Report 12 - Client-Centered and Behavioral Therapy

Client-Centered Therapy

• A form of therapy that allows self-actualization from the client via constant reinforcement of clarification of their emotions by the therapist.

  • It was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2023).

  • Also known as person-centered therapy, Rogerian therapy, nondirective counseling or nondirective therapy

  • Client’s expertise are their own lives.

  • Role of Therapist: Supportive and Nondirective

  • Self-discovery can lead to psychological growth.

Client Centered Therapy | Origin

• Radical: drifted away from behavioral and psychoanalytic models at that time

• Reflective listening, empathy, and acceptance over interpretation

• 1960s Human Potential Movement

• Points that people are naturally motivated towards self- actualization

• An individual’s full potential is hindered by negative self-perceptions

Client Centered Therapy | Process

• Incongruence between self-image and reality causes anxiety

• Therapists don’t give advice; they reflect and clarify

• Aims: Build self-esteem, trust in decisions, and coping skills

• Need for psychological diagnoses was rejected by Carl Rogers.

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Therapist-Client Contact

Psychological connection between therapist and client

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Client Incongruence

Client experiences distress

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Therapist Genuineness

Therapist is authentic in the relationship

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Unconditional Positive Regard

Therapist is accepting of the client without judgment

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Empathic Understanding

Therapist profoundly understands the perspective of the client

Client-Centered Therapy, Necessary Conditions | Client Perception

Client sees the acceptance and understanding of the therapist

Client-Centered Therapy | 3 Core Conditions

• Accurate Empathy

• Congruence

• Unconditional Positive Regard

Client-Centered Therapy | Benefits

• Vagueness

• Limited Effectiveness

• Lack of Research

• Non-unique Benefits

Client-Centered Therapy | Clinical Significance

• Treats mental disorders

• Corrects maladaptive thoughts or behaviors

• Coping with stress or chronic issues in reinforced

• Motivates towards healthy lifestyle changes and treatment adherence

• Interpersonal problems can be addressed

Behavioral Therapy

• It targets learned behaviors that harm well-being, focusing on action and behavior change rather than introspection.

  • Originated in the 1900s with the stimulus- response patterns study of Ivan Pavlov and John B. Watson. 

    • It was then expanded by Burrhus Frederic Skinner using the operant reinforcement theory.

  • New learning negates maladaptive behavior.

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Uses operant conditioning to modify behaviors.

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Targets harmful thoughts behind behaviors and reduces depressive symptoms; and adapted for psychosis treatment

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy

Uses play to address psychosocial issues, behavioral problems in children especially in learning refusal such as school.

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive and behavioral strategies are combined to manage emotions and improve relationships.

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Exposure Therapy

Individuals face and overcome fears using behavioral techniques

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Disputes irrational beliefs to improve self-control and reduce impulsivity

Types of Behavioral Therapy | Social Learning Therapy

Emphasizes learning through observation of others

Technique Used In BT | Systematic Desensitization

Uses gradual exposure to fears to reduce responses on triggers, and utilizes relaxation techniques often for phobias

Technique Used In BT | Aversion Therapy

Uses an unpleasant stimulus to relate and negate unhelpful behavior as is create discouraging association

Behavioral Therapy | Barriers

• Competing Priorities

• Emotional Barriers

• Socioeconomic Factors

Behavioral Therapy | Clinical Significance

• Modifies detrimental behaviors

• Useful in management of pain and stress

• Enhance treatment of chronic illnesses