Behavior Therapy:
The key figures in the origination of Behavior therapy are Arnold Lazarus and Alfred Bandura. Behaviorists believe that learning produces behavior. This approach relies upon application of the scientific method. Concepts and techniques are explicitly stated, then rigorously tested, and continually refined, as indicated by ongoing research. Specific goals are set with the client at the very beginning of the therapeutic process; therapists are active and directive. Client and therapist work together, the client deciding which behaviors are to be modified, the therapist deciding how to modify those behaviors.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy:
The major theorists of this approach are Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck. Therapists who practice this approach believe that human beings tend to engage in faulty thinking, which leads to emotional and behavioral difficulties. In other words, it is not a specific event, person, etc. that causes us emotional pain, it is our personal belief about that external event that produces the disturbance within us. In addition to behavior modification techniques and procedures, there is a teaching component in this approach, provided in an effort to alter the faulty thinking.

Existential Therapy:
Viktor Frankl (1905-1997) is widely regarded as the leading figure of the existential approach to psychotherapy. Existential therapists focus on the nature of the human condition, encouraging our capacity for self-awareness and the search for meaning in an often meaningless world. They strongly believe in humans’ freedom to choose their fate, to practice self determination. In this approach, the quality of the counselor-client relationship is seen as extremely important.

Family Systems Therapy:
Family systems therapy has had many contributors and theorists: Alfred Adler, Murray Bowen, Salvador Minuchin, Virginia Satir, and Carl Whitaker, to mention a few. The key concept of this group of models, and the one that differentiates systems models from others, is the notion that the key to individual change is family change. Thus, therapy sessions are most likely to include most or all family members, especially those living in the same household. Change within the system is thought to be reciprocal; a change in one member will produce change in all others and alter the system itself. Contemporary systems therapists look beyond the family, as well, to larger systems involving community, schools, churches, etc.

Feminist Therapy:
This approach has grown out of criticism of traditional approaches. Critics charge that these models and theories are largely gender-biased and sexist. Concern for the psychological and emotional oppression of women forms the central concept. An extension of this approach is Feminist Family Therapy, which examines the roles played by men and women in families and in society.

Gestalt Therapy:
Fritz Perls (1893-1970) was the main developer of this model. Gestalt therapists emphasize the integration of body and mind functioning, as well as personal choice and responsibility. This is an active and experience-filled approach, focusing on what is going on right here and now. Early applications have been criticized as being too confrontational; current applications prefer a gentler approach.

Person-centered Therapy:
This approach has influenced greatly how therapists view the relationship between therapist and client. Carl Rogers (1902-1987) was the founder of this model, which incorporates a positive view of human life. Therapists believe that human beings are inclined to become fully functioning, given the right conditions, just as an acorn will grow into a mighty oak tree, given the proper environment. This concept is referred to as “the actualizing potential” and forms the cornerstone of this model. Great faith is placed in the client’s ability to deal with personal problems.

Psychoanalytic Therapy:
Sigmond Freud (1856-1939) was the originator of this rich approach: a model of personality development, a philosophy of human nature, and a branch of psychotherapy. The first six years of life are seen as determining personality and problems, and unconscious factors and impulses often motivate behavior. Therefore, the focus of therapy is on uncovering the unconscious. Modern-day analysis requires a great commitment of time and money on the part of the client.

Reality Therapy:
The key figure of this model is William Glasser. This approach is short-term and focuses on the here and now and client strengths. The central concept is choice theory and the assumption that we all need good quality relationships in order to be happy. Individuals are helped to recognize unrealistic behavior (“Is your behavior getting you what you want?”) and to learn and apply more realistic behavior, thus achieving success.