Carl Rogers
I really enjoy reading Carl Rogers theory of counseling and personality development. My teacher is primarily a behaviorist and it really comes through when she's teaching.
The last thing we were studying was Rogers and this was the question that was posed on the discussion board:
Imagine that you are a psychologist working with hard-core sex offenders, elderly patients with dementia, or children who are mentally challenged.
Realistically, do you think it is possible to extend unconditional positive regard to clients with these problems in a psychotherapy context? Why or why not?
This week, I picked up on the teachers presumption of thinking Rogers was a little too touchy feely. Since I'm not really one to hold back my opinion, I posted this on the discussion board to her assigned question. There was more to my statement, but this is my main response:
I think this question, “Realistically, do you think it is possible to extend unconditional positive regard to clients with these problems in a psychotherapy context?” is really a strange question to ask. The word “realistically” implies that the person writing the statement does not believe that the question that follows is credible. I am considering the fact that most people who work with certain ‘difficult’ populations would have specialized training in treating these individuals, and know how to best seek consultation when they are having difficulties. These therapists would probably not just only apply Rogerian therapy to their clients either, because these people obviously have very deep and long standing difficulties.
It is possible we will have our own feelings for the client’s behavior and it is natural to have positive regard for people we like, but I believe this philosophy is especially important for us to remember for those we don’t like, in order to be of value for the client.
I believe if we put conditions on accepting someone, then we are encouraging people to mostly live in accordance to what our life experience dictates is considered ‘valued’ or of worth. I think unconditional positive regard is a good guide. Another part of Rogers theory is that of genuineness and empathetic understanding, and it doesn’t mean that the therapist is denied their feelings. It just simply means that I have my feelings and I am allowing you yours.
My response goes on, but the main point I wanted to make is I am so sassy sometimes. I can't help it! :) I really like Rogers and his counseling theory. It's actually the way I try to live my life. I think I would like to read more about him.
Any thoughts about this theory?
The last thing we were studying was Rogers and this was the question that was posed on the discussion board:
Imagine that you are a psychologist working with hard-core sex offenders, elderly patients with dementia, or children who are mentally challenged.
Realistically, do you think it is possible to extend unconditional positive regard to clients with these problems in a psychotherapy context? Why or why not?
This week, I picked up on the teachers presumption of thinking Rogers was a little too touchy feely. Since I'm not really one to hold back my opinion, I posted this on the discussion board to her assigned question. There was more to my statement, but this is my main response:
I think this question, “Realistically, do you think it is possible to extend unconditional positive regard to clients with these problems in a psychotherapy context?” is really a strange question to ask. The word “realistically” implies that the person writing the statement does not believe that the question that follows is credible. I am considering the fact that most people who work with certain ‘difficult’ populations would have specialized training in treating these individuals, and know how to best seek consultation when they are having difficulties. These therapists would probably not just only apply Rogerian therapy to their clients either, because these people obviously have very deep and long standing difficulties.
It is possible we will have our own feelings for the client’s behavior and it is natural to have positive regard for people we like, but I believe this philosophy is especially important for us to remember for those we don’t like, in order to be of value for the client.
I believe if we put conditions on accepting someone, then we are encouraging people to mostly live in accordance to what our life experience dictates is considered ‘valued’ or of worth. I think unconditional positive regard is a good guide. Another part of Rogers theory is that of genuineness and empathetic understanding, and it doesn’t mean that the therapist is denied their feelings. It just simply means that I have my feelings and I am allowing you yours.
My response goes on, but the main point I wanted to make is I am so sassy sometimes. I can't help it! :) I really like Rogers and his counseling theory. It's actually the way I try to live my life. I think I would like to read more about him.
Any thoughts about this theory?