Therapeutic Psychology
PYC4809
Assignment 02
Unique number: 755414
Due date: 03 Augustus 2020
Prepared by Monique Naude
Student number: 56381271
,Contents
No table of contents entries found.
, Section A
Person-Centred Therapeutic approach
Carl Rogers also known as the father of psychotherapy research was a major spokesperson
for the humanistic approach and led a life that reflected the ideas he developed and showed
a questioning stance in that he was not afraid to challenge the status quo, a deep openness
to change and had was not afraid to take a strong position and show courage in unfamiliar
situations as a professional and a person. He studies the counselling process in dept by
analysing transcripts of actual therapy sessions and was the first clinician to conduct major
studies on psychotherapy using quantitative methods, he was the first to formulate a
comprehensive theory of personality and psychotherapy through empirical research and
contributed in the development of a psychotherapy theory that focussed on the strengths and
resources of the individual rather than the pathology (Corey , 2013, p. 173).
Rodgers was a pioneer who earned recognition around the world for the development of the
humanistic movement and his foundational ideas, especially the central role of the client-
therapist relationship to foster growth and change, have been incorporated by other theoretical
approached. Rogers ground-breaking discoveries continue to have far-reaching effects in
psychotherapy. He applied the person-centred approach to world peace by training leaders,
policymakers and groups that are in conflict and the greatest passion was to reduce interracial
tensions and an effort to achieve world peace in which he got nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize (Corey , 2013, p. 173).
The basic assumptions the person-centred approach is that people are generally trustworthy
and have the potential to understand themselves and resolving their own problems without
direct intervention from the therapist part. He also believed that individuals are capable of self-
directed growth when they are involved in a specific kind of therapeutic relationship. The
outcome of the therapeutic process is largely determined by the attitudes and personal
characteristics of the therapist and the quality of the client-therapist relationship. The belief
that the client’s capacity for self-healing is in contrast with other theories that belief that they
therapist’s techniques are the most powerful agents that leads to change. He did not present
the person-centred theory as a completed fixed approach to therapy, rather as a set of
tentative principles that relates to how therapy process develops, not as a dogma. He
expected his theory to evolve and was open and receptive to change (Corey , 2013, p. 174).
The person-centred approach assumes that clients have the resourcefulness for positive
movement without a counsellor taking an active, directive, or problem-solving role.
Traditionally, person-centred therapist would not use a certain method, the therapist’s
presence is essential for the client’s progress. The therapist is completely attentive and
engaged in the client and in the client’s expressed concerns. Qualities and skills such as being
present, actively listening, accepting, respecting, understanding, and communicate in a
genuine way with a client, is far more powerful than any technique a therapist might use to
facilitate change.
Rogers’s focussed on understanding the world of the client and reflecting this understanding.
As his view of psychotherapy developed, his focus shifted away from a nondirective view and
placed emphases on the therapist’s relationship with the client.
