Study Document
Social Constructionist Model of Counseling Research Paper
Pages:2 (657 words)
Sources:3
Subject:Theories
Topic:Epistemological
Document Type:Research Paper
Document:#70468994
Psychology - Counseling
The Social Constructionist Model of Counseling
Social constructionism is a framework that conventionally belongs to the area of epistemology. Social constructionism has grown from a classic shift throughout the last half century in which realist epistemologies, which have directed the majority of intellectual disciplines since the scientific revolution, have been rejected by a lot of people as being flawed. Social constructionism sets forth insinuations for mental health that significantly go away from the realist epistemological policies that standardize most approaches in clinical psychology and psychiatry. In particular, from a social constructionist viewpoint clinical problems are not seen as objective defects but, instead, are understood as inter-subjective linguistic formations that are shaped in conversations between clinicians and clients. Therefore, the objects of change corresponding to traditional clinical theories like irrational beliefs and repressed complexes are also understood as metaphors, rather than as objective representations of the nature of problems and change. As a result, social constructionism challenges the time-honored views held in the behavioral sciences that are predicated on the supposition that it is probable to get objective knowledge as to what is and what is not a problem (Guterman, 1996).
Social constructionists consider that as meaning and understanding are socially constructed, people do have meaning and understanding until they take communicative action. As such, the collaboration between clients and therapists in this communication process is of paramount importance as it opens up new meanings and alternatives in the way of knowing. By adopting this way of knowing, theories are not representations of truths but are different ways of making meaning (Lit & Shek, 2002). "Social constructionism represents the development of ideas in counseling that have been and continue to be influenced by the humanistic tradition" (Rudes & Guterman, 2007).
Since the client is believed to have problems, the counselor or social worker has to formulate treatment goals and propose treatment strategies on the basis of a selected theoretical approach after an in-depth intervention. In other…
Sample Source(s) Used
References
Guterman, J.T. (1996). Doing mental health counseling: A social constructionist re-vision.
Journal Of Mental Health Counseling, 18(3), 228-252.
Lit, S., & Shek, D.L. (2002). Implications of Social Constructionism to Counseling and Social Work Practice. Asian Journal Of Counselling, 9(1-2), 105-130.
Rudes, J., & Guterman, J.T. (2007). The value of social constructionism for the counseling profession: A reply to hansen. Journal of Counseling and Development: JCD, 85(4),
Related Documents
Study Document
Counseling Therapy Theories Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Counseling Therapy Theories Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) The solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a type of therapy that is used much in counseling and a lot of time referred to as talking therapy that is based on the social constructionist philosophy. This therapy focuses on the aim or goal of the customer rather than the problem that drove him to seek help. It does not focus on the past events
Study Document
Counseling Master Questionnaire Counseling Questionnaire Define Research...
Counseling Master Questionnaire Counseling Questionnaire Define research A counseling session with an individual may qualify research as, putting together of information and understandings, followed by determination of validity of the conclusions and activities central on the shared knowledge (McLeod, 2003 p.4). A working definition of research is; an organized course of decisive investigation resulting to legitimate suggestions and conclusions, which are conveyed to other interested people. Based on this definition, there are several
Study Document
Combination of Modern and Postmodern Bereavement Theory Explain and Contrast...
Postmodern Bereavement Theory Bereavement is a universal observable fact as every human being experiences the loss of a loved one at some point in his/her life. However, every individual experiences it in a unique way. It is, without a doubt, an undeniable truth that to be human is to grieve. The passing away of a loved one can be difficult, irresistible and dreadful for any normal individual. When people are
Study Document
Behavioral Vs. Freud's Psychoanalysis
Labor Behavioral Therapy vs. Freud's Psychoanalysis Amazing advances have been made in the treatment of mental illness throughout the years (Merck, 2004). An understanding of what causes some mental health disorders has resulted in a greater sophistication in customizing treatment to the underlying basis of specific disorders. Thus, many mental health disorders can now be treated almost as successfully as physical disorders. Most treatment methods for mental health disorders are either categorized as
Study Document
How Does Heroin Impact a Caucasian Family
A large number of Caucasian families are plagued with the issue of heroin use, mostly consumed via injections. This is a major public health issue. Viral hepatitis, HIV and other dangers associated with heroin dependence, as well as social harm resulting from accompanying poverty and crime, exceed those of almost all other drugs used. A majority of Caucasian households are indirectly as well as directly
Study Document
Hot Seat; an Ethical Decision-Making
Moreover, the simulation also made available several branching and interdependent decision pathways. The simulations presented in the beginning pertinent background information and then subsequent screens presented at least three decision choices. Based on the selection, a new screen presented the client's response. The process ended when the students reached the end of a decision pathway. The simulation also took into account that many counseling situations do not have right