Person Centered Therapy

BU

CARL ROGERS (1902 - 1987 )

Bren da C hoi

Biography • • • • • •

Born in Chicago, the fourth of six children, F: civil engineer, M: housewife, devout Christian 12 years old University; agriculture Marriage, New York City, Union Theological Seminary Columbia University (Clinical Psychology), PhD( 1931) Provide therapy, gave speeches, wrote, research

Four periods of Development 1940s, nondirective counseling vs counselor knows best, reflecting & clarifying verbal & nonverbal communication ---gaining insight into the feelings expressed by clients 1950s, client-centered therapy, emphasis on client vs method, phenomenological world, internal frame of reference Late 1950s’research, process and outcomes, client-therapist relationship 1980s to 1990s, expansion, person-centered approach

Vi ew of hu man nat ure •

Trustworthy, resourceful, capable of selfunderstanding, self-directions, able to make constructive change, able to live effective and productive lives

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Growth promoting climate, congruence, unconditional positive regards (acceptance and caring) , accurate empathic understanding (an ability to deeply grasp the subjective world of another person)

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Growth force, internal source of healing

The th erape uti c g oa ls Provide a safe climate conducive to clients’ selfexploration : An openness to experience; A trust in themselves; An internal source of evaluation ;A willingness to continue growing

The the ra peutic rela tionship The qualities of the therapist (attitudes) are stressed. Client use this real relationship with the therapist to help them transfer what they learn to other relationship

Techniques y

n

T attitudes Diagnostic testing Reflection of F interpretation Active listening Case history Clarification

Questioning….

Application •

Individual, group

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Marital, family

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Community program

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Administration, human realtion training…

Pros an Cons • Lack of structure • direction

• C active stance • Subject to empirical testing • Open system