Application

by

Humanities

To prepare for this assignment:

  • Review, if necessary, and then evaluate the basic tenets of person-centered theory.
  • Review the “Existential” and “Rogerian/Client-Centered” videos from Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice: Skills, strategies, and techniques. Pay particular attention to the psychologist and client interactions.
  • Review prior weeks and assignments regarding psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories. Focus on how psychologists and clients interact.
  • Think about the similarities and differences between the three theories (person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic) with respect to how client problems arise and how people change. Consider your own perspectives on these issues.

The assignment: (4–6 pages)

  • Briefly describe and evaluate two of the basic tenets of person-centered theory.
  • Compare (similarities and differences) among person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories with respect to how client problems arise and how people change.
  • Analyze this information with respect to your beliefs about how problems arise and how people change. Explain the affect that person-centered theory has had on your own theoretical orientation.
  • Outline your thoughts on how your theoretical orientation has evolved and identify which of the three theories (person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic) best resonates with you and why.

References:

  • Article: Cain, D. J. (2007). What every therapist should know, be and do: Contributions from humanistic psychotherapies. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 37(1), 3–10.
  • Article: Elliott, R., & Freire, E. (2007). Classical person-centered and experiential perspectives on Rogers (1957). Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 44(3), 285–288.
  • Article: Motschnig, R., & Nykl, L. (2003). Toward a cognitive-emotional model of Rogers’s person-centered approach. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 43(4), 8–4 5.

Media

    • Existential
    • Rogerian/Person-Centered

Optional Resources

  • Course Text: Current Psychotherapies
    • Chapter 5, “Client-Centered Therapy”
  • Book: Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.
  • Book: Rogers, C. R. (1980). A way of being. New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.
  • Book: Rogers, C. R. (2003). Client-centered therapy. London: Constable.