An integrative model of counseling

There are many different approaches to counseling and an eclectic blending of different techniques is ubiquitous. The present paper tries to develop a comprehensive integrative framework of counseling that integrates different approaches into a broader frame of human interaction and that is practically useful and open to consensual validation. Based on a systematic review of existing literature and the results of the authors' own research as well as a critical reflection of practical work, an integrative model of counseling is proposed. The implementation of the integrative model of counseling is illustrated with a case study. An integrative framework of counseling is proposed that contains principles of the helping alliance, behavioral, cognitive, (psycho-) dynamic and existential aspects. It is based on modern psychotherapy research as well as the hermeneutics of human communication. It corresponds to a phenomenological reality, and is in itself coherent and of practical value to counselors. Some of the...