Section I – Theory Information
Chosen theory (Person-Centered Therapy)
Person-Centered Therapy aims at offering an individual a chance to create a sense of self, whereby one can realize how his/her emotion, perspective and conduct are negatively impacted (Cepeda & Davenport, 2006). Cooper, Watson, & Hölldampf (2010) insist that despite criticism from various behaviorists, this technique is widely used, and it's an efficient personal therapy. Evidently, most people still rely on this theory for mental and emotional healing.
A key idea of this therapy is that in a certain psychological setting, the attainment of individual potential entails being sociable, the desire to be close to people and need to understand and by understood by others. Additionally, it involves facing experiences openly, expressing trust, showing curiousness, showing creativeness and compassionate. Rogers (1957) describes a setting whereby one feels secure from physical and psychological threats. Ideally, this situation can be attained by establishing a relationship where one will be understood, and accepted.
History of the theory
The person-centered theory was developed by Carl Rogers in 1954s in the U.S. (Prochaska and Norcross, 2009). Rogers was a psychologist who trained at Columbia University in the 1920s; during this time, the psychology was still in its early stages. Rogers holds that personal encounter is the bases better for life and therapeutic impacts. He established six situations that help individuals to overcome psychological issues. These include relations, susceptibility to agitation, openness, the individual’s consciousness of the therapists’ openness, the therapists unrestricted positive concern for the clients, and precise empathy (Prochaska and Norcross, 2009). The understanding varies with the unemotional posture, and one may use a position which is not appropriate for the particular therapy.
Rogers developed his idea of psychology and counseling from 1928-1940 while working for Rochester Society. During this time, he served many emotionally disturbed teenagers and adults helping them restore their normal mental state. Importantly, Rogers got motivation from these groups he was working with and fellow workers. At first, Rogers thought that “client-centered counseling” was meant for a particular mutual relationship. However, the idea was later applied by different people such as teachers and managers. Also, it is used in various areas such as in conflict solving, health care and childcare.
Describe the theory
Rogers didn’t encourage therapists to inquire the client’s history since he wanted them to live in the present rather than past and future. Additionally, he wanted clients to focus on wellbeing instead of thinking about past experiences. Rogers hope was to help clients achieve personal development which leads to self-realization. Due to the distinct features of the Rogers therapy, it doesn't have elaborate techniques. Most importantly, the connection between clients and therapists is very vital.
Primary concepts of the theory
Realization: Importantly, individuals strive towards self-realization. Realization is the act of growing in an entirely new way. According to Seligman (2006), consciousness takes place through the entire life of a person as he/she strives towards actualization, congenital objectives, and achievement involving self-control and freedom. Thus, since people have liberty and control, they will continually, strive towards self-realization with an aim of achieving specific targets.
Prerequisites of value: This factor impacts the way individuals mindset forms due to association with the significant people in their life. The need of value refers to vital and judgment message from key people that impact the manner in which individuals behave and react to particular situations. If a person is in this situation, their self-image is usually less. Mostly, people who live in protective or influential conditions often affect self-image negatively.
The complete operational individual: Seligman (2006) states that a fully functional person is one who has a perfect emotional health. Such a person strives towards achieving a particular goal and has a purpose, openness to situations, and self-confidence. Also, such an individual has trust and confidence in other people. One of the key purposes of client-centered therapy is to realize complete operational person.
Phenomenal view: this factor refers to the distinct approach by which different individuals see the world. Importantly, people see the world in different perspectives and react to situations differently. Person-centered approach pay attention to personal experiences determining how treatments will function.
Process of Client-Centered Therapy
Rogers believes that therapists who manifest the essential conditions of this theory will have higher chances of helping their clients to become confident and realize their real emotions without distress. This theory keenly avoids confronting clients directly enabling them to express their inner feelings. Importantly, when applying this therapy, clients are not told want to do; the solution arises from their responses. Thus, the responsibility of therapists is simply to facilitate the development of an empathy setting which allows the patients to get answers.
Rogers (1957) proposed some fundamental conditions under which his theory would work towards developing a therapeutic connection. These conditions include, the therapists should be sincere about their identity and feelings, and should establish a connection with the clients. Also, therapists should endeavor to take care of their clients without judging them. Further, therapists should understand the clients’ emotions and communicate with an empathy approach.
