Evaluate Maslow's Theory Of Person Centred Therapy
Chrysalis; diploma in Psychotherapeutic counselling; Year 2 Essay 1 2,406 words P.Reeve; City College, Norwich 08/06/2014
“Evaluate the claim that Person-Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients”.
For the purpose of this essay, I will attempt to evaluate the theory that Person-Centred Therapy offers the therapist all they need to treat clients. Therapists will have many different approaches and theories for their interventions, but will arguably all share a common interest, the desire for positive change and outcome for the client. I would argue that all people are individuals, who will potentially respond differently to various theories and approaches. I would …show more content…
argue that it would be difficult to achieve consistent positive outcomes for every client by using one theory and one approach.
I will be demonstrating an understanding of Person-Centred Therapy, based on my current knowledge, supported by Chrysalis information/hand-outs, year 2 booklist and information gained from the internet.
Humanistic therapies, Person-Centred or Client Centred approaches evolved in the USA in the 1950’s. Carl Rogers, an American psychologist (1902-1987) was among the pioneers of this new ground breaking approach, “The Rogerian approach”.
Carl Rogers proposed that therapy could be simpler, warmer and more optimistic than that carried out by behavioural or psychodynamic psychologists (McLeod, S.A. (2008). Person Centred Therapy.
The Rogerian approach held the strong belief that for a client’s condition to improve therapist should be warm, genuine and understanding, in other words is congruent with the client.
Rogers stated “It is that the individual has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behaviour – and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided.” (McLeod, S.A. (2008).
Rogers believed that we are in fact “experts on ourselves”, and therefore ultimately possess the answers to our issues and conditions. Rogers maintained that we behave as we do because of the way we perceive our situation. For example, if a person’s very first experiences were negative ones, it would be highly likely that they would have a low or poor self-concept as an adult, potentially leading to emotional issues throughout their life.
At the centre of Rogers theory was that of “the self” or core-self (self-actualization) which relates to a set of one’s own beliefs and perceptions about oneself, and how each person will perceive there self in a unique and different way. For instance, a person may perceive themselves a certain way, either strong or weak. The person will then behave as they perceive a strong or a weak person would or should behave. Also if a person’s very first experiences were negative ones, it would be highly likely that they would have a low or poor self-concept as an adult, potentially leading to emotional issues throughout their life.
There is however a major flaw with this concept, as the person may not be seen by others as they see themselves. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) also had a strong belief in self-actualisation and also used a humanistic approach within his therapy. Maslow developed a system called the “Hierarchy of Needs” which is represented in a triangle form, showing the levels of needs. There are five levels starting at the bottom of the triangle with; P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Physiological needs = Food, warmth, shelter, sex etc.
Safety needs = Security, order, predictability, freedom from threat.
Love/social needs = Relationships, affection, belonging.
Esteem needs = Independence, recognition, status, respect from others.
Self-actualisation = Fulfilment of personal potential.
Maslow stated that “a person is constantly motivated to satisfy these needs and, at any one point in time, his behaviour will be directed at satisfying a need”. (Chrysalis hand-out 2014).
Maslow stated that the need at the bottom of the triangle is the need that will need satisfying the most, as we all need the fundamentals, for example, food, warmth, shelter, sex etc.
However once this need has been satisfied, a person will automatically seek to fulfil the other needs.
There are differences between Rogers and Maslow’s theories however the fundamental ideas were agreed on.
Rogers described some core conditions which were necessary to achieve success within therapy sessions.
1) Empathy - Feeling or attempting to feel what it is that the client is trying to express.
2) Congruence - (or Genuineness) – being honest and genuine with the client.
3) Warmth – (or prizing or Unconditional Positive Regard and being non-judgemental) – valuing a client as a person – regardless of how they may have behaved. (Chrysalis hand-out 2014)
Person Centred Therapy (PCT) or humanistic approach is unique in terms of the therapist and client relationship. In person centred counselling, the relationship between client and therapist is seen as equal, which is unlike that of other approaches within counselling. The humanistic therapist will refer to their “client” rather than their “patient”, which enables the client to see themselves as …show more content…
equal.
