Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
The present study represents an attempt to develop a metatheory
with regard to counseling theory and practice. The
metatheory is based upon principles abstracted from the General
Systems Theory, whereby it is possible to encompass all
levels of client functioning in the explanation of behavior and
the application of helping strategies.
The present state of theory in counseling was taken as the
point of departure. Counseling theory is shown to be hindered
by a state of seperateness and fragmentation. It is also
shown that there currently exists a tendency towards the
integration of different theories and the helping strategies
involved.
Eclecticism is studied as a way of integrating different counseling
strategies. It is shown that although applicable as a
method of integration, eclecticism is theoretically unsatisfactory
because of its subjective and unsystematic character. Other
methods of integration and its implications to the development
of a meta theory in counseling is then discussed.
The General Systems Theory is then discussed in terms of its
value to the development of a metatheory in counseling. It is
shown that by differentiating between the complex systems
representing an individual's functioning, and the cybernetic
feedback cycles involved in these systems, valuable guidelines
for the implementation of helping strategies can be obtained.
Two cybernetic feedback cycles that ought to be closely moni- .
tored during the counseling process is mentioned. They are
(a) the interactions amongst biological and physiological factors,
thinking, feeling and acting, and (b) the feedback
patterns in the larger social systems of which the client forms
part, for example family and career functioning...