| Carl Rogers� Person-Centered Therapy Daniel M. Burrello According to Rogers, How Does an Individual Become Maladjusted? �We do not come into the world estranged from ourselves; socialization is behind this alienation (Rogers 1961).� With this idea in mind we begin to see what factors shape maladjustment for the Rogerian. The human child thrives in an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard. All humans need this feeling of total acceptance; love, without strings attached. Without this growth medium, humans, whether children or adults begin to suppress or deny their own feelings and even actions that they deem unacceptable to the people that they love. The resulting sensation of being out of touch with one�s own feelings and not being true to one�s own self makes one defensive, lowers self esteem and makes one generally unhappy (Tavris, 2000 pp. 487-488). According to Carl Rogers, famous for his humanistic views about psychological phenomenon and human relationships in all areas, maladjustment is brought about by incongruence between one�s �self-actualizing tendency� and one�s evident actualization. That is to say, there is a struggle between the organismic movement and one�s conscious striving. This incongruence results in an alienation from one�s �true self�. Roger�s saw this as particularly evident in western cultures where one is continually conditioned, rewarded, and reinforced away from the true self. He called these �Perversions of the unitary actualizing tendency (Rogers, 1977 pp.248-249)�. What is the Overall Goal of Person-Centered Therapy? Roger�s believed strongly in the individual�s ability to heal themselves. He saw all humans as working toward their own actualization and not simply keeping a homoeostatic balance. He believed that the client had the latent or evident ability to understand the aspects of his or her life that were causing the problems and the capacity (and tendency) to reorganize and restructure his or her relationship to life in order to move toward maturity and self-actualization. This would bring a degree of internal resolution and comfort to the client. The goal of the therapist is to create an atmosphere that will facilitate this capacity to become effective rather than latent (Rogers 1950, p.443). What interventions are utilized to achieve the Primary Goal of Person-Centered Therapy? To facilitate the atmosphere necessary for proper therapeutic counseling in the Rogerian paradigm, the therapist first strives for a strong empathic connection to the client. This is done by using reflective dialogue in which the therapist echoes the client�s descriptions of his or her problems and difficulties with the goal of further understanding. The therapist displays warmth and that atmosphere of �unconditional positive regard� that figures so highly in the Rogerian paradigm. The therapy session uses different techniques in interview than earlier therapies. A technique called the �nondirective method� is utilized during the interview. The therapist does not give answers or interpret what the client offers. There is no probing of the unconscious forces at work upon the client. There is also no attempt to guide the client into specific discussions. The therapist simply listens with attention and total acceptance to what the client wants to discuss. The therapist sometimes interjects a restatement of the clients points in other words in an attempt to clarify. These restatements are done without judgment or reaction, without interpreting motivations for the client (Butcher, Carson, & Mineka 2000 pp.668-670). Often a Rogerian therapist will record the session and listen again later to compare the client�s behavior and attitudes. Usually, the early sessions are marked by negativity and a degree of discouragement. The middle sessions often show a tendency to state hopes and dreams, as greater self-acceptance appears. Eventually, the client displays positive feelings, a reaching out to others and a greater interest in the future (Kirshenbaum, 2004.) Rogers described his therapeutic techniques and goals in a succinct statement thusly, that the client did not need judgment or interpretation, advice or direction, what the client needed was �supportive counselors and therapists to help them rediscover and trust their �inner experiencing�, achieved by their own insights, and set their own direction (Rogers, 1957 p.95)�. References Butcher, J. Carson, R. & Mineka, S. (2000). Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life. Needham Heights MA: Allyn and Bacon. Kirschenbaum, H. Carl Rogers's Life and Work: An Assessment on the 100th Anniversary of His Birth, Journal of Counseling & Development, 0748-9633, January 1, 2004, Vol. 82, Issue 1 Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection Rogers C.R. (1950). A current formulation of client centered therapy. Social service review. 24, 442-450. Rogers C.R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of consulting psychology. 21, 95-103. Rogers, C. R. (1961) On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Rogers, C. R.(1977). Carl Rogers on personal power. N.Y.: Delacorte Press. Tavris, C. & Wade, C. (2000). Psychology: Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River N.J.: Prentice Hall. |