Person-Centered Therapy: Bridging the Gap Between the Real and Ideal Self

In our previous article here, we discussed how the conflict between our real selves and our ideal selves can lead to psychological disturbance, which may then manifest as psychological disorders. In our article today, we will be discussing how therapy (specifically, person-centered therapy) can help in resolving the conflict between our real and ideal selves.

Following Carl Roger’s humanistic perspective is the concept of person-centered therapy – a form of therapy that emphasizes on the individuality of the client and their experiences (Cooper & McLeod, 2011). The aim of the therapy is to facilitate a reintegration of the self-concept.

The backbone of person-centered therapy is the concept of ‘actualizing tendency’. According to Rogers, the actualizing tendency is the basic motivating drive to develop and realist our potential. Person-centered therapy allows the individual to rediscover their actualizing tendency, and, in doing so, they will be able to solve their problems and choose a more constructive way forward.

Clients undergoing person-centered therapy are given the responsibility of having their own goals and purposes (Nelson-Jones, 2000) and the therapist role is to facilitate this process. Therapists, on the other hand, are expected to experience unconditional positive regard for the client, characterized by empathizing with, valuing, and providing warmth and acceptance towards the client, regardless of the situation (Hendricks, 2001). This allows for clients to process and look back on their past experiences in a manner that is separate from what is typically expected of them, thus aiding these clients in developing different perspectives on the things they have experienced (Patterson & Joseph, 2007). In doing so, clients are able to work towards and reveal further goals, with therapists assisting the individual to become more in touch with their own feelings and valuing processes. Hence, by providing unconditional positive regard, the client is empowered and provided with the autonomy and self-determination to make their own choices (Brodley, 1997). The client is then able to realize their own true goals, and thus realize their actual, ideal self (Nelson-Jones, 2000).

The changes that the client experiences in person-centered therapy also plays a crucial role in aiding healthy psychological functioning. With the autonomy the client experiences, they are more likely to experience greater congruence between their thoughts and feelings, have an increased openness to experiences, and be less defensive (Patterson & Joseph, 2007). Clients are also more likely to let go of the conditions of worth placed upon them by others, reducing the constraint they may feel about their behaviour, and allowing clients to experience greater intrinsic motivation (Patterson & Joseph, 2007).

With the unconditional positive regard provided by the therapist, clients are also able to feel safe and empowered to make their own choices and decisions. Clients who have undergone person-centered therapy are thus better equipped to approach and resolve any conflicts they may have about their identity, goals, and self-image in a healthier manner.

REFERENCES:

1. Brodley, B.T. (1997). The nondirective attitude in client-centered therapy. The Person-Centered Journal, 4(1), 18-30.

2. Cooper, M., & McLeod, J. (2011). Person-centered therapy: a pluralistic perspective. Person-Centered & Experimental Psychotherapies, 10(3), 210-223. DOI: 10.1080/14779757.2011.599517

3. Hendricks, M.H. (2001). An experiential version of unconditional positive regard. Rogers’ Therapeutic Conditions: Evolution, Theory, and Practice: UPR, 3, 126-144.

4. Nelson-Jones, R. (2000). Person-centered therapy, Six Key Approaches to Counselling and Therapy (pp. 98-141). Sage.

5. Patterson, T.G., & Joseph, S. (2007). Person-centered personality theory: support from self- determination theory and positive psychology. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 47(1), 117-139. DOI: 10.1177/0022167806293008