Theoretical orientation focuses on the understanding of human behavior and the psychology of the individual and also informs the clinician’s practice. It determines the ease with which therapists are able to identify the nature of the subject under discussion, the procedures to be carried out to solve the issues, and the modality of communication with the clientele.
Some of the more commonly seen are orientation of the psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and systemic frameworks. For example, a cognitive behavior therapist might aim to change negative schemas, whereas a psychodynamic therapist would work on uncovering deeply seated internal conflicts and examine the individual’s developmental history.
It should be noted that theoretical orientation is not set in stone; an increasing number of practitioners today follow integrative approaches in the theoretical orientation style, drawing from several different theoretical frameworks. Moreover orientation dictates the approach to therapy, the overall alliance in the therapeutic relationship impacts the effectiveness of the therapy more. In any case, clarity of theoretical orientation relative to practice offers psychologists order and uniformity in detail and helps them in cross-checking standards of effectiveness.