Philosophical Guidance & Psychological Guidance

Brief view ~

Philosophical Guidance & Psychological Guidance

Philosophical Guidance

The discipline of Philosophy is related to studying the general principles of knowledge and using them as a foundation and basis for applied Guidance.

In Philosophical Guidance the following ideologies are used to offer Guidance:

a) Rationalist Philosophy – It makes use of reasoning oriented thinking along with making use of common sense for identifying the best solution to a problem. In this form of guidance personal feelings and biasness are set aside while guiding

b) Idealistic Philosophy - This form of Guidance is based on the notion that reality is basically a collection of Ideas which originate primarily in mind. This is more of consciousness oriented Guidance. It tries to disassociate reality from materialistic things and connects it to Ideas.

c) Existentialistic Philosophy - It speaks about the concept of subjectivity of human nature. What may be observed by an Individual might not be same observation by another. In this form of Guidance the counselor tries to relate to the counselees views and perception of a particular thing or a problem and accordingly the issue needs to be addressed.

d) Pragmatism – This form of Guidance judges the different Ideas based on their respective applications. Each of the solution to a particular problem needs to be analyzed basis the consequences it shall have. It is about using practical approaches for finding the best way forward for a particular problem

e) Realism - This form of Guidance is more related to the materialistic or physical aspects of our existence. This works by differentiating between the real issues and the imaginary issues in human life. Real challenge can be directly controlled as they exist in reality while on the other hand imaginary issues are based on ones thoughts.

Psychological Guidance

The discipline of Psychology studies the behavior, feelings and thoughts of an Individual in order to identify the issues and further for identifying appropriate solution to those issues. It is based on studying and observing an Individuals Personality, Interest, Aptitude, memory, consciousness and mental health challenges.

a) Behavioristic approach – In this form of Guidance the focus is on identifying the negative & positive set of human behavior. The Skinner's Operant Conditioning and Classical Conditioning theory of Pavlov is used for helping the counselee In modifying their behavior as per the observations of a Psychologist.

b) Theory of Traits – Traits are considered as special abilities that as per the traits theory every Individual Is blessed with. This form of Guidance is more effective for work, study, vocations and career Counseling's where the Individual is advised to opt for such options that are more related to or connected with their traits.

c) Psychoanalytic theory – The theory is mainly based on the classical works of Sigmund Freud. As per him the development of personality of an Individual is primarily occurs in childhood where every child passes through the five psychosexual stages. This theory has been a mainstay approach for addressing critical issues of modern times Counseling & Guidance.

d) Cognitive approach – Aaron Beck developed this important cognitive theory which primarily focuses on the observation which was an outcome of researches that Individuals thoughts can directly Impact their behavior & feelings. This approach is more of present oriented rather than investigating the past life of the counselee.

e) Humanistic approach - The Humanistic school of Counseling & Guidance focuses on helping the counselees make maximum use of their abilities by working on their present factors rather than past. The effort is to guide the counselee for attaining self actualization & personal growth. Carl Rogers Person centered therapy is one of the mainly used along with other approaches like Existential. Its more of showing empathy to the problems of counselee so that they openly participate in the counseling process and try identifying the best possible solution with the help of the counselor.

The above are briefly described some of the important Philosophical & Psychological theories of Counseling & Guidance.

It is also Interesting to note that apart form the Philosophical & Psychological basis for Counseling & Guidance there also exists another very Important basis termed as Sociological Guidance theories for Counseling & Guidance like role of environment, self identity, socially accepted behaviors, communication skills etc.