Carl Rogers:

1
Carl Rogers The Humanistic Approach
Two Basic Human Needs

• Self Actualization the need to fulfill all of
  ones potential.

• Positive Regard the need to receive acceptance,
  respect, and affection from others.

Positive regard often comes with conditions
attached (Conditions of Worth) We must meet
others expectations to get it. This is called
Conditional Positive Regard.
2
Basic Human Problem The two needs are often in
conflict. Satisfying one may mean giving up the
other.
Effect on Personality We get a false picture of
who we areour interests, motivations, goals,
abilities.
Our Two Selves
Real Self (Organism) all our experiences
(feelings, wishes, perceptions)
Self-Concept the person we think we are (e.g.,
I am...)
3
Losing Touch with the Real Self

• We have a need for positive self-regard (to like
  and respect ourselves).
• Conditional positive regard from others becomes
  conditional positive self-regard.
• This means we will like and accept only those
  parts of ourselves that other people like and
  accept.
• The self-concept pulls away from the real self
  we get a false picture of who we really are.
• This mismatch is called Incongruence.

4
Person-Centered TherapyThe Goal is Congruence
Incongruence has many harmful effects. One is
that it prevents self-actualization. You have to
know who you are to fulfill your potential.
The therapist tries to bring the self-concept
closer to the real self
Self-Concept
Real Self
Congruence
5
Two Features ofPerson-Centered Therapy

1. Empathic Understanding the therapist shows
   emotions similar to the clients.

2. Unconditional Positive Regard the
therapist shows respect and acceptance regardless
of what the client says e.g., nods, says
Mm-hmm, I see.
The client wants the therapists approval and
respect. This is given unconditionally. The
client can now respect and like him/herself
unconditionally. This allows the self-concept to
move closer to the real self.