Person Centered therapy
Due: 14 August 2022 at 12:30 midday
Case study of Stan
Stan’s autobiography indicates that he has a sense of what he wants for his life. The
Person-centered therapist relies on his self-report of the way he views himself rather
than a formal assessment and diagnosis. The therapist concern is with understanding
him from his internal frame of reference. Stan has stated goals that are meaningful for
him. He is motivated to change and seems to have sufficient anxiety to work toward
these desired changes. The therapist has faith in Stan’s ability to find his own way, and
trusts that he has the necessary resources for reaching his therapy goals. The therapist
encourages Stan to speak freely about the discrepancy between the person he sees
himself as being and the person he would like to become; about his feelings of being a
failure, being inadequate; about his fears and uncertainties; and about his hopelessness
at times. The therapist attempts to create an atmosphere of freedom and security that
will encourage Stan to explore the threatening aspects of his self-concept. Stan has a
low evaluation of his self-worth. Although he finds it difficult to believe that others really
like him, he wants to feel loved. He says, I hope I can learn to love at least a few
people, most of all, women'. He wants to feel equal to others and not have to apologise
for his existence, yet most of the time he feels inferior. By creating a supportive, trusting
and encouraging atmosphere, the therapist can help Stan learn to be more accepting of
himself, with both his strengths and limitations. He has the opportunity to openly
express his fears of women, of not being able to work with people, and of feeling
inadequate and stupid. He can explore how he feels judged by his parents and by
authorities. He has an opportunity to express his guilt - that is, his feelings that he has
not lived up to his parents' expectations and that he has let them and himself down. He
can also relate his feelings of hurt over not having ever felt loved and wanted. He can
express the loneliness and isolation that he so often feels, as well as the need to numb
these feelings with alcohol or drugs.
Questions
1. How would you respond to Stan’s deep feelings of self-doubt? Could you enter his
frame of reference and respond in an empathetic manner that lets Stan know you hear
his pain and struggle without needing to give advice or suggestions?
2. How would you describe Stan’s deeper struggles? What sense do you have of his
world?
3. To what extent do you think that the relationship you would develop with Stan would
help him move forward in a positive direction? What, if anything, might get in your wayeither with him or in yourself- in establishing a therapeutic relationship.
NB: Please check the text book for other case studies, you will definitely be asked
one of them in the test and exam.