Differences And Likenesses In Techniques Of Theories

Differences/Likenesses in Techniques of Theories

Humanistic therapy emphasizes the importance of the choices made by individuals and the potential to change one’s behavior. A cornerstone for person-centered therapists is to build an atmosphere of empathy, positive regard and unconditional acceptance with the client. Of preeminent importance is that the therapist truly sees themselves present in this client’s experience. Rogers placed a high premium on the attitude of the therapist, greater than the skills or training of the therapist. Rogers held to a strong belief that the therapist cannot show up and ‘act’ their way through a session – they must be genuine and void of a professional facade. The chief technique for the Rogerian therapist is the carefully constructed trust between the client and the therapist formed upon respect. In this way clients move towards growth in a self-directed manner. Congruence in person-centered therapy is not only a goal for the client but is also a goal for the therapist. This indicates the openness and willingness of the therapist to relate to clients, to view the client’s situation from the client’s POV, having all their feelings available to them in therapy sessions and free to share significant emotional reactions with their clients - portraying ‘accurate empathetic understanding’. Techniques such as active listening, eye contact, reflection (paraphrasing/summarizing what the client shares) all show that the therapist is listening and provides clients with the opportunity to hear their own thoughts and feel their emotions. Done well it generally elicits a desire from the client to elaborate on their feelings and experiences. In this therapeutic approach the therapist also does not set go...

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...analysis. Psychological bulletin, 101 (3), pp. 428- 442.

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References

Perls, Frederick S.; Hefferline, Ralph; Goodman, Paul. Gestalt Therapy, Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality. Gestalt Journal Press (This edition February , 1977 , but originally published 1951). ISBN 0939266245.

Perls, Frederick S., In and Out the Garbage Pail. Bantam Books (June, 1981). ISBN 0553202537.