Techniques used within the theory
Both the client and therapist should listen, understand, accept and share. However, I want to look at the purposes of this therapy before exploring some of the elaborate techniques. This theory facilitates clients’ to gain confidence and the capacity to live in the present; hence, the clients tend to be open, and they don’t feel like the therapists are judging them. Also, it promotes clients self-realization and appreciation while empowering the clients to change. Additionally, it encourages conformity in the clients’ behaviors and emotions. Lastly, this therapy helps individuals to achieve the capacity to control their life and become self-realized.
The techniques used within the theory are totally different from those employed in other approaches. In client-centered therapy, the therapists’ focuses on helping the clients achieve self-realization rather than advising them on what to do. The techniques applied in this theory include.
Congruence: the fact that a therapist is or not sincere and truthful in their actions and words (Rogers, 1957). Usually, if a therapist says words that don’t match the body language, a client may notice, and that may affect their confidence and receptiveness which consequently affects the therapy and connection. For instance, the therapist can say “I know your home place” but bear a puzzled appearance. The clients will notice the confusion and feel uneasy when revealing their emotions. Hence, therapists should consider their actions (what they do and say) and ensure they are at present when handling their clients. Importantly, when a therapist realizes uneasy look on the client's face, they should try to make the client comfortable by offering further explanation. Congruence insists that the therapist should always be open, genuine and appear credible when handling a client.
Unconditional positive regard: this technique is whereby the therapist accepts, respects and cares about their client (Rogers, 1957). However, the therapists don’t have to agree with the client. Nevertheless, the therapists should always perceive what the clients do as good. Hence, therapists should only show concern rather than opposing what the client does. This technique helps clients reveal their inner feeling without feeling judged.
Importantly, a person has to believe in oneself first and also feel valued. Conversely, the therapists should accept their client “how they are” and avoid condemning them. A positive approach should be maintained throughout the therapy even if the therapist feels upset.
Empathy: this technique shows that a therapist understands the emotion of his or her client (Rogers, 1957). This technique should not be misunderstood as being sorry for the clients; it’s the aspect of acknowledging and accepting the situation. It is vital to understand and follow the client's emotions accurately so as to help them overcome the situation.
Non-directive: In this technique, the therapist helps clients reach a conclusion or get answers without advising them directly. Ideally, a client focuses throughout the session, and the therapists don’t offer any suggestions.
Section II – Application of theory in practice
How I used the theory
I will share two distinct situations when I applied the person-centered theory in my life. My college friend was addicted to drinking alcohol. I knew his situation, but I never approached him for counseling. However, one day he voluntarily requested me to mentor him and help him overcome the addiction. At first, I was tempted to approach this situation sympathetically, but I want to be genuine and transparent to my friend, so I decided to use the person-centered approach. First, I did not judge him (even though I knew he was an addict due to his bad company) or confront him to stop drinking. Secondly, I didn’t advise him to copy my lifestyle since I know it is very challenging to stop a deep-rooted habit. At one time, I found myself addicted to computer games, but I tried not to share the experience with my friend since I understand that every person has a different experience, and there are distinct ways of dealing with it. Instead, I focused on his incident with a keen look on why he keeps on falling. Also, I have inspired my friend to lay out his plan and determine the course of action. I feel that I understand the Rogers theory, and I have applied it to help my friend. He has not stopped drinking entirely, but the reduction in the number of bottles he drinks is a significant recovery.
Another situation where I employed the client-centered theory is in my relation with my partner. The relationship is vital and an indispensable part of my life. Rogers (1957), broadens the description of his theory to cover various personal relationships whereby one gets the freedom to express and receive love. Although this fact may be a mere idea, I believe if I apply this principle, my relationship will be healthy, and our love will flourish. I encourage my partner to uphold openness and trust when communicating to me. Importantly, I have incorporated the values of this theory in various aspects of our relationship. Through Rogers’s theory, we both understand that we are different and have varying needs, yet we have to grow our love. We are both experiencing changes in our relationship that we didn’t expect; our relationship keeps on taking different dimensions. Although these changes are not always appreciable, we have to learn to deal with them. At times, I feel my partner misunderstands me or misinterprets my intentions; however, that is not the case.
