Day 13

Course Overview

  • Course Name: PSY 255: Psychotherapy & Assessment

  • Instructor: Dr. Katie Linebarger LPC, NCC, Ed.D

  • Schedule: Tue/Thu 3:30-4:50

Important Reminders

  • Continue working on Capstones.

  • Event: Pie a Professor, Today @ 5:30 in Academic Quad.

  • Guest Speaker: Elena Roth LCSW on 3/26.

  • Discussion 4 due 3/23.

Goals for Today

  • Understand Humanistic Psychotherapy.

  • Key Figures:

    • Carl Rogers (Person Centered)

    • Abraham Maslow (Hierarchy of Needs)

    • Fritz Perls (Gestalt Therapy)

  • Core Concepts of the Humanistic Approach.

Humanistic Perspective

  • Focuses on:

    • Unique potential for growth.

    • Free will and self-actualization.

    • Humans as inherently good.

  • Contrasts with other therapeutic approaches by viewing individuals as a whole, not merely symptoms.

Carl Rogers: Person Centered Therapy

  • Influential in humanistic psychology.

  • Core beliefs:

    • Innate tendency toward growth and self-actualization.

    • Negative experiences can hinder this process.

  • Therapeutic focus on client’s expertise in their own life.

Core Concepts of Person Centered Therapy

  • Empathy:

    • Therapist deeply understands client’s experience.

    • Involves active listening and emotional attunement.

  • Congruence (Genuineness):

    • Therapist is authentic and transparent.

  • Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR):

    • Complete acceptance of the client, promoting self-exploration and growth.

Abraham Maslow: Hierarchy of Needs

  • Individuals must meet basic needs before higher-level needs.

  • Relevant in therapy: Addressing basic needs before deeper self-exploration.

Fritz Perls: Gestalt Therapy

  • Focuses on awareness, personal responsibility, and "here and now".

Core Principles of Gestalt Therapy

  • Awareness:

    • Growth through current feelings and thoughts.

  • Responsibility:

    • Own thoughts and choices rather than blame external factors.

  • Here and Now Focus:

    • Engage with present emotions instead of analyzing the past.

  • Experiential Techniques:

    • Use creative methods like the empty chair technique.

Integration of Humanistic Perspectives

  • Shared principles by Rogers, Maslow, and Perls:

    • Belief in human potential and growth.

    • Emphasis on self-awareness and authenticity.

    • Focus on therapeutic relationships characterized by empathy and acceptance.