Memo: Homework Exercise for Week 6: Person Centered Therapy (Part 1)
1. Person-centered therapy (PCT), also known as client-centered or Rogerian therapy or a form of
humanistic therapy.
2. It is a form of psychotherapy, which was developed by Carl Rogers beginning in the 1940s and
extending into the 1980s.
3. Person-centered therapy seeks to facilitate a client's self-actualising tendency “, which is an inbuilt
proclivity toward growth and fulfillment “.
4. This process usually occurs via: (a) acceptance or (unconditional positive regard),
therapist congruence (genuineness), and empathic understanding.
5. Explain the difference between (a) Congruence versus (b) Incongruence during PCT.
Congruence
• Congruence is a term used by Carl Rogers (a
humanistic psychologist) to describe a state in
which a person's ideal self and actual experience
are consistent or very similar.
• However, Rogers felt that it was rare for a
complete state of congruence to exist and that
all people experience a certain amount of
incongruence.
Incongruence
• In situations where the client experiences thoughts
and feelings that don't fit with their conditions of
worth, they have no choice but to deny or distort
these thoughts, in order to remain acceptable. In
such a situation there is conflict between their sense
of self and their felt experience. This state is
called Incongruence.
• This means there is a discrepancy between the
client’s self-image and actual experience, which
leaves him or her vulnerable to fears and anxieties.
The client is often unaware of the incongruence.
6. Rogerian Psychotherapy was based on the based on the self-actualising people of Abraham Maslow
in terms of the hierarchy of needs.
•
CORE CONDITIONS OF PERSON-CENTERED THERAPY:
1. It is believed that the most important factor in successful therapy is the relational climate created
by the therapist's attitude to their client. The therapist's attitude is therefore defined by the three
conditions which focus on the therapist. Complete these core conditions below:
1.1. Congruence: the willingness to transparently relate to clients without hiding behind a
professional or personal facade.
1.2. Unconditional positive regard: the therapist offers an acceptance and prising for their client for
who he or she is without conveying disapproving feelings, actions or characteristics and
demonstrating a willingness to attentively listen without interruption, judgement or giving
advice.
1.3. Accurate Empathic Understanding: the therapist communicates their desire to understand and
appreciate their client's perspective.