Counselling psychology - Essay Example

Person centred therapy is closer to being a pure form of therapy as compared to psychodynamic therapy. The credit for developing this approach is given to the noted psychologist, Carl Rogers, who came from the humanist tradition. For the most part, this approach to therapy can be considered counselling since the idea in this approach is for the therapist to create a personalised relationship with the individual that is receiving therapy. Rogers () himself has suggested that, “The more the therapist is himself or herself in the relationship, putting up no professional front or personal facade, the greater is the likelihood that the client will change and grow in a constructive manner (Rogers, 1980, Pg. 115)”. In fact, Carl Rogers wanted the therapy sessions to be a journey of discovery for both the therapist and the patient in which they come to a realisation where patients can help themselves come to terms with their psychological problems.

With this approach, the patient is pointed towards the idea of personal growth that connects itself with the future and the present situation of the patient rather than events that happened in the past. Therapy is given through verbal communications and is non-directive since the patient is allowed to express feelings and emotions while the therapist helps him/her in understanding why these emotions or feelings are coming through (Rogers, 1980). Person centred therapy has a two pronged approach to managing psychological issues.

The first is to improve the patient’s level of self-esteem through therapy and positive communication while the second is to create a greater openness to new experiences. This form of therapy also seeks to create related changes such as a deeper connection between the patients idealized self and actual self. It also seeks to create an improved understanding of the self-image, lowered levels of defensive behaviour and to improve the quality of the relationships the client has with others