This document explores how psychodynamic and person-centred theories underpin counselling practice, examining the specific techniques, approaches, and core principles that distinguish each therapeutic framework.
This document examines how different counselling theories—specifically psychodynamic and person-centred approaches—shape the practical application of counselling skills. It explores the theoretical foundations, distinctive techniques, and core principles that guide counsellors in helping clients resolve their concerns and achieve positive change.
In addition to the general counselling skills that apply across all approaches, the particular theory that counsellors hold about the nature of human behaviour inevitably gives rise to specific practices and ways of working with clients. Different counselling theories provide the basis for the different ways in which counselling skills are used in practice to help clients resolve their problems.
Each theoretical approach offers a unique lens through which to understand human behaviour, emotional difficulties, and the process of therapeutic change. The theory a counsellor adopts will influence not only the techniques employed but also the overall structure of the therapeutic relationship and the goals of counselling.
Psychodynamic theory enables the counsellor to help the client identify subconscious thoughts and understand how these thoughts affect behaviour. This is accomplished by reflecting and looking inward at the feelings, thoughts, and reactions that the client expresses.
This theoretical approach can be used to help people address emotions such as depression, anxiety, and anger by exploring the underlying psychological processes that contribute to these difficulties.
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Subconscious Exploration | Identifying and understanding thoughts and feelings that exist below conscious awareness |
| Interpersonal Exchange | Relying on the relationship between counsellor and client to facilitate insight and change |
| Reflection and Insight | Encouraging clients to look inward and develop understanding of their internal world |
| Behavioural Patterns | Examining how unconscious processes influence current behaviour and relationships |
Psychodynamic counselling relies on the interpersonal exchange between counsellor and client to establish and develop positive strategies that the client can then use to make changes to their behaviour. Counsellors may adopt different approaches depending on the client’s needs and the therapeutic goals.
A non-directive approach may be adopted where the counsellor encourages the client to express feelings and emotions while listening and watching for clues to identify the root cause of the problem. In this approach, the counsellor allows the client to lead the discussion and determines the pace and direction of exploration.
A more directive approach may be adopted by some counsellors in order to guide the client in a particular direction to discuss specific issues about patterns of behaviour, worries, and concerns. This approach involves more active guidance from the counsellor in focusing the therapeutic work.
A one-to-one counselling session takes place in a comfortable, secure environment where a client can feel relaxed and able to discuss concerns freely. During each session, the counsellor or therapist encourages the client to explore feelings, thoughts, and emotions.
By using psychodynamic techniques, a counsellor will predominantly observe and digest the information the client provides. The counsellor may say very little but will be observing body language, expression, and anything else that may provide useful analysis of the client’s behaviour and limiting beliefs.
This knowledge and information is used to provide the client with support, understanding, and guidance, empowering the client to work towards making positive changes.
| Technique | Purpose | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective Pauses | Allow processing and insight | Long pauses and silences throughout the session |
| Free Association | Access unconscious material | Client talks about the first thing that comes to mind |
| Observational Analysis | Understand non-verbal communication | Monitoring body language and expressions |
| Free Thinking | Encourage spontaneous expression | Following thoughts without censorship |
There may be long pauses and silences throughout the counselling session, but the client is encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in their own time. Reflective pauses can provide as much, if not more, valuable information than a long monologue.
The counsellor also encourages the client to explore free association, where the client talks about the first thing that comes into their thoughts, even though it may not relate to the subject under discussion at the time. This technique can reveal important unconscious connections and patterns.
Important Consideration
Psychodynamic counselling is a slow and detailed process. Therefore, a client may need to commit themselves to a lengthy counselling relationship. This approach requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to engage in deep self-exploration over an extended period.
Person-centred theory underpins person-centred practice by giving rise to an essential set of features that characterize the helping relationship. These features were developed by Dr. Carl Rogers and form the foundation of the person-centred approach.
Dr. Carl Rogers identified a series of questions that the counsellor should consider to determine whether they can provide the necessary conditions for therapeutic growth. These questions reflect the core attitudes and qualities essential to person-centred practice.
The following table presents the nine core questions that guide person-centred counsellors in their practice:
| Quality | Counsellor Reflection Question |
|---|---|
| Trustworthiness | Can I present myself in a way that will be seen by the client as trustworthy and dependable? |
| Congruence | Can I express myself clearly enough as a person so that what I am will be communicated clearly to the client? |
| Warmth | Can I allow myself to experience positive attitudes of warmth, caring, liking, interest, and respect towards the client? |
| Separateness | Can I be strong enough as a person to separate myself from the client? |
| Security | Am I secure enough in myself to permit the client their own separateness? |
| Empathy | Can I let myself enter into the client’s feelings and personal meanings and see these as they do? |
| Acceptance | Can I be accepting of the client as they present themselves to me? |
| Non-Threatening | Can I act with enough sensitivity in the relationship so that my behaviour will not be seen as a threat? |
| Non-Evaluative | Can I free this person from external evaluation? |
If the answers to these questions permit the counsellor to undertake the helping relationship, this will allow the relationship to have a positive outcome for the client. The person-centred approach emphasizes that when these core conditions are present, the client has the innate capacity to move towards growth, healing, and self-actualization.
