on individual meaning which can be adapted to various cultural contexts that emphasize personal responsibility. |
#### 4. Person-Centered Therapy
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Carl Rogers |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Inherently good and self-actualizing.<br>*Self-Concept:* The way individuals view themselves.<br>*Conditions of Worth:* Conditions placed by others that can inhibit personal growth. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Promote self-actualization and personal growth.*<br>*Foster unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Non-directive, empathetic, and accepting. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Active listening, reflection of feelings, and providing unconditional positive regard.* |
| **Applications** | Effective for clients seeking personal growth, self-understanding, and self-acceptance. |
| **Strengths** | Emphasizes client autonomy and personal growth, non-judgmental. |
| **Limitations** | May not be as effective for clients needing more structure or those dealing with severe psychological disorders. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Values empathy and acceptance, adaptable to various cultural contexts emphasizing respect and understanding. |
#### 5. Gestalt Therapy
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Fritz Perls |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Focus on present awareness and personal responsibility.<br>*Here and Now:* Emphasis on present moment experiences.<br>*Empty Chair Technique:* Tool for exploring unresolved issues. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Increase awareness and personal responsibility.*<br>*Integrate fragmented aspects of the self.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Active, engaged, and often confrontational. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Empty chair technique, role-playing, focusing on present emotions and behaviors.* |
| **Applications** | Useful for clients needing to address unfinished business and increase self-awareness. |
| **Strengths** | Emphasizes present moment awareness and emotional expression. |
| **Limitations** | May be too confrontational for some clients; less focus on cognitive processes. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Focuses on present experience which can be adapted to various cultural contexts valuing emotional expression. |
#### 6. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Marsha Linehan |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Focuses on emotional regulation and acceptance.<br>*Dialectics:* Balancing acceptance and change.<br>*Mindfulness:* Awareness of the present moment. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Improve emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.*<br>*Reduce self-destructive behaviors.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Collaborative and validating. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Skills training (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness).* |
| **Applications** | Particularly effective for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). |
| **Strengths** | Provides practical skills for managing emotions and improving relationships. |
| **Limitations** | Can be intensive and requires substantial commitment from clients. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Techniques are adaptable to various cultural contexts, though some skills may need cultural adjustments. |
#### 7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Aaron Beck, Albert Ellis |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Thoughts influence feelings and behaviors.<br>*Cognitive Distortions:* Negative thinking patterns that affect behavior.<br>*Behavioral Techniques:* Strategies to change maladaptive behaviors. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviors.*<br>*Enhance coping strategies and problem-solving skills.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Collaborative and goal-oriented. |
| **Techniques & Procedures** | *Cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, exposure therapy.* |
| **Applications** | Effective for a range of disorders including depression, anxiety, and phobias. |
| **Strengths** | Evidence-based with practical tools for symptom management. |
| **Limitations** | Focuses on present issues, may not address underlying root causes of distress. |
| **Multicultural Perspective** | Techniques are adaptable, though cultural considerations are important for effective application. |
#### 8. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
| **Dimension** | **Details** |
|———————————–|———————————————————————————————————-|
| **Major Theorist(s)** | Albert Ellis |
| **Key Concepts** | *Human Nature:* Rational thinking leads to emotional well-being.<br>*Irrational Beliefs:* Unreasonable expectations that lead to emotional disturbances.<br>*ABC Model:* Activating event, Beliefs, Consequences. |
| **Therapeutic Goals** | *Replace irrational beliefs with rational ones.*<br>*Reduce emotional disturbance and improve functioning.* |
| **Therapist-Client Relationship** | Active and
Page 1 of 5
Theories Grid Guidelines and Scoring Guidelines
General Instructions
It can be difficult to make distinctions between the various theoretical models studied in this course. Some of the theories/models use the same
terms but might attach different meanings to them. Other theories use different terms to refer to similar concepts. To help, students are to
create one grid that compares the major theories across several categories. It is suggested that this project be begun when the student first
begins to read about the theories and updated as each theory is studied. This project is designed to help distinguish the fine points
between the theories and to serve as a personal study guide for exams and post-graduate testing.
I. General Directions: Include each of the following theoretical approaches for this grid assignment:
1. Psychoanalytic (you may use example in these guidelines)
2. Adlerian
3. Existential
4. Person-Centered
5. Gestalt
6. Dialectical Behavior Therapy 7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy 8. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
9. Reality Therapy
10. Feminist Therapy
11. Narrative Therapy
12. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
13. Structural Family Therapy
II. Create a table that compares these theories across the following dimensions:
1. Major Theorist(s)
2. Key Concepts
3. Therapeutic Goals
4. Relationship Between Therapist and Client
5. Therapeutic Techniques and Procedures
6. Applications
7. Strengths
8. Limitations
Page 2 of 5
9. Specific Multicultural Perspectives
***See the example for Psychoanalytic Therapy below, which you can use in your own project.
III. Layout Directions: Students may use Microsoft Word or Excel to create their project. If Microsoft Word is used, please export the
file as a .pdf and upload the .pdf file for the assignment. Suggestions for designing this project would be to create a table for each
theory/approach in Word and use page breaks between each theory/approach. Choose the landscape option in Page layout and
insert a table. Use short statements and include definitions of terms if you are not sure of the meaning of some of the
terminology. Since using bullet points causes information to automatically indent into your column space, you might consider
using asterisks for your major points as shown in the Psychoanalytical example below. Another space-saving suggestion is to
highlight your cells, choose the Layout tab, select Cell Margins, and set the default cell margins to 0”. Doing so allows you to
maximize the use of space within the cells.
