Modern Psychotherapies, Essay Example

Historical Context

The person-centered therapeutic method is said to derive from the humanistic psychology and was initiated, developed by Carl Rogers in 1940s. He outlined the major concepts of this therapeutic method and applied it to practice, enriching the set of tools being used in it. He is still considered one of the most influential therapists who heavily influenced the principles and procedures of counseling services (Corey, 2008). The change introduced by Rogers supposed deep, correct and professionally built relationships of the therapist with the patient and the secondary role of the clinician on the effect relying heavily on the ability of human beings to self-direct their actions, perception and consciousness without outer help.

The role of the therapist was introduced only as a supplement, assistance in self-direction and stimulation of the human potential of self-awareness (Corey, 2008). This fact comprises the main difference in the approaches of other psychologists and other theories – person-centered therapy is based on the assumption that people are capable of self-healing and the education, professional skills of the therapist can help them on that way (Corey, 2008).

What is even more important is the way Rogers represented the approach – it is still considered not a static dogma but the changing set of principles. This way the psychologist tried to make every therapist make his or her own contribution to the theory and help the theory evolve in the course of time (Corey, 2008).

Major Contributors to the Theory

It is known that every psychological theory and method is a composite phenomenon consisting of a great set of implications that cannot be fully examined: it pertains to the cultural, religious, philosophical, even medical ones. The science of psychology is complex in its own way because it tries to unify these components of human life and achieve harmony on the way of treatment. This is why in the discussion of person-centered therapy it is important to mention such philosophers as Boy and Pine who investigated the evolution of person-centered therapy, Van Belle who examined the religious implications belayed by Rogers as a foundation for his method, and Vitz who examined the way person-centered therapy shaped human self-perception and perception of the surrounding world. Korchin summarized the key values nurtured by the person-centered therapy and Rychlak examined the role of phenomenology in it (Jones and Butman, 1991).

Five Distinguishing Concepts of the Theory

It is important to note that the basic concept of person-centered therapy is the “unconditional”, “positive” attitude to the person who becomes the center of the process (Malchiodi, 2003). So, the first concept on which Rogers built his theory is that under the properly created, nurturing conditions built for the client, he or she will reveal potential for self-healing and solving the problem he or she currently has without outer help.

However, the second basic concept concerns the assumption that no person has an ability to direct his or her life. So there has been much emphasis made on the professionalism of the therapist. Rogers insisted on psychologists possessing the highest grade of knowledge and skills in psychology to be able to help the client (Corey, 2008).

The third assumption concerns congruence – Rogers argued that it is important both from the customer’s and the therapist’s side and attributed much importance to it. This concept is based on the fact that both the therapist and the client are individuals with their particular personal characteristics; this is why it is hard to work with a professional who still does not correspond according to some interpersonal traits (Corey, 2008).

Unconditional positive regard has also become the well-known basic concept of person-centered therapy due to the fact that only under such a condition the complete connection between the two parties of the process would be achieved. Besides, both the client and the therapist had to establish the emotional contact that would aid the process of healing, which would be possible only in the atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding (Corey, 2008).

The last concept to be discussed is the accurate empathetic understanding – it is the assumption about the true attitude of the therapist to the problems of the patient. The clinician has not only to understand what the client says, but to feel empathy towards him or her, which is more than only sympathy and understanding and includes sharing of emotions. Rogers supposed this approach as the most constructive one in the context of initiating self-healing (Corey, 2008).

The Scope of Gestalt Therapy From the Religious Perspective

Rogers came from the fundamentalist Christian family, which affected his psychological views as well. He included many religious concepts in the theory he developed, so they can be viewed partly from the religious perspective. Rogers insisted on empathy and emotional contact with the client, in which one may see the reflection of the Christian calling for selflessness, sacrifice and understanding of people (Jones and Butman, 1991).

The very fact that the person is put at the center of the process and the therapist is attributed only complementary sense shows how the human being is nurtured, respected and focused on in the whole scope of the theory. Thus, it becomes possible to track the influence of Christianity on the theory very belayed by Rogers clearly.

References

Corey, G. (2008). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning EMEA.

Jones, L.S., & Butman, R.E. (1991). Modern psychotherapies: a comprehensive Christian appraisal. InterVarsity Press.

Malchiodi, C.A. (2003). Handbook of art therapy. Guilford Press.