International Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Counseling using Cognitive Restructuring Techniques to Reduce Self-Injury Behavior among Vocational High School Students

Nur Dhian Mustang — 2026-04-03

Background: Self-injury among adolescents is a growing mental health concern, particularly among vocational high school students facing academic, social, and personal pressures. Negative thinking patterns can lead students to adopt maladaptive coping strategies such as self-injury, highlighting the need for appropriate counseling interventions. Objective: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of cognitive restructuring techniques within the framework of Cognitive Behavioural Counseling in reducing self-injury behaviour among students at SMK Negeri 3 Makassar. Method: This research employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental design. The population consisted of 71 students, and the sample was selected purposively, yielding 10 students who reported self-injurious behaviour. The participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and a self-injury behaviour scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney test. Results: The experimental group showed a significant reduction in self-injury behaviour after cognitive restructuring techniques were implemented, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Cognitive restructuring techniques within Cognitive Behavioural Counseling are effective in reducing self-injury behaviour among vocational high school students. Contribution: This study contributes to the development of evidence-based counseling interventions and provides practical guidance for school counsellors in addressing self-injury behaviour among students in educational settings.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Treatment Options

David Scott — 2026-04-03

Background: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterised by persistent and excessive worry that lasts for at least six months and interferes with daily functioning. The disorder affects adolescents and adults worldwide and is frequently accompanied by psychological and somatic symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, irritability, and impaired concentration. Because these symptoms often appear in primary health settings, accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Objective: This article reviews the aetiology, clinical characteristics, and current treatment options for GAD, highlighting emerging therapeutic approaches. Method: The study employs a narrative literature review of recent psychological and psychiatric publications on diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pharmacological management, and cognitive-behavioural interventions. Results: Findings indicate that GAD presents with diverse symptom trajectories across the lifespan and disproportionately affects certain populations, including women and older adults. Evidence also shows that combined pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy remains the most effective treatment, while mindfulness-based and integrative therapies demonstrate promising complementary outcomes. Conclusion: Comprehensive and individualised treatment is essential for improving long-term symptom management and quality of life. Contribution: This review synthesizes evidence supporting clinical practice.

Basic Psychological Needs as Process and Content in Organismic Process Therapy (OPT): An SDT Framework for Counseling Practice

Martin F. Lynch — 2026-04-20

Background: Self-Determination Theory (SDT) offers a well-established framework for understanding human motivation, psychological well-being, and maladjustment within relational contexts. Despite its strong empirical foundation, the translation of SDT into a structured counseling process model remains limited in the counseling literature. Objective: This article aims to develop Organismic Process Therapy (OPT) as a theory-grounded counseling framework that systematically translates SDT principles into a coherent therapeutic model for counseling practice. Method: Using a theoretical and conceptual analysis, this study synthesises literature from SDT, humanistic and constructivist counseling traditions, and research on motivation, trauma, attachment, and multicultural counseling to construct an integrative conceptual model. Result: The analysis proposes OPT as a counseling model in which the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs, autonomy, competence, and relatedness functions simultaneously as both the process and the content of therapy. The model is organised into three recursive phases: relational attunement, motivational clarification, and autonomy restoration, which guide counselors in facilitating autonomy-supportive therapeutic relationships. Conclusion: OPT conceptualises counseling as a relational context that restores basic psychological needs and supports clients’ movement toward volitional functioning and psychological integration. Contribution: The framework provides an integrative bridge between motivation theory and counseling practice, offering theoretical guidance for counseling practice, counselor education, and supervision while establishing a conceptual foundation for future empirical research on autonomy-supportive therapeutic processes.