IV. Information Sources: You can use your textbook and outside resources such as journals or internet sources, but you must properly
cite and reference APA style (7th edition) all information you use from ALL sources used to answer your questions. Common
terms/language relative to each theory can be used (i.e., id, ego, superego, empty chair technique, etc.). Otherwise:
PARAPHRASE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE-you will learn the particulars of the theories more easily if you can explain
the information in your own words
V. Plan Ahead: Work on your project each week as you study each theory/approach.
VI. Be Creative: Use your creativity to create the project. For example, you can insert graphics or examples (your own) to further
explain certain points. In past projects, some students have chosen to use colored fonts to differentiate between the
theories/approaches and included pictures of either the theorist(s) or icons representative of each theory. Techniques like
these make the project information more memorable.
VII. Use the Project: This project can be used as part of your notes when taking your chapter tests and will make an excellent study
guide when preparing for comps.
Page 3 of 5
Example of Layout Using Psychoanalytic Theory:
Theory Major
Theorists
Key Concepts Therapeutic
Goals
Therapist-Client
Relationship
Techniques &
Procedures
Applications Strengths Limitations Multicultural
Perspective
P s y c h o a n a ly
tic
Freud
Jung
Erickson
*Human Nature
determined by irrational forces, unconscious
motivations, sexual drive, life/death instincts
*Personality Structure-ID instinctual, ruled by
pleasure principle Ego-rational, ruled by reality principle Superego-morals, ruled by rewards & punishments
*Ego-Defense Mechanisms- deny/distort reality, operate
unconsciously *Focuses on client’s past.
*To make the unconscious conscious
*Strengthen the Ego to make behavior more reality-based
*The goal of the therapist is to
make the client’s unconscious thoughts/feelings/ issues conscious. *Freud
recommends that the client be positioned on a couch away from the therapist, as
to avoid eye contact.
*The therapist
offers little, if any,
self-disclosure.
*The therapeutic
process can be
quite lengthy (up
to 2 years or
longer).
*Maintaining analytic
framework
*Free association
*Interpretation
*Dream
analysis
*Analysis of resistance
*Analysis of
transference
*Useful for those
professionals who intend to do intensive therapy
*Useful for clients who are in deep
emotional pain
*Clients who
want another dimension
added to their therapy— those who want to
further explore their psyche
*It has focused on key factors such
as the unconscious as a defining motive for behavior
*The effects of trauma during the
first six years of life are emphasized *Transference,
counter- transference, anxiety, and resistance, and the issue of ego
defense are highlighted
*Not useful for daily life
problems where coping skills should
be the focus
*Lengthy and
specific training for therapists
*Requires many
sessions which would be very expensive for clients
*Clients do not always
respond
positively to
techniques
*The focus on family dynamics makes it appropriate for working with many cultural groups
*The proper demeanor of the therapist is attractive to clients who expect professional distance
*Internal focus
can be in conflict
with cultural
values that
emphasize the
interpersonal and
environmental
dimensions
**You may use the above information on the (1) Psychoanalytic Theory as part of your project. Cite the textbook as your source.
Page 4 of 5
Scoring Guidelines
Points Available: 100
Component Unacceptable Acceptable Target
Psychoanalytic 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (0 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (2 points)
Adlerian 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Existential 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Person-Centered 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Gestalt 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Page 5 of 5
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Reality Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Feminist Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Narrative Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Structural Family Therapy 9 Dimensions
Information on one or more of the 9 dimensions is missing or
inaccurate (1 point)
Information on all 9 dimensions is provided, information is accurate, but explanations of key ideas are
vague or incomplete (3 points)
Information on all 9 dimensions is comprehensive, accurate and complete; key ideas are clearly stated and explained (7 points)
Presentation Creativity Shows little creativity, originality and/or effort in understanding
(1 point)
A few original touches enhance the project to show understanding
(3 points)
Exceptionally clever and unique in showing deep understanding
(6 points)
Professional presentation (grammar, mechanics,
spelling)
Writing involves many errors (more than 3) (1 point)
There is some deviation from college-level writing; writing
involves few errors (no more than 3) (4 points)
Graduate-level writing is used; writing is free of all writing errors
(8 points)
- General Instructions
- Scoring Guidelines
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