Psychology 101: Carl Rogers, Best Rogerian Client Centered Therapy - Information And Theory For You!

So, are you looking for the best Rogerian client centered therapy information? Well, you have come to the right place with this Psychology 101 article.

Here we will discuss what client-centered therapy is, how it came to be and what are its uses.

The article is structured around Rogerian Theory and was formulated on the basis of psychotherapy.

Client centered therapy is also termed person centered therapy, or patient centred approach to that therapy, and the methods or approach has been developed from these terms.

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It is through these terms that counselling has been developed and is used in a world wide sense. Before we continue, please refresh yourself on the following definition.

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As this is a psychology 101 based article, as always, we will start by providing a ‘working definition’ of psychology as a term:

‘Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals.’

Psychologists concentrate on what is observable and measurable in a person’s behaviour. This includes the biological processes in the body, although, the mind is central to the subject.

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• Rogers thought that the role of the mother was a crucial factor in developing an adult personality.

• He felt that a healthy personality derives from unconditional love or ‘positive regard’.

• Without ‘positive regard’, this could stunt and limit the development of the self. This limiting he termed as ‘Conditional Positive Regard’.

Client centered therapy originally came into being via a theory developed by Carl Rogers. This theory shares common ideas from Abraham Maslow’s theory on ‘Self Actualization’. If you want to read more on this please click for the article ‘Psychology 101: What Makes People Happy?’

Roger’s theory, similarly with Maslow's ideas, also emphasised an innate desire towards achieving the best one can be. To fulfil one’s potential, therefore, brings upon a level of satisfaction that leads to self-actualisation.

Carl Rogers’s theory, however, had subtle differences in that he suggested that the process of self-actualisation was an ongoing process or a self-actualising one. It is from this that he developed a form of psychotherapy called Person Centred Therapy or, now commonly known as, Client Centered Therapy.

The client, unlike a patient, is not in a passive role in his attempt at improving his life. He is essentially responsible and an active participant.

Rogerian Therapy symbolised a changing attitude in therapy at the time. Prior to Client Centered Therapy, Psychoanalytic, Behaviourist and conventional medicine approaches; were formed on the basis of ‘mother knows best’. There is a ‘diagnosis’ by a ‘Doctor’ and ‘treatment’ given, thereof. The onus, therefore, with Rogerian Therapy, makes the client responsible for his or her own changes in behaviour and perception. The therapist role, therefore, is the enabler and empowerer, rather than the controller.

Client Centered Therapy is about counselling where both the client and the therapist’s relationships are based on equality. They work in partnership, toward developing skills, identifying all things relevant and important to the client so he can realise a process of achieving his potential or self actualising this potential. The therapist, therefore, is there as a guide whilst the client must consciously and rationally decide for himself what is wrong and what should be done about it.

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Carl Rogers (1961) believed that a psychologically healthy person has:

• Freedom of thought and action

• Openness to all experience – will try pretty much anything.

• Ability to live every moment of every day fully – to take on the challenge of life and to immerse themselves in it.

• The willingness to follow their instincts, rather than that of others – this is about confidence.

• Much creativity and the ability to express this.

Yep... it is all about me! As this sub-heading suggests, Rogers emphasized the role of 'the me' or Self Concept. This he broke down into three parts:

• The Ideal Self – How we would like to see ourselves.

• Self Image – How we actually perceive ourselves.

• Self Esteem – How we feel about ourselves

He believed that self-esteem is dependant on the gap between Ideal Self and Self-image. To increase Self Esteem, therefore, can be achieved by raising Self Image, lowering the perception of the Ideal Self, or both. This is about a balance in people’s perception in an attempt to produce a ‘feel good factor’ that leads to well being.

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Rogers’ approach has had a major impact on psychotherapy and on ‘self-improvement’ methods. This humanistic approach to self-actualising, has been adopted all over the world and has improved the lives of many people. This approach in client-centered therapy has had a major impact in society today. Person Centred approach is used with drug therapy, alcoholism, family therapies, counselling, health and social services practices and procedures.

However, as a word of warning, many charlatans have tried to jump on the bandwagon of tapping into human potential. This can do more harm than good and, as a criticism; there is still no strong scientific theory or research to strongly back this idea as a ‘school’ of thought.

Now, here I can recommend two fantastic books that will help you with a greater understanding of Client Centered Therapy. The first one - On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy (Paperback) - is from Carl Rogers himself. There is no charlatan here! It is a book based on his theory. It could help you understand methods of therapies and your road to either helping yourself and others.

'Client-Centered Therapy and the Person-Centered Approach: New Directions in Theory, Research, and Practice' has direct and revised ideas of Rogers and are of interest to Family Psychologists, Family Therapists and graduate students. If it is good enough reading for them, then it is good enough reading for anyone. Again, this cuts the charlatan from the truth.

Please feel free to click on both the Amazon links to view more and see the marvellous reviews from people who have already had the benefit from these books.

If you want to empower yourself and teach yourself mechanisms that will help you to reach your full potential, thereby, achieving happiness, these books can help you there.

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We hope that this Psychology 101 has covered all you needed to know about client centered therapy and that this article has been useful to you. In order for people to become happier and more fulfilled in life, we all need to be empowered so as we can be our best. Carl Rogers has become a major contributor in this field of psychology and has helped to make people’s lives better. This simple person centred approach to self actualization has become an integral part of society, which we all take for granted today.

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Disclaimer

Use This Psychology 101 article at your own risk. This Psychology article does not give medical or psychological advice, neither does it give legal opinions and advice.  Any action or outcome that may result from this article is the sole responsibility of the reader.  This article is assumes no responsibility or legal claim against it.