Person Centered Theory Paper

Person-centered theory revolves around individuals formulating positive growth strategies that lead to self-actualization through unconditional positive regard (Hazler, 2011). Person-centered theory focuses on the internal aspects of the individual based on his/her own uniqueness and phenomenological experiences (Cooper & McLeod, 2011). A phenomenological perspective describes how each individual views his/her own world through his/her own personal perspective. Phenomenology entails two separate individuals having two different perspectives making one individual’s reality different than another’s. The person-centered approach is based on five core principles: individuals are trustworthy, move towards self-actualization, have the ability to
In order to delve into the client’s “world”, the counselor must be able to understand all details pertaining to that particular client. Empathic understanding involves seeing the client’s perspective based on his/her point of view. Context and understanding of the client’s feelings are two crucial keys to this form of empathy. Sometimes, these feelings may be masked behind certain words. In order to appropriately evaluate a client’s feelings, the counselor must but aside any personal biases, and the client needs to be aware that the counselor is fully understanding of the content. Next, the counselor needs place a great deal of confidence in their clients, even if mistakes are made, which allows for the client to fully divulge his/her own personal potential. Lastly, the term incongruence refers to the focus on external factors driving an individual’s actions (hence detracting from what the client sees as fulfilling), while congruence means that individuals trust themselves and, in turn, are able to make their own decisions regarding what is acceptable or unacceptable behaviors (Hazler,
Deidre would benefit from reflection of her feelings so that she will be able to work through suppressed feelings and be able to realize her greatest potential in the current moment. Being able to be openly expressive and allowing herself to feel what she has held onto for so long will reduce feelings of anxiety and hence reduce the chance of panic attacks. By incorporating some self-disclosure into therapy, Deidre will have a point of reference to compare and build upon thoughts and ideas that could possibly benefit her own self-awareness and