Client-Centered Therapy Evaluation Essay

Therapy Evaluation: Rogers, Perls, and Ellis
Dr. Carl Rogers, Client-Centered Therapy
Gloria’s Reaction Gloria was very open to Dr. Rogers. Dr. Rogers seemed transparent, opened, and positive, and that seem to ease how nervous Gloria was quickly. Gloria opened up to Dr. Rogers sooner and exposed her concern over her daughter and her sex life, without feeling judged. Although the conversation was only a half hour in length, Gloria seemed to express her feelings quickly. I also noticed that Dr.Rogers never really answered Gloria, but would constantly paraphrase what she had stated. At times, Gloria would become frustrated when he would not give her a clear answer. Dr. Rogers wanted her to be the expert in deciding what she needed to do with
her life, and find her own solutions (Rogers, 1965). Gloria seemed to guide and take over the session, and he simply was a good listener. Towards the end Gloria even felt she was talking to her “substitute father”, which means she was very comfortable and felt that she could trust Dr. Rogers (Rogers, 1965)).
My Reaction Dr. Rogers seemed to be very personal and easy to talk to. He was a great listener and in a short time was able to establish a relationship with Gloria. As a counselor, it is necessary to establish that relationship so the clients can trust you and open their feelings towards you. Although, I did not like that he really did not provide help, but rather was listening to what Gloria had to say. I felt Dr. Rogers was less active and I would become frustrated quickly with that one-way conversation. In the other hand, I do respect that he would let his clients know if he disliked him because that would allow clients to get the most out of their therapy session and look else where if it was not going to work. Even though this was not my favorite approach, towards the end Gloria seemed to gain self worth and feel more aware of what she needed to do (Rogers, 1965).
Dr. Albert Ellis, Founder of Rational Emotive Therapy
Gloria’s Reaction Gloria quickly referred to Dr. Ellis book and that seem to be comfortable with his type of therapy. She seemed at ease and listened carefully and deeply when Dr. Ellis would comment. During the session, Gloria lit her cigarette, which is a sign that she became nervous and that he was being too forceful (Ellis, 1965). Although, he was very direct, I think Gloria appreciated that he gave her a clear answer of what to do next. In the end Gloria was smiling and even stated that she was excited to start taking risk and be more human. Overall, the session was positive, opened, and Gloria was able to get an immediate answer and apply it to her life (Ellis, 1965).
My Reaction Dr.
Ellis gave more direct guidance and seemed to talk the most out of the three. Although at times I felt he talked too much, I really think that Gloria felt comfortable and was able to open herself up to her. I also liked that he gave her a concrete answer that she could apply to her life once she left the session, since that is what she wanted in the first place and would probably want to come back since he is giving her immediate feedback (Ellis, 1965). This type of therapy was very counselor driven and structured. The session started with Gloria and Dr. Ellis introducing themselves, talking, then ended with a “homework assignment”, which she was asked to apply what she had learn from that session in her daily life (Ellis, 1965). I like that he did that because that way the client does not feel that he or she is leaving empty handed and is given a way to improve their lives immedicable. The homework assignment allows the client to take charge of their own recovery and understand that they are in control of their life. Rational Emotive Therapy had an element that stood out to be, which was for patients to not focus in the past, but to focus in the present, which is important in order to come out of the situation they are facing (Ellis,
1965).
Dr. Friedrich Perls, Founder of Gestalt Therapy
Gloria’s Reaction As soon as the session started Gloria felt scared and tried to cope to uncertainty by smiling. Dr. Perls quickly called her out for smiling. Gloria got defensive and quickly felt frighten by him. Dr. Perls made her feel dumb, afraid, and stupid. When he asked her what corner she would like to go, she seemed very confused and as if she put an imaginary guard (Perls, 1965). Dr. Perls made Gloria feel so nervous and at times she acted very childish. Gloria did not like when Dr. Perls called her “phony” and became angry and declared she was mad at him and even started punching the chair she was sitting in (Perls, 1965). Gloria was smoking the entire time so that was a sign of her trying to calm her nerves. During the entire session Gloria raised her voice and her shoulders seemed very tense. Gloria was never able to discuss her daughter or sex life and seemed to have no courage. Gloria felt that Dr.Perls was judgmental, and declared that she was making no connection with him (Perls, 1965). Gloria felt that the doctor would not accept her weakness and was not able to ever make a connection with Dr. Perls.
My Reaction Dr. Fritz Perls was very aggressive and confrontational. I know he was more aware of the nonverbal, but I felt Gloria was never able to open up to him and was too tense. At times I felt that he was mocking Gloria and name calling her. He never really tried to understand her and accused her of being "phony" (Perls, 1965). He was not kind, and in my opinion needed to be more compassionate and gentle. Throughout the entire session he seemed very relaxed, read off a paper, and was even smoking (Perls, 1965). He seemed not interested in her well-being and was never able to make a connection with Gloria. Towards the end he was able to offer her advise, but was a very harsh approach. I would not be able to sit in a session with him without crying or getting violent. I know there are people that can benefit from this type of therapy, but it is definitely not for everyone.
Preferred Approach As a school counselor, I would implement the rational emotive therapy of Dr. Ellis. Although Dr. Ellis was very talkative and led many of the conversations, I felt that Gloria was the most comfortable with him. I believed he handled the session in a very professional way and at the end of the session offered her advice that she could apply to her daily life immediately. I appreciate immediate feedback and I know my clients would appreciate any type of help I give them. I think he listened enough to make a connection with Gloria and provided her with support and the courage to make changes. I also liked that his approach focused on the client and establishing a relationship with the client. As a future counselor it is necessary to be able to have a goo rapport with my students and gain the trust needed. Dr. Ellis was also very positive, nonjudgmental but also made Gloria question her thoughts.
I liked Dr. Ellis approach because he focused on the client, remained calm, and non-confrontational. My second choice was Dr. Rogers, he was also very nice, easy going, but I did not like that the client was doing all the talking and I did not feel a solution was offered at the end of the session. On the other hand, Dr. Perls was too harsh and judgmental. I would not be able to sit in a session with him, much less treat my students that way. I know it works for specific people but for young children I think it would create a barrier. In conclusion, Dr. Ellis approach was the most suited for me and the approach I see myself using as a counselor.