What characterizes the "Medical Model" in counseling practices?

The "Medical Model" in counseling practices is characterized by a focus on clinical and often disempowering approaches. This model treats mental health issues primarily as medical conditions that require diagnosis and treatment, typically emphasizing pathology and symptom management rather than the person as a whole. It often relies on standardized procedures, medications, and interventions prescribed by health professionals, which can create a power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship. The emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and the biological aspects of mental health, sometimes at the expense of the individual's broader emotional and social context.

In contrast to this perspective, other approaches, such as those that promote personal empowerment or encourage individual goal setting, focus more on fostering resilience and autonomy within clients. Similarly, approaches that integrate holistic well-being emphasize a more comprehensive view of health, considering emotional, social, and physical factors, rather than strictly clinical diagnoses. The medical model, therefore, tends to be limited in that it might overlook these essential components of recovery and support.