Carl Rogers developed the person-centered theory of personality which states that all people strive to realize their full potential. People’s desire to fulfill their full potential according to Rogers, is the primary motive of humans. Based on this theory Rogers also developed a new method of therapy that was nondirective and focused on the client as a person and their own ability to work through their psychological barriers in a conducive and supportive environment. This method is called client-centered therapy (CCT). Alexandra Payne, Helen Liebling-Kalifani and Stephen Joesph in their article “Client-centered Group Therapy for Survivors of Interpersonal Trauma: A Pilot Investigation” (2007) explains how Roger’s person centered theory is useful in understanding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the use of CCT as a treatment in group settings. Payne et al.’s (2007) study reveals that the person-centered theory generates research and that approaching PTSD in this way expands an individual’s view of person-centered theory. Despite the lack of research using CCT as a therapeutic method to treat PTSD and the issues in the study regarding sample size, the application of Roger’s theory is a useful tool for therapists.
Payne et al. (2007) contend that although CCT has not been widely used or studied in literature pertaining to therapy for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder that it can be a useful tool therapy tool (p.100). The authors determined CCT can be helpful to PTSD sufferers due to its basis on Roger’s person-centered theory. Payne et al. (2007) note that like other modes of therapy, CCT identifies the need for “some form of exposure” but does so without using “exposure-based exercises” unlike c...
... middle of paper ...
...red therapy are still useful today and are not lost to modern psychology. The study conducted by Payne et al. (2007) shows that Rogers’ theory and therapy methods can be used to understand and treat such disorders as post-traumatic stress disorder. Viewing PTSD through a Rogerian view can also expand readers understanding of the person-centered theory and its ability to be applied to many different medical problems despite refusing to label individuals. Although, there is a lack of research regarding CCT and alleviating PTSD symptoms this article is a great aid to therapists seeking a nondirective approach and can be an inspiration for future research.
Works Cited
Payne, A., Liebling-Kalifani, H., & Joseph, S. (2007). Client-centered group therapy for survivors of interpersonal trauma: A pilot investigation. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 7(2), 100-105.
Boone, Katherine. "The Paradox of PTSD." Wilson Quarterly. 35.4 (2011): 18-22. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.
R. Brewin. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Malady or Myth? N.p., n.d. Web. The Web. The Web.
While CBT has many advantages, it alone does not encompass all of the concepts I believe are necessary to tackle a client’s needs. Therefore, I draw upon concepts from various theories to assist clients in achieving their goals. Pulling from Reality therapy, a key concept I utilize is focusing on what the client is doing and how to get them to evaluate whether they’re present actions are working for them. CBT does use some form of this in the sense that one must examine and establish their cognitive misconceptions; however, I prefer to extract this concept from Reality therapy because CBT tends to do so by focusing on the past. I am a firm believer that while the past can shape who you are, it does little good to remain focused on it. Focusing on overt behavior, precision in specifying the goals of treatment, development of specific treatment plans, and objective evaluation of therapy outcomes all come from Behavior therapy (Corey, 2013, p. 474). Behavior therapy is highly structured much like that of CBT. By utilizing this aspect of Behavior therapy, I am better able to closely observe where a client is currently and where they are headed. Lastly, I pull from Person-Centered therapy as the final key concept of my counseling approach. PCT focuses on the fact that client’s have the potential to become aware of their problems and resolve them (Corey, 2013). This Person-Centered therapy concept has overlap with CBT as
Hunt, N.C. and McHale, S. (2010) Understanding Post Traumatic Stress. London: Sheldon Press, pp. 13-25.
The article under review is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the DSM-5: Controversy, Change, and Conceptual Considerations by Anushka Pai, Alina M. Suris, and Carol S. North in Behavioral Sciences. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault (U.S. Department VA, 2007). PTSD can happen to anyone and many factors can increase the possibility of developing PTSD that are not under the person’s own control. Symptoms of PTSD usually will start soon after the traumatic event but may not appear for months or years later. There are four types of symptoms of PTSD but may show in different
One objective is to utilize the most powerful tool at psychotherapy’s disposal; the group experience. By one individual sharing their experience within the group, the other members are able to identify their similar experiences and work toward their own growth. Group therapy also increases self-awareness of clients in order for them to think introspectively in order to make a change in behaviors, increases social comfort, allowing exploration of new behaviors, provide and obtain support, develop communication skills, and promote interactions with others using truth and
Poels, Y., & Berger, J. (1992). Groupwork with survivors of domestic violence. Taylor & Francis.
