Rogerian Person-Centred Approach to Reality Therapy - Essay Example

To offer the best counseling services to progressively more diverse clientele, it is important to analyse the applicability of different theoretical orientations critically.

Reflections

Although therapists have come a long way in integrating research on multiculturalism in therapy, much is still waiting to be done. Therapy educators research what multiculturalism is rather than how to endorse it. There is also a need to look into clinical practice in the section on multicultural therapy.

Rogerian person-centered approach and reality therapy for a multicultural population

Theoretical orientations significantly affect many counselors’ helping techniques. Even if the assumptions of therapists around the world are often independent of the dominant theoretical orientations, some values underlie these theories and can easily affect the counseling interaction. Furthermore, cultural encapsulation is an issue for therapists and the entire theoretical orientation. Culturally skilled therapists should be active in becoming well aware of their assumptions about values, nature, biases, and other characteristics of human beings. It is also crucial to have a good relationship with the clients.

Roger’s person-centered theory states that all human beings can become wholly functioning. It provides an environment where individuals can fully explore themselves. With the help of therapists, clients are made to be open and willing to talk about their problems as well as having the ability to trust themselves. In this therapy, the therapist is an active listener, and the statements made by the clients are reflected as well as clarified. The therapist has a responsibility to provide positive regard to assist clients in the process of self-exploration. It uses active listening and is good at respecting the values of the clients. This makes the clients accept and understand themselves more. It is, therefore, suitable for multicultural counseling. Additionally, cultural diversity is welcomed in this theory, and it is liberal. It is a favorable approach to use when a culture of people is diverse. Because the client has the responsibility to assume the direction of the therapy, and this may not be appropriate if the client needs immediate advice. Some clients may also have a peripheral locus of control whereas this theoretical orientation assumes that all human beings have equal ability to help themselves. Moreover, the theory does not promote the giving of advice, which might be useful and expected with the groups that are considered minor.

On the other hand, reality theory states that human problems happen when one or more of the five fundamental psychological needs are not fulfilled and that people can only control their behavior. Glasser, the founder of this theory further suggested that when individuals choose to alter their behavior instead of trying to change other people, the individuals are prone to be more successful in achieving their set goals. The theory focuses on the current issues affecting the person rather than the problems the client faced in the past. It evaluates the client’s behavior and thus allows for the interpretation of culture (Lennon, 2000). This theory has a multicultural contribution of helping a minority client find a balance between maintaining an identity as well as incorporating some values of the society that is considered dominant. However, since this theory stresses an individual responsibility for one’s life, this disagrees with clients who may have a desire to transform their external environment. It is, therefore, necessary for the therapist to be alert to prejudice and racism and be in a position to help the clients overcome the problems associated with the two. Furthermore, clients need to feel accepted, and there is a higher probability of success when clients feel that their therapists understand the reasons for their problems and are willing to help them heal.

Conclusion

As the demand for therapy services continues to increase, possible modifications for theoretical orientations should be considered.