It has been evidenced that by speaking/offloading to someone neutral, a person is able to make sense of what may be causing issues and problems and to then be able work through these issues. These are the fundamental rules/conditions of Person Centred Therapy which may appear very basic and simple, however to achieve the essential conditions would require a therapist to have many years of relevant knowledge and experience.
During therapy, the client is allowed to discuss whatever they feel comfortable with, and it is the job of the therapist to offer the above conditions and to actively listen. The therapist should ensure that the client can recognise that the therapist is actively listening which is achieved by paraphrasing and offering clarity around what the client has said. By offering the above, the client has a safe place where they are able to work through their feelings, thoughts and life experiences.
The more comfortable the client feels, the more the client will be able to explore their inner most feelings and fears. The therapist will have actively listened to these feelings and thoughts and will then be able to examine any inconsistencies. The therapist will then encourage and reinforce positive feelings which will allow the client’s inner self to strengthen. This will in turn allow the client to consider their more negative feelings and thoughts in a more objective manner, enabling self-actualisation and the ability for the client to be able to move on and to make positive changes within their life.
Rogers stated “It is that the individual has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behaviour-and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided.” (Simply Psychology; Person Centred Therapy-core conditions).
P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Rogers believed that although an individual’s problems have arisen from their past, it is more useful and productive for the client to concentrate on the present and future. Rather than liberate the client from their past (Psychodynamic therapy) person centred therapy aims to help the client to achieve personal growth with the hope of the client reaching the point of “self-actualization.”
Within the “Rogerian approach” there is very little in the way of techniques, thereby emphasising the importance of the relationship between the client and the therapist. The relationship is crucial to the success of the therapy.
The only techniques would be to listen, to accept, to understand and to share. The aim of the therapy is for the client to come to terms with their own self, and form an appropriate understanding of themselves and the world around them.
“The therapeutic relationship is the crucial variable, not what the therapists says or
does.”
It is the role of the therapist to create a positive relationship with their client, and to turn an incongruent relationship into that of a congruent one. Rogers regarded every one as a “potentially competent individual” who could potentially receive great benefits from his form of therapy.
The aim of Humanistic therapy is to “increase an individual’s feelings of self-worth, reduce the level of incongruence between the ideal and the actual self thereby helping a person become more of a fully functioning person” (Simply Psychology; Person Centred Therapy- core conditions).”
Rogers made three fundamental assumptions;
Human beings are basically good and will towards goodness if given the opportunity.
It is the subjective experience of the client that is important, and the only meanings that should be attached are those that the client him/herself holds.
People have the ability to know how to heal themselves and are capable of self-direction.
The most basic assumption of Rogers was that individuals are capable of exercising free will, which is a belief which seems to be contrary to most mainline psychological research. (Chrysalis hand-out year two module one).”
Rogers believed that one main reason for people’s issues and problems is that they are not true to themselves and do not live “authentically”. Rogers believed that people are too busy trying to be “someone they are not” rather than being the person they are, thereby causing self-conflict.
Rogers also believes that we must “own our own behaviour” rather than to blame everything on everyone and everything else. If we cannot own our own behaviour, we are unable to control it.
Rogers ultimately believed that if we take full responsibility for our thoughts and actions and are honest with ourselves; our emotional well-being will be more likely enhanced and stable.
“CRITICISMS OF PERSON CENTRED THERAPY”
There are criticisms and negative aspects to all therapeutic approaches, and the person centred approach is not exempt.
Rogers theory is predominantly based on and insists on a positive relationship between the client and therapist. This is however what all ethical therapist should provide to their client’s, providing the core elements/conditions; congruence, empathy, unconditional positive regard. However there may well be times when it is extremely difficult for the therapist to offer all of the core conditions. Each client will potentially P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
have a completely different personality, belief system and demeanour which could offer difficulties to the therapist and in turn the client.
When a therapist is confronted with a client who may present with conflicting ideals, ethics or morals or anything else which may prove as difficult to the therapist, this presents as a real challenge. It is at this point that the therapist must use their professionalism and code of ethics in deciding whether they are able to continue to provide a professional and ethical service to the client. The therapist must consider the core conditions, and whether he/she is able to be open and honest within the sessions.
It could be argued that this in itself is a major flaw as without the ability to meet the core conditions, it would not be possible to achieve success for the client.
