1. Who is associated with the theory?
- Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow
2. What are the basic assumptions underlying this approach?
- This theory takes away the power from the therapist and honors the inherent power of the client. The therapist must be empathetic towards understanding the client's world and to be able to nonjudgementally communicate with the client. The client gains an increase in self-awareness and trust in themselves.
3. What are a few of the key concepts that are essential to this theory?
- One of the major concepts in this theory is a basic sense of trust in the client's ability to move forward in a constructive manner if conditions fostering growth are present. There are 3 therapist attributes that create a growth-promoting climate in clients that can help them move forward and become what they are capable of becoming. These 3 attributes are 1) congruence (genuineness/realness); 2) unconditional positive regard (acceptance/caring); and 3) accurate empathic understanding (an ability to deeply grasp the subjective world of another person). Rogers stated that if therapists can communicate these attributes, then clients will become less defensive and more open to themselves and their world, and they will behave in prosocial and constructive ways. Another major concept is actualizing tendency, which is a directional process of striving toward realization, fulfillment, autonomy, and self-determination.
4. What do you consider the most important goals of this theory?
- The main goal of this theory is to help the client achieve a greater degree of independence and integration. The person-centered approach focuses on the person, and never on the person's presenting problem. Rogers believed the goal is to assist clients in their growth process so clients can better cope with problems as they identify them.
5. What role does the therapeutic relationship play in terms of therapy outcomes?
- In the person-centered approach the therapeutic relationship is the primary purpose. The therapist uses him/herself as an instrument of change to help the client find his or her inner resources. This approach relies heavily on the relationship as a person-to-person relationship, rather than the therapist having knowledge in theories or techniques.
6. What are a few of the techniques from this therapy model that you would want to incorporate into your counseling practice?
- This therapy uses very few techniques and stresses the importance of the therapist-client relationship. I believe I would use this because the relationship between the therapist and client is important to build a trusting, open relationship.
7. What are some of the ways that this theory is applied to client populations, settings, and treatment of problems?
- This theory can be used for a wide variety of individual and group counseling sessions. It can be used with a wide variety of populations and settings. It is extremely effective for crisis counseling, where the therapist needs to create a strong relationship with the client.
8. What do you see as the major strength of this theory from a diversity perspective?
- I believe the major strength of this theory from a diversity perspective is that it can be used with a wide variety of populations. It can be used in many different settings and for different problems.
9. What do you see as a major shortcoming of this theory from a diversity perspective?
- I believe that a major limitation to this theory is the fact that the therapist does not have a direction or clear structure during the session.
10. What do you consider to be the most significant contribution of this approach?
- I believe that the most significant contribution of the person-centered approach is the strong relationship built between the therapist and client.
11. What do you consider to be the most significant limitation of this approach?
- I believe that the most significant limitation of the person-centered approach is the fact that the therapist does not have a structured or clear direction for the counseling session.
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