The unit traces the development of the holistic counselling profession from the beginning of modern psychology, with Freudian psychoanalysis and Jungian depth psychology.

This unit introduces a holistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy.

The unit traces the development of the holistic counselling profession from the beginning of modern psychology, with Freudian psychoanalysis and Jungian depth psychology. It proceeds to compare and contrast psychotherapy and counselling models and schools of thought as they develop throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. These include but are not limited to psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, humanistic counselling and therapy, Wilber’s integral approach, process oriented and anthroposophical approaches.

The historical emergence of the holistic model is described, and the underlying assumptions are outlined. Particular attention is given to the contributions of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung as the theoretical foundation for the holistic approach, including the Metavision model. In this context, the unit also considers the influence of the quantum field and the new sciences, broader political and cultural shifts, the emerging paradigm of ecotherapy and how these fields and understandings have influenced the development of holistic counselling and psychotherapy.

Students will develop critical thinking skills as they consider how current conceptions of consciousness and counselling are formed and maintained. Critical thinking is applied to differentiate between the philosophies and concepts of the holistic model and other counselling and psychotherapy models.

Differentiation between the professions and theoretical paradigms of counselling, psychotherapy, psychology and psychiatry is drawn.