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Essay on Carl Rogers
The late Carl Rogers, founder of the humanistic psychology movement, revolutionized psychotherapy with his concept of "client-centered therapy." His influence has spanned decades, but that influence has become so much a part of mainstream psychology that the ingenious nature of his work has almost been forgotten. New discoveries in the field of psychopharmacology, especially that of the antidepressant Prozac, have spawned a quick-fix drug revolution that has obscured the psychotherapeutic relationship.
As the pendulum slowly swings back toward an appreciation of the therapeutic encounter, Dr. Rogers's "client-centered therapy" becomes particularly timely and important. Carl Rogers (1902-1987) was one of the most influential psychologists in American history. He received many honors, including the first Distinguished Professsional Contributor Award and the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award of the American Psychological Association.
In client-centered counseling clients' phenomenological experiencing is seen as central, with the psychologist attempting to understand, empathize with, and reflect on this with the client in a collaborative way. Therapy and authority are seen as incompatible, as authority inhibits open experiencing and therapy is seen as facilitating open experiencing. The relationship is central. Therapy is seen as client-centered, thereby eschewing the expert role of therapists. However, the therapist is seen as having particular powers to provide a therapeutic relationship. The structure and process of therapy are seen as protecting clients (e.g., therapist's transparency about the therapy process). Clients set goals and set the pace for therapy.
Carl Rogers was one of the first Psychologist's that challenged conventional interview psychotherapy. He makes you question many of the assumptions about what is to be human and disturbs conventional Psychologists who hold ideological positions about how to help people. He taught people how to listen to eachother by example. The book covers the preconditions necessary for individuals to take a look at themselves without becoming defensive in the process....
