1. Chapter Seven person-Centered Therapy EPSY 6363 -- Counseling Theories D. Scott Sparrow

2. Existentialism and Humanism Existentialism’s Problem: Essence before existence, or existence before essence? Humanism’s concept of the essential good in all people By assuming an existential attitude, but also embracing the idea of an essentially good human nature, a therapist can be an existential-humanistic therapist By adding to that the idea of an actualizing urge, then the existential-humanistic model becomes purposeful and end-driven. Carl Rogers’s theory emerges from such a synthesis.

3. Roger’s Theory People are essentially trustworthy, can understand themselves, and can solve their own problems. Techniques are unnecessary A particular type of therapeutic relationship fosters a person’s capacity to heal

4. Three Phases of Roger’s Development 1940s-1950s -- Nondirective counseling, focused on feelings of client without interventions. Therapist very unrevealing. 1950s-late 50s -- Client-centered counseling, focused on world of client and the actualizing tendency. Late 50s-1970s -- Necessary and sufficient conditions for therapeutic change, and dimensions of becoming one’s experience. 1980s-90s -- Expansion into other fields

5. Three Phases of Roger’s Development, continued The gradual shift in Roger’s focus involved: Shift toward understanding subjective world of client, rather than leaving everything up to the client. shift from passive role of therapist toward more active engagement as research and theory clarified the qualities of an effective therapist.

6. View of Human Nature and Role of Therapist If people are basically trustworthy, able to heal themselves, and driven by an actualizing urge... then the role of the therapist is to create the right relationship context to foster self-healing.

7. View of Human Nature and Role of Therapist The necessary and sufficient qualities to promote development and healing are: congruence or genuineness unconditional positive regard accurate empathy

8. Goals of therapy Not to solve problems, but to assist in growth process To foster openness to experience self trust internal source of validation willingness to continue growing

9. Role of the therapist Not to interpret or to diagnose conduct lengthy history evaluate client’s goals or plans make decisions about the therapy Attitude is more important than knowledge. Being real or authentic is paramount

10. Client’s Initial Experience in Therapy incongruence -- difference between self and ideal helplessness and powerlessness inability to make decisions feeling of lack of freedom

11. Client’s response to client-centered therapy Clients begin to feel understood to experience a wider range of feelings Out of this supportive environment emerges: Increased sense of freedom Self empowerment, not as dependent on others. Truer to self More self-actualized

12. Quality of therapeutic relationship The relationship is conceived of as one between equals, and is a shared journey The conditions that promote change Congruence Unc. Positive Regard, or love Accurate empathic understanding

13. Evolution of Theory and Practice Therapist congruence makes possible a wide variety of authentic interventions that are consistent with therapist’s authentic stance. Assessment has become more important with advent of short-term therapy (case managed care), but assessment is still done with client oversight.

14. Areas of Special Applicability Crisis Grief Loss Other emergent emotional states that the client hasn’t had time to process adequately Whenever it is especially important to “stay with” the client, rather than to move toward problem solving.

15. Contributions Research, although not always done with adequate rigor Emphasis on empathy as curative force Challenge to other theories that focus on techniques to consider the necessary and sufficient conditions outlined by Rogers. Extension of theory into other areas

16. Possible Weaknesses Research not well designed Some diverse clients may not respond well to non-directive methods Some diverse clients may not respond well to therapist disclosures. It is not easy to allow clients to set their own course, especially when their choices do not agree with the therapist’s views. The therapist’s values can become a hidden agenda.