Psychology

The human being is known to be a complex being whose existence is influenced by diverse spheres both internally and externally. However, even as he exists in planet earth, he faces various challenges that result in shaping his character and behaviour. These challenges are both from within and without his environment. The occurrences of circumstances in his life contribute to the growth and development of his personality. His psychological processes, a vital component of determining his well being, have a direct bearing in one way or another on his lifestyle and general perceptions. Therefore, in order to sculpture his development to fit his existence, several theories have been developed to address issues known to have compromised his peaceful co-existence. These theories have been widely discussed below and are supported by a case study.

The Psycho dynamic Theory
This theory was developed by Sigmund Freud. It is fundamental in the field of psychology as it mainly focuses on personal development and aims to establish the causes of current behaviour as based on past actions both consciously and unconsciously motivated. It further aims to establish that events in the childhood life of a person play a vital role in shaping their lives and therefore builds their character. This theory has been employed to prove that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to analysing certain human behaviours. According to this theory several concepts come into play in the development of certain behaviours and includes childhood experiences, implicit psychological experiences, unconscious motivation, egocentrism as well as defence mechanisms. This theory as put across by Grohol (1998) further focuses on human personality as dependent on three distinctive and integrative parts, that is, the id which involves the biological needs, the superego where society dictates human actions and the ego which is consciousness determined by personal judgements and thoughts.

Freud in his theory believed that the emergence of conflicts in the human life is based on the notion that humans seek to reconcile their biological demands with their social selves. As put by Ray et al (2003), these conflicts occur unconsciously and result in the development of certain behaviours that one is unaware of. As a result, the psycho dynamic therapy mainly focuses on making the unconscious world conscious thus allowing individuals to have better control over conflicts that arise during the reconciliation process.

Stevens behaviour would relate to the above theory in the sense that most of his childhood life was controlled by his parents which establishes the super-ego concept of the theory, whereby he had to be a saint by being dutiful and adhering to the house rules. In order to satisfy his id, which includes hunger, thirst and sex, Steven sneaked out of home to drink, smoke dope and engage in sexual activities. The ego concept in the theory can be related to Stevens actions of having extra marital affairs and lacking the capacity of being sensitive to his partners closeness. These are defence mechanisms, adaptive strategies and reality testing opportunities.

This theory is relevant in counselling to address Stevens problem, the psychodynamic counsellor would focus on Stevens unconscious processes which are evidenced in his present behaviour. The counsellor would initiate an evaluation process with a central issue in focus such as Stevens childhood conflicts this would be relevant in determining the structure and goal of treatment. The psychodynamic therapy therefore aims to balance activities of the id, the ego and the super- ego. All port (1963) supports that the human existence therapy would be essential in dealing with Stevens problem as it emphasises on constructive ways of dealing with everyday challenges. Steven would have an opportunity of analysing his individual experiences that lead to exploration of his personal beliefs and values. Through this therapy, Steven would be able to counter his challenges by questioning limitations of his actions, assumptions and possibilities.

The Cognitive Behavioural Theory
This theory aims to solve problems related to dysfunctional behaviours through a systematic goal- oriented procedure. It recognises that thoughts impact to a large extent the actions of an individual. Its interventions seek to change ones thinking and behaviour through education and reinforcing positive actions. This theory is based on the fact that human beings are susceptible to change by instilling positively through actions and knowledge in their lives. However, even as individuals constantly seek to change their situations, motivation to do the same should be evident. Lack of this motivation shows lack of commitment to change their behaviours. This can be seen through failure to complete relevant tasks assigned to them.

Furthermore, in this theory, Nelson-Jones (2005) argues that there is a great need to consider and distinguish priorities during therapy which plays a significant role in drawing a line between critical issues and those that are minor. He also supports the claim that behavioural therapy is encouraged to enable individuals develop adaptive strategies, that is, coping skills that contribute to solving relationship problems.

The Cognitive Behavioural therapy can be used to address Stevens case as the symptoms of his behaviour are noticeable to the Counsellor. This is because he is aware that the reasons behind his divorce can be traced from his childhood experiences. The Pure Cognitive Therapy by Aaron Beck focuses on the individuals thought patterns. Here, an individuals perception on situations influences his or her emotional feelings hence changing thoughts results in change in subsequent change in behaviour.

On the other hand, as Correy (2000) emphasizes, Pure Behavioural Therapies such as operational conditioning and classical conditioning focus on change mainly in behavioural change. Some genres of treatment such as Rational Emotional Therapy (RET) focus both in behavioural and cognitive therapy by integrating behaviours, emotions and personal beliefs.