The person-centred approach is distinguished by its fundamental belief in the client’s capacity for self-direction and growth. The counsellor’s role is not to direct or interpret but to provide the relational conditions that enable the client to access their own inner resources.
Key characteristics of the person-centred relationship include:
While both approaches aim to help clients achieve positive change, they differ significantly in their theoretical assumptions and practical applications.
| Aspect | Psychodynamic Approach | Person-Centred Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Unconscious processes and past experiences | Present experience and client’s self-perception |
| Counsellor Role | Interpreter and analyst | Facilitator and companion |
| Techniques | Free association, interpretation, analysis | Active listening, reflection, empathy |
| Directiveness | Can be directive or non-directive | Consistently non-directive |
| Time Frame | Often long-term and intensive | Duration determined by client needs |
| Goal | Insight into unconscious patterns | Self-actualization and personal growth |
| Observation | Analysis of behaviour and communication | Empathic understanding of experience |
Despite their differences, both approaches share some common features:
In psychodynamic counselling, skills are applied with attention to:
In person-centred counselling, skills are applied with attention to:
Different counselling theories fundamentally shape how counselling skills are employed in practice. The psychodynamic approach emphasizes uncovering unconscious material through observation, reflection, and analysis, often requiring extended therapeutic engagement. In contrast, the person-centred approach focuses on providing core relational conditions—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—that enable clients to access their innate capacity for growth and self-direction.
Understanding these theoretical foundations is essential for counsellors to work effectively within their chosen approach and to recognize when different approaches might better serve particular clients or presenting issues. Both approaches offer valuable frameworks for therapeutic work, and the choice of approach depends on the counsellor’s theoretical orientation, training, and the specific needs of each client.
What is the main difference between psychodynamic and person-centred counselling?Psychodynamic counselling focuses on
exploring unconscious thoughts and past experiencesto understand current behaviour, often using interpretation and analysis. Person-centred counselling emphasizes thepresent experience and provides core relational conditions(empathy, congruence, acceptance) that enable clients to find their own solutions through self-exploration.
Why might psychodynamic counselling take longer than other approaches?Psychodynamic counselling is a slow and detailed process because it involves
deep exploration of unconscious material, patternsformed in early life, and complex psychological defences. This depth of work requires time to develop insight, work through resistance, and integrate new understanding into behavioural change.
What does “non-directive” mean in counselling?Non-directive counselling means the
counsellor does not give advice, suggest solutions, or guide the clientin a particular direction. Instead, the counsellorfollows the client's lead, allowing them to determine the content, pace, and direction of sessions. This approach iscentral to person-centred therapyand can also be used in psychodynamic work.
What are the “core conditions” in person-centred therapy?The core conditions, identified by Carl Rogers, are empathy (understanding the client’s experience), congruence (the counsellor being genuine and authentic), and unconditional positive regard (accepting the client without judgement). When these conditions are present, clients can access their capacity for growth and positive change.
Can psychodynamic counsellors be non-directive?Yes, psychodynamic counsellors can adopt a non-directive approach, particularly when encouraging clients to freely express thoughts and feelings through techniques like free association. However,
psychodynamic counselling may also include more directive elements, such as guiding discussion toward specific patternsor offering interpretations.
How do counsellors know which approach to use?Counsellors typically train in a specific theoretical approach based on their beliefs about human nature and change. The choice of approach depends on the counsellor’s training and theoretical orientation, the client’s needs and preferences, and the nature of the presenting issue. Some counsellors integrate multiple approaches (integrative or eclectic practice).
What is free association in psychodynamic counselling?Free association is a technique where clients are encouraged to express whatever comes to mind without censoring or organizing their thoughts. This
can include thoughts, feelings, memories, or images that may seem unrelated to the discussion. The technique helps access unconscious material and reveal hidden connections.
Why are silences important in psychodynamic counselling?Silences provide
space for reflection, allowing both client and counsellor to process what has been discussed.Reflective pauses can reveal as much or more than continuous talking, as they allow unconscious material to surface and give clients time to connect with deeper feelings and insights.
What does “unconditional positive regard” mean?Unconditional positive regard means accepting the client completely,
without judgment, conditions, or evaluation. The counsellor values the client as a person regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. This acceptance creates safety for the client to explore all aspects of their experience.
Do these approaches work for all types of problems?Different approaches may be more suitable for different presenting issues, client preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Research suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is often more important than the specific theoretical approach. However, some conditions may respond better to particular approaches or benefit from integration of multiple therapeutic modalities.
Positive Psychology. Client-Centered Therapy. https://positivepsychology.com/client-centered-therapy/