Person-Centred Therapy - Essay Example

Introduction

Person-centered therapy is a form of counseling that provides an individual with self-knowledge enabling them to realize their attitude, feelings and their potential at large. It analyses the human mind and promotes the development of positive understanding of oneself (Rubin and Rogers, 2016). The discussion will serve to analyze this therapeutic approach using Person Centered Theory in the specific view of Margarita's case. The theory traced its origin in the 1940s when it was created by Carl Rodgers (Cooper and O'Hara, 2013). The driving force that pushed this great psychologist to coin this theory is the feeling that individuals should be able to understand themselves, appreciate the knowledge thus enhancing self-actualization of the characters involved. The psychologist originally referred the theory as a non-directive approach that involved the active participation of a counselor in promoting behavior change and boost self-esteem (McCormack and McCance, 2011). The argument was that the therapy enhances psychological settlement.

The theory clearly outlines the view on human nature. According to the founder of this theory, every person has an inbuilt ability and sense to develop positive behavior change. What matters is the approach taken by the counselors in achieving this goal. The approach also applies the theory of change which illustrates how individuals or an organization can make a critical evaluation about themselves leading to progressive change. The transition will enable them to achieve their set goals and desires on life. The theory clarifies some of its views on psychopathology. Psychopathology refers to the scientific study of mental disorder given possible biological, social, genetic and social causes. Carl Rodgers in his analysis of the theory regarding psychopathology asserts that genetics plays a key role in the behavior and character traits of an individual. These traits include temperament that may lead to reported or anger outburst sharing same genetic line. Psychological aspects such as certain individual issues are also essential to notice.

The social environment in which an individual is brought up especially during the day to day interaction may shape their behavior. In the therapeutic process, the role of the counselor is clear. The counselor is referred to as behavior and change promoter. The counselor should provide supportive therapy to the client; this should start with creating a good rapport between the counselor and the client (Cooper and O'Hara, 2013). A good rapport will enhance understanding and trust thus increasing the chances of developing behavior change. Confidentiality in the approach is one ethical-legal concept that enables the clients to air their views freely by providing substantial information necessary for the counselors to make an appropriate conclusion (Rubin and Rogers, 2016). Like any other communication context, counselors are expected to use the right channel and provide appropriate feedback among other communication skills during their interaction with the clients. In comparison to my philosophy, there is a noticeable relation. It is important to apply some of the approaches in handling issues as the theory outlines. The values and norms include recognition of the client confidentiality, application of good communication skills and keeping the interest of the client at hand.

The therapeutic view of the approach of the Person-Centered Theory is in harmony with other peoples and philosophical views on behavior and character change. Research on positive currently done has tried to seek more information concerning the theory. The psychologists currently doing the study has strongly related it to Self-Determination Theory. The theory of Self-Determination asserts that personality and psychological development as aired in the Person-Centered Model. This observation will be of theoretical interest and practical relevance to those who specialize in person-centered therapies. These observations on person-centered theory assumptions also promise to be of positive interest to psychologists.

The appropriateness of this theory cannot go without say especially regarding its relevance to the diverse population. The theory is clear and thus is very applicable in handling various trending psychological problems affecting people of different age brackets thus helps boosts positive psychology and enhance psychological relaxation. When an individual who is psychologically upset undergoes a therapeutic counseling, they get to develop more sense and understanding about themselves hence tackles some behavioral issues (Rubin and Rogers, 2016).

Theoretical Application Regarding Margarita's Case

The session serves to analyze the real life situation that is relevant to the theory. It will try to analyze the goals, appropriate interventions and possible techniques of handling the presenting case of Margarita (Morgan and Yoder, 2012) deeply. She is a 26-year-old woman from Puerto Rica who is now married for five years to an African American man, blessed with two children male and female, currently planning to join a law school. The presenting condition of the woman is anger outbursts. An anger outburst is a psychological problem characterized by ease of getting annoyed, development of inhuman senses such as a feeling to commit murder. Margarita as the case study presents with this condition and the consequences are also evident (McCormack and McCance, 2011). The consequences include cruel feelings such as the push to commit murder and mood swings. The condition has serious life effects so far on her family such as loss of intimacy and respect for his husband. It is, therefore, important that a self-focused psychological counseling to address this issue will prevent other far-reaching consequences in her family and social life as a whole.

Appropriate Goals

Counseling should always be goal oriented. The case of Margarita will involve about three sessions of counseling that serve to meet the set goals. The goals include facilitation of client potential, enhancing client effectiveness and ability to cope with situations, promoting social life and ability to make and keep a relationship. Other relevant goals include enhancing behavior change and decision making.

The Goals and Respective Interventions /Techniques

To facilitate her potential

The goal will serve to boost the freedom and potential of Margarita. During the counseling enabling friendly environment will stimulate the self-esteem of client thus allow her to air out her views (McCormack and McCance, 2011). Allowing her to have control over her environment and enhanced freedom of expression are among intervention techniques appropriate. The goal is to help solve intimacy related issue experienced. The counseling will enable her to make appropriate decision tackling the presenting problems.

To enhance establish and keep relationships

Margarita has socially related issues of late and therefore it is definite that she may experience difficulties in establishing a relationship and her present marriage (Morgan and Yoder, 2012). The goal will focus on promoting a positive behavior that is self-driven. During the counseling, the aim is to enable her to improve the quality of her life allowing self-decision this will boost her social relations and restore a good marriage.

To cope up with situation

The goal will enable her to develop coping skills. The skills include avoiding stressful situation instances that cause anger outburst. The session will provide the chance for her to air out her feelings on some of the cases that do promote psychological upset (Morgan and Yoder, 2012). Her role is making her decision on how to handle the situation after counseling. Persuasion technique will apply.

To promote behavior change and decision-making

The counseling focuses on adopting a positive behavior that will enable her to solve her presenting complaints. However, the session will apply person-centered therapeutic approach. As a counselor, promoting behavior change will depend on her decision after the session. This will comply with the self-determination theory which also supports the person-centered model.

Cultural consideration during the session

The way of life and beliefs of every individual are worth consideration. To handle this, assessment interview will be appropriate which include narration of her cultural view about the situation and how the society views her. Her proposal on how to handle the case will be of benefit. The cultural view of her situation and possible cope up mechanisms be enhanced during the counseling

Strengths and limitations of using the theory in the case study of Margarita.

Person Centered therapeutic approach plays a great role in fostering positive behavior. The theory has several strengths that will enable the client to adopt a change in character and her self-perception given her situation. The strength of this theory is its non-directive nature and person-centered approach that will enhance change (McCormack and McCance, 2011). Letting her take charge of the situation and be involved in decision-making will enable her be active and feel involved in the process of counseling (Morgan and Yoder, 2012). The involvement will enhance her participation through the sessions. The theory focuses on her personal problem and thus will be self-centered. Unlike other theories that deal with cases in general regardless of the client's situation. The strengths of this therapeutic approach will enhance behavior change.

However, some limitations of the theory will be seen given the situation of Margarita. Since the session focuses on her only, getting some information will be difficult. This due to her psychological upset and presenting hunger outbursts

Conclusion

Person-Centered Therapy Theory approach developed by Carl Rodgers will play a great role in fostering behavior change to the presenting case. The theory has a lot of advantages given its nature of focusing on specific complaints of an individual without generalizing (Rubin and Rogers, 2016). The theory can thus be of benefit to other counselors in handling social, cultural and psychological issues that are common all over the world.