In Stevens case, the Cognitive Behavioural Theory can be recognised from the fact that he is aware of the causes of his current situations as binge drinking, extra-marital sexual relationships over the years, and his incapacity  to be sensitive to his partners needs for closeness. These would therefore become the focal points of evaluation by the Counsellor. In addition, prompting interaction with Steven to assess the assumptions and consequences of his behaviours would result in obtaining viable solutions that would necessitate change in both his thoughts ad behaviours. It is essential to note that this interaction would help impact him positively by emphasizing on positive thinking as he faces lifes challenges.

Several differences can be recognised between the two theories. Firstly, Pure Behavioural Therapy for example Operational Conditioning, a concept in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy does not take into consideration the need for an individual to understand the reason behind them changing. They therefore do not get an understanding of the causes of the symptom while Psychodynamic therapy aims to identify the initial cause of certain behaviours.

Secondly, Cognitive Behavioural Theory addresses specific problems by making one aware that they have them hence its therapy takes a shorter and is less costly as compared to Psycho dynamic therapy which addresses interrelated symptoms and therefore takes a longer time for the individual to recover. Michael (2004) supports this claim fully.

Thirdly, Psychodynamic theory focuses on an individuals behaviour over time hence it is able to recognise the growth and development of certain behaviours and therefore consider therapeutic sessions in proportion to the magnitude of the problem. Cognitive theory is evidence based but does not take into consideration the time scale.

Fourthly, the Cognitive Behavioural Theory is mostly based on an individuals behaviour and thoughts only but fails to recognise the external environment which includes society that is known to shape our actions. This is however instrumentally captured in the Psychodynamic theory mainly in the super ego concept.

Last but not least, the defence mechanism common in humans that is carved out of the unconscious mind  results in driving our actions to certain extents. In Michael and Michael (1997), it is the exit route of what lies within. This according to the Psychodynamic theory needs to be recognised to institute change. It therefore brings out our true inner selves. However, the Cognitive theory fails to address this as it only deals with the seen and not he unseen.
Similarities that exist in the two theories include
Both of them focus on changing individuals behaviours that have developed unconsciously.
Both take into consideration the physical and mental aspects of the human well being. They recognise that these components are mutually interdependent and cannot be separated thus solutions need to incorporate both.
Both of them implore positive ness thus they work towards reducing negative action and thoughts.
Both of them as widely discussed by Holmes (1999) recognise that change starts and ends with the individual, it cannot be entirely developed from the outside environment.
Both recognise that individual differences exist and are not idiosyncrasies. They work towards developing dimensions applicable to all in their therapies while at the same time address relevant issues unique to each individual. Eysenck (1989) discusses that the theory of personality is moulded by extraversion, the external environment, that is, neuroticism and psychoticism. This then differentiates individuals and solidifies the need to consider their situations differently.

      As illustrated by Maxwell, (2008) both theories stress on the need for interaction between the Counsellor and the client. This provides a well founded and agreed upon solution that would address in detail the clients needs.

Self evaluation is an important component employed by both theories. Elizabeth, H and Michael, (1997) use this term in their book Training Counselling Supervisors Strategies to relate to the fact that during therapy individuals generally evaluate themselves in a negative and critical sense which brings out their low self esteem. This then is the beginning of the healing process as individuals let out their inner selves creating a favourable environment for long lasting solutions.

From the above information, it is essential to note that the Psycho dynamic would be a better theory in addressing Stevens situation. First of all, Steven has grown with the same behaviours since his teenage life and the consequences of his actions have resulted in him being separated from his wife. Secondly, the choice to get married was from his parents which show that his conscience was mainly from society.

His ego was compromised by the fact that he felt under pressure to satisfy his parents. He therefore developed defence mechanisms to cope with the pressure by sneaking out of home and engaging in unwanted behaviour. As a result, his marital life has been adversely affected as he was driven by the urge to satisfy his wants. As his behaviours have develop over time there is need to pay attention to the symptoms of his actions for concrete solutions to be found.

In Summary, the Psycho dynamic theory takes into account an individuals actions by addressing the initial symptom to their current behaviour hence tackling the problem wholesomely. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory focuses on making an individual aware of their behaviour and integrates thoughts and actions to instil positive behaviour to individuals facing diverse challenges. It aims to change ones faulty thinking by educating them and reinforcing positive personal experiences leading to vital changes in their coping strategies.