An Overview of Individual Counseling Treatment Options In today's society, individual counseling is becoming more and more prevalent with increased use within the school system, the family unit, and even in the 'army. The role a counselor can have on any individual varies depending on the theory chosen to practice and the approach taken. However, it must be stated that the approach and success of the therapy depends on the relationship established by the (clinician) therapist with the client. In 2010, Seligman proposed the BETA treatment system, which stands for background, emotions, thoughts and actions. According to Seligman, all theories focus on a person's background, emotions, thoughts, or actions. For this reason, we will discuss three important forms of individual counseling therapy used today. The three types of therapy are Adlerian theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. The following document will attempt to introduce the key concepts, therapeutic approach and application of various techniques or procedures for each of these practices. Adlerian Theory To begin with, Adlerian theory is a therapeutic approach focused on the individual's background. The founder of Adlerian theory is Alfred Adler, a contemporary of Freud and a member of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society. After years of working with Freud, Adler separated from Freud over his theory of individual psychology; his theory was that a holistic approach should be used to treat individuals. He believed in the psychosocial rather than the psychosexual dimension, which means focusing on the whole human being and his connection to the world rather than on the pleasure-seeking energies (sexual impulses) of the individual. Key ConceptsAt its core...... middle of article ......various forms of treatment methods used by the therapist, it has become more obvious to me that I prefer a combination of therapies. I can certainly see how each of the various approaches is flexible for different situations; from background to action. I currently understand that as a school counselor I may be asked to seamlessly transition from one approach to another. References American School Counselor Association. (2012). The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, Third Edition. Alexandria, Virginia: Author.Erford, B.T. (2011). Transforming the school counseling profession, 3d edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. W. (2014). Counseling and psychotherapy theories, systems, strategies and skills (4th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.