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Essay / Psychoanalysis vs person-centered therapy - 1708
Person-centered therapy is an optimistic theory that is classified under humanistic approaches to therapy. PC therapy believes that human beings are intrinsically good and are motivated to perform at their best (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p. 346). The theory embodies respect for individuals and the values of tolerance and understanding (Brodley, 2007, p. 140). As the name suggests, the customer is responsible for his or her own growth and improvement (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p.344). Rogers stated that the main assumption of his approach is that "individuals possess within themselves vast resources for understanding themselves and for changing their self-conceptions, basic attitudes, and self-directed behavior" (Rogers, 1980, p. 115). One of the underlying assumptions and primary motivation for person-centered therapy is that human beings possess an innate tendency to grow and reach their full potential, or flourish. Self-actualization is the inherent motivation to reach our highest potential, both emotionally and intellectually (Kosslyn & Rosenberg, 2004, p. 464). Self-realization leads us towards autonomous behavior and self-sufficiency, it enriches life and improves creativity. It also promotes congruence, wholeness and integration of the person. Rogers describes people who thrive as fully functioning people (Carver & Scheier, 2008, p.322). Another central construct of PC therapy is the value condition. The conditions come from the need for positive regard. These are “conditions in which the person is judged worthy of positive consideration” (Carver and Scheier, 2008, p. 323). Conditions of value arise from the positive evaluation of the actions or feelings of a significant loved one. First external, they......middle of paper......entation, or several, in which they choose to practice in their professional career. Psychoanalysis and person-centered therapy are just two of four hundred types of counseling approaches in use today. The constructs and theories are extremely different, but none can be considered right or wrong. They are simply based on different beliefs, assumptions and views about human development and behavior. Although different and unique, there are nevertheless similarities between the two types of therapeutic approaches. Through case examples, such as D's case and the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, the techniques and results of different therapeutic approaches can be seen in real-life examples. Previous research and editorial support leads to contradictions, critiques, and treatment findings for the theories and those who developed them..