Carl Rogers (Person-Centered Therapy)

3. Carl Rogers (Person-Centered Therapy)

Key Ideas:

• Self-concept is central to personality development.

• People have an actualizing tendency (the drive to reach their full potential).

• Unconditional positive regard is essential for healthy personality development.

Concepts:

• Self-Concept: How you see yourself.

• Incongruence: Mismatch between self-concept and experience (leads to anxiety).

• Congruence: Harmony between self-concept and reality.

Key Terms:

• Unconditional Positive Regard: Acceptance regardless of behavior.

• Conditional Positive Regard: Approval only when certain conditions are met.

• Fully Functioning Person: Someone who is open to experience, creative, and self-accepting.

Therapeutic Approach:

• Non-directive therapy: The client leads the conversation.

• Empathy, genuineness, and acceptance are key.