Client Centered Therapy Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Client Centered Therapy?
Client-Centered Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the individual and their subjective experience. This type of therapy emphasizes the importance of relationship between therapist and client, as well as autonomy and self-determination for the client in order to address concerns. Through this approach, clients are supported in developing a better understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. The originator of Client Centered Therapy was Carl Rogers, an American psychologist who developed his theories during the 1940s. He believed that human beings have an innate capacity for growth and change if given the right environment in which to do so. To create this environment he proposed three core elements: unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and congruence (genuineness). Unconditional positive regard means accepting someone without judgement or criticism while providing them with acceptance and support. Empathy involves actively listening to what the other person has to say without imposing your own ideas or interpretations upon them; instead you try to enter into their world by attempting to understand it from their unique perspective so you can respond accordingly. Congruence refers to being genuine with oneself as well as others being honest about one’s feelings no matter how uncomfortable they may be at times rather than putting up a façade or masking true emotions behind false pretenses. In practice, Client Centered Therapy seeks firstly to build trust between the two parties involved before focusing on any specific problems presented.