As the field of counseling continues to progress numerous theoretical orientations have been developed. One theoretical approach to counseling has been coined as person centered counseling or client centered therapy. This type of approach is commonly referred to as Rogerian psychotherapy. Rogerian therapy focuses on the empowerment of individuals with the inner self. These constructs are vital to ensuring and promoting a transparent and honest atmosphere which subsequently results in effective counseling. The behaviors that are found in client centered counseling are valuable as they motivate the client to explore their "hidden feelings" and become aware of where their feelings derive from. Being afforded the rare opportunity to see Rogers
In the second part of the book Rogers speaks of his ideas of his theory of the person-centered approach to therapy. This is the part of the book that I felt really spoke to me. Person-centered theory is a lot of what I would like to do. I enjoy the ideas and concepts that Rogers presents in his theory. I think that it is extremely important to be able to take into consideration not only the diagnosis of the patient/client with whom you are working, but that it is more important to be able to take the time to sit back and to listen to them. I have realized in the year that I have been working in the psychiatric hospital how important it is for the patient/client to just sit back and listen to what it is they're saying to you. This however does not mean I am only hearing their words, but that I am listening at a much deeper level and actually he...
..., Indregard, T., Stormyren, S. D., & Wentzel-Larsen, T. (2014). A randomized effectiveness study comparing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy with therapy as usual for youth. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 43(3), 356-369.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the most commonly utilized interventions for children (Cary & McMillen, 2011). TF-CBT is a highly structured intervention consisting of 90-minute weekly sessions. The clinician works with the client through eight competencies, including psychoeducation, relaxation, affective expression and regulation, cognitive coping, trauma narrative development and processing, gradual exposure, joint parent/child sessions, and enhancing future development (Cary & McMillen, 2011). TF-CBT has an extensive history and many variations. Clinicians utilize a number of other cognitive behavior treatments that have been adapted to meet the needs of traumatized children (Cary, & McMillen, 2012; Smith et al., 2007). While there are a number of cognitive behavior treatments, TF-CBT has received the highest classification rating for supported and effective treatment from many studies (Cary, & McMillen, 2012; Kauffman Best Practices Project, 2004).
(2017). Person Centred Therapy - Core Conditions | Simply Psychology. [online] Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html [Accessed 8 Jun. 2017].
Person-Centered Therapy is an optimistic theory that is categorized in the humanistic approaches to therapy. PC therapy believes that human beings are intrinsically good, and are motivated to be the best that they can be (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p. 346). The theory embodies respect for individuals and values of tolerance and understanding (Brodley, 2007, p. 140). As the name implies the client is responsible for his or her own growth and improvement (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p.344). Rogers' stated that the main assumption of his approach is that “individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, basic attitudes, and self- directed behavior” (Rogers, 1980, p.115). One of the underlying assumptions, and main motivation, of Person-Centered Therapy is that human beings possess an innate tendency to grow and meet their full potential, or to self-actualize. Self-actualization is the inherent motivation to reach our highest potential, both emotionally and intellectually (Kosslyn & Rosenberg, 2004, p. 464). Self-actualization moves one towards autonomous behavior and self-sufficiency, it enriches one’s life and enhances their creativity. It also promotes congruence, wholeness, and integration of the person. Rogers describes self-actualizing people as the fully functioning person (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p.322).
Schiraldi, G. R. (2009). The post-traumatic stress disorder sourcebook: A guide to healing, recovery, and growth. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Carl Rogers developed person centered therapy, also known as client centered, non-directive or Rogerian therapy, in the 1930s. The person centered therapy, differs than other typical formal therapy, against directive and psychanalytic approach. Rogers believed that the therapy should take place where there is a close personal relationship between the client and the therapist. Rogers rejected the traditional hierarchical relationship between the client and therapist, and view the clients as equals by using the term “client” instead of “patient”. In person-centered therapy, the client determines the general direction of the therapy while the therapist ask informal clarifying question to promote client’s self-insight and self-understanding.