Client Centered Theory Client centered theory was originated by Carl Rogers and is considered to be a humanistic theory of process or evolution (Coady & Lehman, 2008). Rogers developed 19 basic premises of personality in which an individual was held to grow through the processes of a reduction in defensive mechanisms and the self-directed development of internal cognizance (Corsini & Wedding, 2008/2011). The processes would occur when the theoretical constructs of congruence, acceptance and empathy were provided to an individual through interpersonal relationships (Coady & Lehman, 2008; Corsini & Wedding, 2008/2011). The concepts within the theory focus on individual experience, perceptions of reality, the inherent desire for self-actualization, internal frame of reference, self-concept, the symbolization of uncertain experiences, psychological adjustment/maladjustment, the method of how the individual creates value and the “fully functioning person” (Corsini & Wedding, 2008/2011, p. 163). The theory’s basic tenant is that of a qualitative process where the therapist is a co-traveler with the client in the client’s private world. The therapist attempts to gain an empathic “understanding of the client’s internal frame of reference” in order to comprehend behaviors exhibited by the client (Corsini & Wedding, 2008/2011, p. 164). Mrs. H. has a very stoic and plain spoken personality style. She does not open up easily to strangers. This theory applies to Mrs. H. because the theoretical constructs of congruence, acceptance and empathy are all necessary in order to gain her trust and to create a safe space for her to talk about her feelings about her husband’s death and her frustrations with her lack of mobility. This approach... ... middle of paper ... ...mpany, LLC. Corsini, R. J., & Wedding, D. (2011). Current psychotherapies. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. (Original work published 2008) Hutchison, E. (2008). Dimensions of human behavior; The changing life course (3rd ed.) (E. Hutchison, Ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. OJJDP model programs guide: Solution focused brief therapy. (2011, September 18). Retrieved September 18, 2011, from http://www.ojjdp.gov/mpg/mpgProgramDetails.aspx Solution focused therapy. (2011). Retrieved September 17, 2011, from http://www.psychpage.com/family/library/sft.htm Trepper, T. S., McCollum, E. E., De Jong, P., Korman, H., Gingerich, W., & Franklin, C. (2010). Solution focused therapy treatment manual for working with individuals (Research committee of the solution focused brief therapy association). Retrieved September 17, 2011, from http://www.sfbta.org/research.html
Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. W., (2010). Solution-focused brief therapy. In J. Johnston (Ed.), Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: systems, strategies, and skills.Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education
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Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (9th Edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing.
The theories of Carl Rogers brought about much change to the world of psychology. He was the first to publish complete therapy sessions for later review and study. Changing the term “patient” to that of “client” since talk therapy is non-medical for his approach calling it Person Centered Therapy is often now the preferred term (Kirschenbaum & Jourdan, 2005). The main objective of “Person-Centered Therapy” would be that of helping the client in assuming responsibility and putting it into the client’s hands by way of “shifting their standards” back to client instead of others (Thompson, 2003). The central theme of Roger’s theory is that of “Unconditional Positive Regard” on the part of the therapist. One is to accept the client as they are without judgment. Using empathetic understanding with interpersonal warmth and a non-directing following with full attention on the client which should allow them to know there is an understanding, giving them a sense of caring from the therapist (Brodley, 2006).
Roger’s initially developed nondirective counseling, which stressed nondirective methods such as reflecting and clarifying client’s communications in hopes of helping clients gain insight and increase awareness of their feelings and thoughts. However, in the early 1950’s Roger’s renamed his approach client-centered therapy, to place greater emphasis on the client rather than on the non-directive methods he employed (Corey, 2009). Roger’s stressed the importance on the client’s phenomenological world, their resources, and their self-actualizing tendency. He believed that client’s held the answers and simply needed to trust themselves and their ability to move forward. Next, Roger’s developed what he is perhaps best known for, the necessary and sufficient conditions of therapy. Roger’s believed that if a therapist communicated attitudes of (1) congruence, (2) unconditional positive regard, and (3) accurate empathic understanding, clients will begin to trust themselves, identify the objects that are blocking their growth and ultimately move towards fulfillment or self-actualization. In the 1980s Roger’s theory becam...
Subsequent to investigating numerous theoretical approaches, there exist various techniques and theories that I would utilize with my clients. As I maintained in my avowal in discussion 1.1 at the semester’s commencement, my preferred model remains the Integration/Eclectic theory. This theory resonates with me since individuals stand as multifaceted organisms with dynamic apprehensions. Not one theory alone possesses the capability to be the cure-all for all souls, and each conundrum may not be solved by one specific technique. By amalgamating together fundamental facets of diverse theories, one can ascertain which effective component operates well with a client from each concept type. In this modus of therapy, one may support the client in
The 'Secondary'. Solution Focused Brief Therapy. Retrieved April 14, 2014, from http://www.lifecirclecc.com/Solution.html. O'Connell, B. & Co. (2005). The 'Secondary' of Solution Focused Therapy -.
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Corey, G. (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (9ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole CENGAGAE Learning.
The use of congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy serves as a guide for therapists to value the client as a whole person while still instilling their own values. Client-centered therapists need to have congruence by being aware, real and genuine. By having this form of “relaxed openness”, the clients observe and are made aware that the therapist is not up to covert diagnostic judgments, therefore, leaving space for self-actualization (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). Client-centered therapists also practice warmth and appreciation in unconditional positive regard. This refers to being nonjudgmental of the client and accepting them as separate from their behavior (Wedding & Corsini, 2014). Lastly, therapists apply empathy by grasping the client’s expressions, meaning and narrative. This allows for the therapist to be absorbing in the attitude of the other by being within (Wedding & Corsini,
The humanistic psychology approach allows the conditions to apply to the client situation for positive developments and goals however, not intended for the therapist. It is important that the therapist conduct sessions in a way where they are showing themselves in the session without pretense. This allows a growth-promoting climate with the psychoanalysis of the client’s behavior. An important reason for a successful person-centered therapy allows clients the freedom to develop and control their own lives, rather than being tied to their past (Goodwin, 2008). This method also denotes and consists of psychotherapy and humanistic therapy where the concentration is on the present and not the past, and the humanistic analyst tends to underlines awareness instead of being unaware. Both theories share a common method while patients and clients converse their feelings vocally and th...
Corey, G. (2011). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (ninth ed., pp. 291-301). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
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Corey, Gereld (2013). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (9th ed.) Belmont, CA: Brroks/Cole Cenage Learning.