Client Centered Theory John S.  Term Paper

But did she mean well sometimes? Or is she always so rude towards you?

Analysis: This example illustrates a long process in a short amount of space, but it helps to point out some aspects of Roger's theory. According to Rogers, such dialogue can be observed with nearly every client as generalizations are broken down to acute experiences (Rogers, 1951). Such breakthroughs in the origins of the problem rely on a patient's freedom to fully express the self while the therapist provides guidance and acceptance (Rogers, 1951). The therapist guides the client as the client comes to understand the reasons for his or her thoughts.

Example 3:

Client: I feel like I can't talk to you, that you have judged me guilty. This feeling sticks with me, I don't know what to do, but I don't like you.

Therapist: So you think I have put you up for trial and judged guilty?

Client: Yes, I can't tell you anything because you don't have any respect for me.

Therapist: Is it me that has no respect for you?

Client: Well maybe I have no respect for myself, or my actions, and I feel I have to be disrespected by you somehow.

Analysis: This show the idea of transference in which a client, for whatever reason, assumes that the therapist is not treating him or her properly and has developed a sort of hatred or dislike for the therapist (Rogers, 1951). It is up to the therapist to overcome these hindrances to therapy by using the client centered theory. That is, the therapist must never show judgment, and must try to help the client to realize that his or her ideals are based on notions within him or her self, and are not based on real evidence.

ANALYSIS believe Carl Roger's theory on client centered therapy is the most effective form, as it recognizes strengths and weaknesses within the treatment of a patient. Rogers himself, admits that "we do not really know what is the essential process of therapy," however a therapist cannot go wrong by trying to help someone, by being genuine, and by treating the patient as a positive and rational individual (Rogers, 1951, p. 131). The use of client centered therapy can help for the acceptance of self, and thus for the positive development of an individual (Rogers, 1951). Therapy is not a physical science, but a human science, and Roger's theory reflects that. A therapist, I believe, should be open and honest with the client, but maintain a sense of friendship. That way, the patient can be helped to make progress, to realize his or her own self, because in reality that is what he or she wants- progress. It may be instinctive for a person to feel attacked or become defensive when realizing their problems and it is up to the therapist to alleviate these fears to the greatest extent possible. Carl Rogers, through extensive research and clinical practice over many years, has helped to bring the human nature of therapy to the forefront of psychoanalysis, and I think this is for the better.

CONCLUSION

Carl Roger's client centered theory is humanist and based on assumptions that all organisms, including humans, by their very nature as evolutionary beings, try to realize their potential. Therefore, people go to therapy in order to improve and realize their self-identity. It is up to the therapist to guide them, and a therapist must be empathetic to their situation to have positive effects on the individual through the therapy. Therapists can reflect on a client's words out loud, but they must be genuine reflections. If not genuine, it will be noticed, and therapy will be ineffective. Ultimately, this is the most important factor to successful therapy within the client centered humanist approach to therapy.

References

Bozarth, Jared D., & Brodley, Barbara Temaner. (1991). Actualization: A Functional Concept in Client-Centered Therapy. Handbook of Self-Actualization, Vol. 6, 45-60.

Bugental, J.F.T. (1964). The Third Force in Psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 4, No. 1, 19-25.

Pollack, N. (1993). Client Centered Assessment. Pub Med, 47, 298-301.

Rogers, Carl R. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Rogers, Carl R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework. In S. Koch (ed.). Psychology: A study of science. N.Y.: McGraw Hill.

Rogers, Carl R. (1961). On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Rogers, Carl R. (1977). Carl Rogers on personal power. N.Y.: Delacorte Press.

Rogers, Carl R. (1980). A Way of Being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

Empathy Quotation

Humanist

Thesis: All people want the best in life, and Roger's humanist theory of the client-centered approach helps people to work towards their fulfillment.

DISCUSSION

Origins as Positive Theory

Humanist Theory - help as people

Bring problems forth during treatment

People are positive

People are organisms who want the best

Organisms want to better themselves

Actualization- realize potential

Self- what you are that's unique

Self-Actualization- fulfillment of yourself

Therapist must try to help client

Therapist must try to help

Cannot pass judgment

Promote positive thought

Core practices of therapy

Self-Actualization is the goal

Congruence

Positive regard

Empathetic understanding

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Scared of Being Yourself

Allow the client to be open

Allow the client to express his or her problems

Reflection

Example 2: Irrational dislike or hatred

Allow open discussion

Help to identify the causes of certain thoughts

Rationality

Example 3: Overcoming transference and not making judgment

Therapist should not pass judgment

Help client realize mistakes

Help client realize need for…