The positive/negative aspects
Positive aspects of Roger’s theory
I found the Roger’s theory very relevant in my in my life. In the first situation, I was able to help my friend to make a decision about his alcohol addiction. Importantly, the theory equipped me with knowledge of how to counsel my friend without offering him suggestions. Additionally, my friend has developed his plan without necessary imitating my lifestyle.
My love relationship is also flourishing since I applied Roger’s theory. My partner and I understand each other well, and we have embraced our differences. Also, we have discovered hidden traits since every party is open, genuine and empathy. Additionally, we don’t judge each other in the relationship; thus the connection continuous to be strong.
Negative aspects of Roger’s theory
Even though I have realized benefits when using the Roger’s theory, I have also seen some adverse effects. First, I find myself showing sympathy to my drunkard friend instead of empathy. I feel disturbed when he continues to drink even after the counseling. Sometimes, I feel like giving up the counseling or even telling my friend to imitate my lifestyle. One day I nearly told him to stop associating with bad company. Ideally, I find it challenging to create a therapist and client environment as suggested by Rogers in his theory.
Applying the Roger’s theory in my relationship is very challenging. At times, it's hard for both of us to be open. I usually find it hard to share some experience with my partner since I think I will be judged. When I am frustrated, I usually direct my partner on what to do and what not to do, thus, I end up offer suggestions, which is against Roger’s theory. Also, we often find ourselves solving current situation, based on the past occurrence. Hence, we are unable to live the present without thinking about the past and future.
Importantly, I have had negative experiences when applying this theory since it's challenging to develop an environment whereby one feels secure from physical and emotional threats. Past experiences keep on resurfacing when I use the theory, and I can’t stop thinking of the future. In both of my experiences, I deal with people who aren’t motivated to change. Additionally, they don’t listen carefully without complaining or interpreting.
Impression of the theory
I have found the person-centered approach very useful in my love relationship. However, this therapy doesn’t work fine for my drunkard friend. Thus, the Roger’s theory applies to some relationships only. Also, the approach may not work fine for all people even if it has proved ideal for others. Most importantly, person-centered therapy is more theoretic than practical. I think reading and understanding the theory is simple than applying it. Most people can’t implement the theory in real life since they are no ready to change or be open and genuine.
Section III – Conclusion
What I learnt
I have learned that Rogers, therapy is applicable in most dimensions of our life and specifically in relationships. However, the theory seems practical when reading but, it is very different to actualize. Ideally, it is not possible to maintain genuineness, practice empathy instead of sympathy, and be open always as proposed by Rogers. From my first situation of how I applied this theory, I always find myself sympathizing with my friend and I am tempted to tell him to leave the bad company. Also, I usually feel like condemning him when he drinks after a counseling session. Additionally, I often tell my friend the opposite of what I am doing, and I even think of initiating him into my program.
In the second example, I have found myself unwilling to share some information with my partner. Also, it is very challenging to act as a client and therapist in a relationship. Importantly, I have learned that all relationships exist under defined conditions. Factors such as environment, time and mood usually impact relationships. These factors affect both parties in a relationship, and that’s why it is challenging to actualize a client and therapist in real life. Evidently, Rogers knew these factors exist and allowed for conditional elements, but didn’t advocate for such factors appropriately.
Additionally, Roger’s theory overlooks the fact that some psychologist may not adopt the therapist position. Ideally, experienced psychologists don’t follow the conditional aspect as proposed by Rogers. The theory doesn’t explain why various individuals get different experiences. Also, the six essential conditions don’t offer enough support to a therapeutic relationship. I suggest that persons should seek counsel and accept advice from their counselors. Also, two people in a relationship should be free to ask for relationship advice if they need it.
References
Cepeda, L. M., & Davenport, D. S. (2006). Person-centered therapy and solution-focused brief therapy: An integration of present and future awareness. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 43(1), 1–12
Cooper, M., Watson, J. C., & Hölldampf, D. (2010). Person-centered and experiential therapies work: A review of the Effectivenss research on counseling, psychotherapy and related practices. United Kingdom: Consortium Book Sales & Dist.
Prochaska, J. O., & Norcross, J. C. (2009). Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheoretical analysis (7th ed.). New York: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
Rogers, C. R. (1957). On becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotheraphy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Seligman, L. (2006). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: Systems, strategies, and skills (2nd ed.). United States: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
