DILAY, Jhenny A.

BS Psychology 4A

I. Proponent

Carl Rogers

II. View of Human Nature

Rogers believed that humans are constantly reacting to stimuli with

their subjective reality (phenomenal field), which changes continuously. Over time, a person
develops a self-concept based on the feedback from this field of reality. Human beings
develop an ideal self and a real self based on the conditional status of positive regard. How
closely one's real self matches up with their ideal self is called congruity. Rogers believed
that fully functioning people could achieve "the good life," in which they constantly aim to
fulfill their potential and allow their personalities to emanate from their experiences.

III. Maladjustment

An individual may develop optimally and avoid the previously described outcomes if they
experience only "unconditional positive regard" and no conditions of worth develop. The
needs for positive regard from others and positive self-regard would match organism
evaluation and there would be congruence between self and experience, with full
psychological adjustment as a result.

IV. Goal of Therapy

Humanistic psychology emphasized the active role of the individual in shaping their

internal and external worlds. Rogers advanced the field by stressing that the human person
is an active, creative, experiencing being who lives in the present and subjectively responds
to current perceptions, relationships, and encounters. He coined the term actualizing
tendency, which refers to a person's basic instinct to succeed at his or her highest possible
capacity. Through person-centered counseling and scientific therapy research, Rogers
formed his theory of personality development, which highlighted free will and the great
reservoir of human potential for goodness.
V. Role of the therapist 

The therapist wants to help people recognize how they are limiting themselves, help
them confront avoided anxieties, and help them redefine their understanding of the world.
The relationship between therapist and client is essential and is based upon mutual respect.
This relationship is critical because the encounters that take place in the therapeutic setting
are what bring about positive change in the client's life.

Therapists make use of diverse techniques that come from different theoretical
orientations. There is not one right way or rigid set of essential techniques. This lack of a
specific technique-oriented approach sets existential therapy apart from other forms of
therapy. The therapist typically adapts interventions to their own personality and style. Thus,
it is important that the therapist is able to clarify for themselves their own views on life and
living.

VI. Therapeutic relationship

Client-centered therapy, which is also known as person-centered, non-directive, or

Rogerian therapy, is a counseling approach that requires the client to take an active role in
his or her treatment with the therapist being nondirective and supportive. In client-centered
therapy, the client determines the course and direction of treatment, while the therapist
clarifies the client's responses to promote self-understanding.

The goals of client-centered therapy are increased self-esteem and openness to

experience. Client-centered therapists work to help clients lead full lives of self-
understanding and reduce defensiveness, guilt, and insecurity. As well as have more
positive and comfortable relationships with others and an increased capacity to experience
and express their feelings.

VII. Treatment Techniques

1. Set clear boundaries. For example, when and how long you want the session to last.
You may also want to rule out certain topics of conversation.
2. The client knows best. The client is the expert on his/her own difficulties. It’s better to
let the client explain what is wrong. Don’t fall into the trap of telling them what their
problem is or how they should solve it.
3. Act as a sounding board. One useful technique is to listen carefully to what the client is
saying and then try to explain to him/her what you think he/she is telling you in your own
words. This can not only help you clarify the client’s point of view, it can also help the
client understand his/her feelings better and begin to look for a constructive way forward.
4. Don’t be judgmental. Some clients may feel that their personal problems mean that
they fall short of the ‘ideal’. They may need to feel reassured that they will be accepted
for the person that they are and not face rejection or disapproval.
5. Don’t make decisions for them. Remember advice is a dangerous gift. Also, some
clients will not want to take responsibility for making their own decisions. They may need
to be reminded that nobody else can or should be allowed to choose for them. Of course
you can still help them explore the consequences of the options open to them.
6. Concentrate on what they are really saying. Sometimes this will not be clear at the
outset. Often a client will not tell you what is really bothering him/her until he/she feels
sure of you. Listen carefully – the problem you are initially presented with may not be the
real problem at all.
7. Be genuine. If you simply present yourself in your official role the client is unlikely to
want to reveal personal details about themselves. This may mean disclosing things
about yourself – not necessarily facts, but feelings as well. Don’t be afraid to do this –
bearing in mind that you are under no obligation to disclose anything you do not want to.
8. Accept negative emotions. Some clients may have negative feelings about
themselves, their family or even you. Try to work through their aggression without taking
offence, but do not put up with personal abuse.
9. How you speak can be more important than what you say. It is possible to convey a
great deal through your tone of voice. Often it will be found helpful to slow down the
pace of conversation. Short pauses where the client (and you) has time to reflect on the
direction of the session can also be useful.
10. I may not be the best person to help. Knowing yourself and your own limitations can
be just as important as understanding the client’s point of view. No person centered
counselor succeeds all the time. Sometimes you will be able to help but you will never
know. Remember the purpose of a counseling session is not to make you feel good
about yourself.
VIII. Contributions to Psychology / Key Concepts

Carl Roger's 'Person Centered Therapy' or PCT is one of the most popular types of
psychotherapy used all over the world. This method is at the heart of all 'humanistic' modes of
psychotherapy. Its main technique is to adopt a non-judgmental environment by which the
psychotherapist gradually helps the client to find a solution for his/her problem by him/herself.
Following are the six core aspect of Carl Rogers' PCT which have been outlined in his book
"Client-centered Therapy." (1951).

1. Therapist-Client Psychological Contact: There should be a proper bonding between the

therapist and the client.

2. Client Incongruence or Vulnerability: The client's vulnerability and anxiety compel him to
continue his relationship with his therapist.

3. Therapist Congruence or Genuiness: The therapist is also deeply involved with his client. He
shares his own experiences with his clients.

4. Therapist Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR): The therapist accepts the client
unconditionally without passing any judgment on his/her actions, feelings or attitudes.

5. Therapist Empathic Understanding: The therapist feels intense sympathy for his client.
He/she genuinely feels or experiences the same feelings and emotions of his/her client.

6. Client Perception: The client perceives at least to a certain extent that the therapist genuinely
accepts him unconditionally and understands his feelings.

Assignment
 in
Clinical
Psychology

Submitted by:

DILAY, Jhenny A.

PSY4A

Submitted to:

Ms. Mahjalin Araiza Bugtong, RPm