Person Centered, Essay Example

Person-Centered Group Therapy vs. Rational Emotive Group Behavior Therapy

Person-Centered Group Therapy and Rational Emotive Group Behavior Therapy are popular objects of professional research. Common in their striving to improve individual and group psychological wellbeing, the two therapies nonetheless exemplify two entirely different approaches to psychotherapy. Person-Centered Group Therapy relies on the premise that all individuals have the potential to set goals and pursue them (Rogers, 1959). In PCGT, groups operate as the central element and the guiding light in the development of therapeutic relationships between them and therapists. They have the freedom to choose what is right for them and are eager to resolve intra-group conflicts effectively. PCGT works through empathy, which therapists use to appreciate group members’ feelings and perceptions (Rogers, 1959). Genuineness, congruence, and unconditional positive regard are essential ingredients of successful PCGT (Rogers, 1959). In PCGT, therapists accept groups and group members for who they are, whatever decisions or actions they might choose – this is how PCGT helps individuals to develop better self-esteem and self-concept and encourages them to be self-directed, as they are coping with their emotional problems.

Unlike PCGT, Rational Emotive Group Behavior Therapy (REGBT) does not require a productive therapeutic relationship. That emotional problems result from distorted interpretations of events is the fundamental ingredient of the REGBT philosophy (Ellis, 1957). REGBT therapists apply to a wide range of cognitive techniques, including didactic discussion, desensitization, and homework assignments.They help to identify and address the major deficiencies in clients’ thoughts and emotional responses to different events. REGBT is aimed at helping clients and groups to detect irrational behaviors and confront them (Ellis, 1957). Consequentially, REGBT assists clients in exploring and changing their basic beliefs and values, to avoid emotional disturbances following stressful events.

The commonalities and differences between PCGT and REGBT are obvious. REGBT relies on therapists’ directives, with little to no regard to the therapeutic relationship, and with the main goal being to develop new cognitive schemas through didactic models of thinking and homework assignments. By contrast, PCGT treats clients as the central element of successful therapy, encourages them to choose the desired direction, supports them in the development of new self-concepts, and operates at the level of feelings. Certainly, in both models therapists are committed to improving clients’ emotional wellbeing.Both models promote increased optimism in terms of clients’ ability to change. Simultaneously, the two therapies exemplify two entirely different approaches in psychotherapy, leading to different emotional and cognitive outcomes.

References

Ellis, A. (1957). Rational psychotherapy and individual psychology. Journal of Individual Psychology, 13, 38-44

Rogers, C. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality and interpersonal relationships as developed in the client-centered framework. In S. Koch (ed), Psychology: A study of a science, vol. 3. New York: McGraw Hill.