Changing views of theory and practice in counselling: Multiple intelligences, eclecticism and the therapeutic alliance

In the wake of the movement towards integrative and eclectic practice, and individually tailored treatments, in the field of counselling, the search for unifying theories continues. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI), only recently applied to the field of counselling, has a contribution to make in evolving a framework for eclecticism. MI theory may also have a particular contribution to make towards helping counsellors strengthen the therapeutic alliance and enhance flexibility in responding to clients’ needs. Gaining an understanding of clients’ preferred cognitive and communication styles, or ‘intelligences’, enhances an ability to tailor treatment. This article argues that practical ways to increase the strength of the therapeutic alliance, as well as new theoretical foundations for eclectic choices, could emerge through the application of MI theory in the form of expressive therapies / creative arts therapies