Also, “given that the self is the single most important resource the person-centred counsellor brings to the therapeutic relationship, it makes sense to ask: what (if anything) is it important that the self has, apart from the three core conditions? I.e., manifesting of the core conditions does not by itself tell us what experiences or philosophies the counsellor is bringing to the relationship. It tells us that the client will have transparent access to that self because the counsellor is congruent, but it does not tell us anything else about that self. Whether or not that self should be developed in any particular way, or whether that self should acquire any particular background knowledge.” (Counselling resource; mental health library, page 2 of 3).
I find this be a very valid argument as it begs the question; does it matter who the counsellor is, as long as the counsellor is congruent? Does it matter what background or personal beliefs the counsellor has, or what personal philosophies the counsellor may or may not hold?
The big question with person centred counselling is; is a positive relationship enough in terms of healing a client? Although a client may have a positive relationship with their counsellor, and feel safe and valued, it is possible for a client to feel that they have not been given solutions to their problems, which was the whole point of the client seeking therapy in the first place.
“CONCLUSION”
After considering all of the above, I would argue that person-centred therapy (PCT) certainly does have a valuable role in therapeutic interventions. PCT may be a more suitable and appropriate approach for some but not all clients. Clients who have a strong desire to explore themselves and their own feelings, and who may value personal responsibility will be more likely to benefit from the person-centred approach.
Clients who need to be led by the therapist and require more guidance and advice may not find the person-centred approach as helpful, and would be best suited to other therapeutic approaches.
I would argue that as a therapist, one should fundamentally treat every client as an individual and identify as quickly as possible what the best and most effective way forward is for that individual client, in order to achieve successful outcomes.
This may mean that PCT alone is not the most effective way forward for every client, and that it may be in the best interests of the client to use other therapeutic tools/approaches alongside PCT.
P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Bibliography
Course hand-outs/notes
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 4
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 8
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 11
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 1
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 13
Simply Psychology-Person Centred Therapy-Core Conditions; www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
The British Association for the Person-Centred-Approach; Wikipedia; Carl Rogers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Rogers).
Counselling Resource; Mental Health Library; Therapy. http://counselling resource.com/lib/therapytypes/person-centred/
“Evaluate the claim that Person-Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients”.
For the purpose of this essay, I will attempt to evaluate the theory that Person-Centred Therapy offers the therapist all they need to treat clients. Therapists will have many different approaches and theories for their interventions, but will arguably all share a common interest, the desire for positive change and outcome for the client. I would argue that all people are individuals, who will potentially respond differently to various theories and approaches. I would …show more content…
argue that it would be difficult to achieve consistent positive outcomes for every client by using one theory and one approach.
I will be demonstrating an understanding of Person-Centred Therapy, based on my current knowledge, supported by Chrysalis information/hand-outs, year 2 booklist and information gained from the internet.
Humanistic therapies, Person-Centred or Client Centred approaches evolved in the USA in the 1950’s. Carl Rogers, an American psychologist (1902-1987) was among the pioneers of this new ground breaking approach, “The Rogerian approach”.
Carl Rogers proposed that therapy could be simpler, warmer and more optimistic than that carried out by behavioural or psychodynamic psychologists (McLeod, S.A. (2008). Person Centred Therapy.
The Rogerian approach held the strong belief that for a client’s condition to improve therapist should be warm, genuine and understanding, in other words is congruent with the client.
Rogers stated “It is that the individual has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behaviour – and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided.” (McLeod, S.A. (2008).
Rogers believed that we are in fact “experts on ourselves”, and therefore ultimately possess the answers to our issues and conditions. Rogers maintained that we behave as we do because of the way we perceive our situation. For example, if a person’s very first experiences were negative ones, it would be highly likely that they would have a low or poor self-concept as an adult, potentially leading to emotional issues throughout their life.
At the centre of Rogers theory was that of “the self” or core-self (self-actualization) which relates to a set of one’s own beliefs and perceptions about oneself, and how each person will perceive there self in a unique and different way. For instance, a person may perceive themselves a certain way, either strong or weak. The person will then behave as they perceive a strong or a weak person would or should behave. Also if a person’s very first experiences were negative ones, it would be highly likely that they would have a low or poor self-concept as an adult, potentially leading to emotional issues throughout their life.
