Toward an Information-Processing Theory of Client Change in Counseling

A model of the cognitive structures and processes thought to compose the human information-processing system is presented. Possible difficulties in processing information are discussed because these may contribute to client problems and concerns. Recent work in applying understandings, from human information processing to an elucidation of client change in counseling, is reviewed. Information-processing models of client-centered and rational-emotive counseling are constructed that relate counseling skills and strategies employed in these approaches to hypothesized client cognitive changes. An integrated view of client cognitive change in counseling also is presented. Possible directions for research and theorizing in counseling and counselor education from the perspective of human information processing are mentioned briefly.