Developmental Counseling and Therapy: Theory and Brain-Based Practice

Developmental counseling and therapy (DCT) is an integrated theory of assessment and treatment based on five central concepts: (1) the co-constructive nature of relationships and knowledge, (2) the adaptation of Piagetian cognitive stages, (3) the cultural character of the counseling relationship, (4) the neuroscientific foundation of counseling interventions, and (5) the classification of therapies to match the treatment to the client. DCT recognizes the value and capacity of various therapeutic treatments in changing the cognitive/emotional styles of clients and uses careful assessment to match these treatments to clients’ cognitive/emotional styles. DCT also believes that clients play an active role in discovering solutions to their issues.

Historical Context

DCT was developed by Allen Ivey, and the basic tenets of the theory were published in his 1986 book ...

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