There is however a major flaw with this concept, as the person may not be seen by others as they see themselves. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) also had a strong belief in self-actualisation and also used a humanistic approach within his therapy. Maslow developed a system called the “Hierarchy of Needs” which is represented in a triangle form, showing the levels of needs. There are five levels starting at the bottom of the triangle with; P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Physiological needs = Food, warmth, shelter, sex etc.
Safety needs = Security, order, predictability, freedom from threat.
Love/social needs = Relationships, affection, belonging.
Esteem needs = Independence, recognition, status, respect from others.
Self-actualisation = Fulfilment of personal potential.
Maslow stated that “a person is constantly motivated to satisfy these needs and, at any one point in time, his behaviour will be directed at satisfying a need”. (Chrysalis hand-out 2014).
Maslow stated that the need at the bottom of the triangle is the need that will need satisfying the most, as we all need the fundamentals, for example, food, warmth, shelter, sex etc.
However once this need has been satisfied, a person will automatically seek to fulfil the other needs.
There are differences between Rogers and Maslow’s theories however the fundamental ideas were agreed on.
Rogers described some core conditions which were necessary to achieve success within therapy sessions.
1) Empathy - Feeling or attempting to feel what it is that the client is trying to express.
2) Congruence - (or Genuineness) – being honest and genuine with the client.
3) Warmth – (or prizing or Unconditional Positive Regard and being non-judgemental) – valuing a client as a person – regardless of how they may have behaved. (Chrysalis hand-out 2014)
Person Centred Therapy (PCT) or humanistic approach is unique in terms of the therapist and client relationship. In person centred counselling, the relationship between client and therapist is seen as equal, which is unlike that of other approaches within counselling. The humanistic therapist will refer to their “client” rather than their “patient”, which enables the client to see themselves as …show more content…
equal.
It has been evidenced that by speaking/offloading to someone neutral, a person is able to make sense of what may be causing issues and problems and to then be able work through these issues. These are the fundamental rules/conditions of Person Centred Therapy which may appear very basic and simple, however to achieve the essential conditions would require a therapist to have many years of relevant knowledge and experience.
During therapy, the client is allowed to discuss whatever they feel comfortable with, and it is the job of the therapist to offer the above conditions and to actively listen. The therapist should ensure that the client can recognise that the therapist is actively listening which is achieved by paraphrasing and offering clarity around what the client has said. By offering the above, the client has a safe place where they are able to work through their feelings, thoughts and life experiences.
The more comfortable the client feels, the more the client will be able to explore their inner most feelings and fears. The therapist will have actively listened to these feelings and thoughts and will then be able to examine any inconsistencies. The therapist will then encourage and reinforce positive feelings which will allow the client’s inner self to strengthen. This will in turn allow the client to consider their more negative feelings and thoughts in a more objective manner, enabling self-actualisation and the ability for the client to be able to move on and to make positive changes within their life.
Rogers stated “It is that the individual has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behaviour-and that these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided.” (Simply Psychology; Person Centred Therapy-core conditions).
P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Rogers believed that although an individual’s problems have arisen from their past, it is more useful and productive for the client to concentrate on the present and future. Rather than liberate the client from their past (Psychodynamic therapy) person centred therapy aims to help the client to achieve personal growth with the hope of the client reaching the point of “self-actualization.”
Within the “Rogerian approach” there is very little in the way of techniques, thereby emphasising the importance of the relationship between the client and the therapist. The relationship is crucial to the success of the therapy.
The only techniques would be to listen, to accept, to understand and to share. The aim of the therapy is for the client to come to terms with their own self, and form an appropriate understanding of themselves and the world around them.
“The therapeutic relationship is the crucial variable, not what the therapists says or
does.”
It is the role of the therapist to create a positive relationship with their client, and to turn an incongruent relationship into that of a congruent one. Rogers regarded every one as a “potentially competent individual” who could potentially receive great benefits from his form of therapy.
The aim of Humanistic therapy is to “increase an individual’s feelings of self-worth, reduce the level of incongruence between the ideal and the actual self thereby helping a person become more of a fully functioning person” (Simply Psychology; Person Centred Therapy- core conditions).”
Rogers made three fundamental assumptions;
Human beings are basically good and will towards goodness if given the opportunity.
