The philosophical challenges within counselling psychology: Can Egan’s Model help?

Abstract

BackgroundLiterature suggests that there are now over 450 models of therapy. As scientist-practitioners, counselling psychologists are often faced with significant philosophical challenges as they attempt to integrate conflicting theories and evidence-based approaches.Content and focusIn this paper I examine some of the key philosophical bases of counselling psychology and consider the relationship between the values of counselling psychologists and their commitments to psychological enquiry. This serves to provide context and reference points for a brief description and critique of Egan’s Skilled Helper Model, which is just one attempt to integrate the emergence of distinct philosophies, theories and approaches within counselling psychology. I pay specific critical regard to elements of the therapeutic relationship as understood by Egan, and discuss the relevance of his model to counselling psychologists today.ConclusionsI elucidate some of the current tensions existing for the profession of counselling psychology, and discuss implications for practice. I conclude that the Skilled Helper Model, used intelligently, can transcend incongruent philosophies, theories and approaches.