Person-Centered Theory

PCT

Proposes that people have an innate drive to work towards self-actualization.

Self-actualization

Core tendency all people have to actualize their potential.

Term introduced by Rogers to replace "patient," emphasizing dignity and respect.

Client

Self-concept

The sense of who a person is, as conceptualized by themselves.

Positive regard

Satisfaction derived from receiving approval from others.

Positive self-regard

One's sense of personal satisfaction with their actions.

Congruence

State experienced when self-concept embraces all potentials, characterizing a fully functioning person.

Fully functioning person

A person who is open to experiences, values themselves, and is flexible and open to new experiences.

Organismic trusting

Letting decisions come to oneself rather than relying on others' opinions.

characteristics of an ideal lifestyle

• An openess to experience, featuring the qualities of emotionality and reflection 

• Living life in accordance with one’s values and capabilities, featuring flexibility, adaptability, spontaneity, and inductive thinking 

• Organismic trusting (letting decisions come to oneself rather than basing them on the opinions of others) 

• Experiencing oneself as functioning freely 

• Creativity (the ability to produce new and effective thoughts, actions, and things in response to environmental challenges) 

Non-ideal lifestyle

Characterized by defensiveness, conformity, and disregard for one's self.

Nondirective therapy

Therapy approach associated with increased self-understanding and self-exploration.

Therapeutic relationship accounts for what percentage of effectiveness

Accounts for 70% of variance in intervention effectiveness.

Criticism of PCT

May be too non-directive for clients needing active feedback and guidance.

Importance of listening

Establishes the therapeutic relationship as a healing agent.