It is the subjective experience of the client that is important, and the only meanings that should be attached are those that the client him/herself holds.
People have the ability to know how to heal themselves and are capable of self-direction.
The most basic assumption of Rogers was that individuals are capable of exercising free will, which is a belief which seems to be contrary to most mainline psychological research. (Chrysalis hand-out year two module one).”
Rogers believed that one main reason for people’s issues and problems is that they are not true to themselves and do not live “authentically”. Rogers believed that people are too busy trying to be “someone they are not” rather than being the person they are, thereby causing self-conflict.
Rogers also believes that we must “own our own behaviour” rather than to blame everything on everyone and everything else. If we cannot own our own behaviour, we are unable to control it.
Rogers ultimately believed that if we take full responsibility for our thoughts and actions and are honest with ourselves; our emotional well-being will be more likely enhanced and stable.
“CRITICISMS OF PERSON CENTRED THERAPY”
There are criticisms and negative aspects to all therapeutic approaches, and the person centred approach is not exempt.
Rogers theory is predominantly based on and insists on a positive relationship between the client and therapist. This is however what all ethical therapist should provide to their client’s, providing the core elements/conditions; congruence, empathy, unconditional positive regard. However there may well be times when it is extremely difficult for the therapist to offer all of the core conditions. Each client will potentially P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
have a completely different personality, belief system and demeanour which could offer difficulties to the therapist and in turn the client.
When a therapist is confronted with a client who may present with conflicting ideals, ethics or morals or anything else which may prove as difficult to the therapist, this presents as a real challenge. It is at this point that the therapist must use their professionalism and code of ethics in deciding whether they are able to continue to provide a professional and ethical service to the client. The therapist must consider the core conditions, and whether he/she is able to be open and honest within the sessions.
It could be argued that this in itself is a major flaw as without the ability to meet the core conditions, it would not be possible to achieve success for the client.
Also, “given that the self is the single most important resource the person-centred counsellor brings to the therapeutic relationship, it makes sense to ask: what (if anything) is it important that the self has, apart from the three core conditions? I.e., manifesting of the core conditions does not by itself tell us what experiences or philosophies the counsellor is bringing to the relationship. It tells us that the client will have transparent access to that self because the counsellor is congruent, but it does not tell us anything else about that self. Whether or not that self should be developed in any particular way, or whether that self should acquire any particular background knowledge.” (Counselling resource; mental health library, page 2 of 3).
I find this be a very valid argument as it begs the question; does it matter who the counsellor is, as long as the counsellor is congruent? Does it matter what background or personal beliefs the counsellor has, or what personal philosophies the counsellor may or may not hold?
The big question with person centred counselling is; is a positive relationship enough in terms of healing a client? Although a client may have a positive relationship with their counsellor, and feel safe and valued, it is possible for a client to feel that they have not been given solutions to their problems, which was the whole point of the client seeking therapy in the first place.
“CONCLUSION”
After considering all of the above, I would argue that person-centred therapy (PCT) certainly does have a valuable role in therapeutic interventions. PCT may be a more suitable and appropriate approach for some but not all clients. Clients who have a strong desire to explore themselves and their own feelings, and who may value personal responsibility will be more likely to benefit from the person-centred approach.
Clients who need to be led by the therapist and require more guidance and advice may not find the person-centred approach as helpful, and would be best suited to other therapeutic approaches.
I would argue that as a therapist, one should fundamentally treat every client as an individual and identify as quickly as possible what the best and most effective way forward is for that individual client, in order to achieve successful outcomes.
This may mean that PCT alone is not the most effective way forward for every client, and that it may be in the best interests of the client to use other therapeutic tools/approaches alongside PCT.
P. Reeve; City College, Norwich
Bibliography
Course hand-outs/notes
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 4
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 8
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 11
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 1
Chrysalis Psychotherapeutic Counselling- Year 2-Module 1. 2-1 07/2014 SC Page 13
Simply Psychology-Person Centred Therapy-Core Conditions; www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
The British Association for the Person-Centred-Approach; Wikipedia; Carl Rogers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Rogers).
Counselling Resource; Mental Health Library; Therapy. http://counselling resource.com/lib/therapytypes/person-centred/