Comparison of the Person Centered Approach by Carl Rogers and Counseling Theory
Person centred approach theory was developed in 1902-1987 by Carl Rogers who was a psychologist. The approach was considered non-directive. The theory was derived from the idea that guaranteed therapists as the main experts and insisted on self-actualization as the major factor that would make people fulfil their potentials (Dean, Siegert & Taylor, 2012). It suggests that, for someone to fully realize his or her potential, there is need to relate with other human beings.
One should also have a desire of knowing others and should be known by others. This can be majorly achieved through creativity, curiosity, and being trustworthy. Rodgers said that an environment where one was free would be critical for one to fulfil his/her potentials. This environment includes people who have deeply understood as genuine and positive thinkers. The idea could as well be used in other fields where people relate to one another. A good example is in the field of management, resolving conflicting issues, and in the medical field.
Conversely, Rodgers’ theory majorly relies on one’s personality. Therefore, the theory is difficult to use. However, the approach is widely used as it uses humanistic principals. In addition, the theory puts more emphasis on experiential processes. According to Rodgers, the role played by experts is passed on to therapists then to an individual who is entirely responsible and possesses the capability to resolve problems.
Psychoanalytic perspective is another theory used by therapists in counselling. This theory emphasizes on how critical sexuality and unconscious procedures are. These are the key factors in understanding psychopathology (Tudor, 2004). According to Freud, being conscious and unconscious were the major components. To clearly understand the approach, one should be conversant with the following concepts. These are defence mechanism, instinct and psychic. Instinct is an impulse force that makes one to take an action. Psychic is some pain resulting from discrepancy that arises between the actual self and ideal self. In order to avoid the pain, one can project, regress, or even displace in order to cope with it.
The major goals of therapy include managing crisis, developing strategies that will help solve future struggling situations and aid change the personality of an individual. In addition, it helps individuals to fully examine themselves. It can also be used to reduce extensive symptoms thus ensuring continuous production.
As a therapist, I should ensure that my client achieves the optimum satisfaction through restoring and maintaining his or her physical fitness. I would also ensure that my client is enjoying the highest quality of life. More so, I should ensure that I do my best to stop progressing impairments that may result either from diseases or from other conditions (Thompson Kilbane & Sanderson, 2008). I should also be able to manage and diagnose upcoming dysfunctional situations.
The
techniques used are convincing the client to change through empowering him or
her, ensuring the abilities of the clients are present, advising the client to
congruent his or her behaviour, and promoting the self-esteem of the clients. I
would also guide people in retracing their abilities and be able to manage
their lives. As a therapist, I expect my clients to be willing and ready to
change for the betterment of their lives. I also expect them to be open-minded
and able to appreciate change by participating in the therapy process.
References
Dean, S. G., Siegert, R. J., & Taylor, W. J. (2012). Interprofessional rehabilitation: A person-centred approach. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.
Thompson, J., Kilbane, J., & Sanderson, H. (2008). Person centred practice for professionals. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press/McGraw-Hill.
Tudor, L. E. (2004). The person-centred approach: A contemporary introduction. Houndmills, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.