Assignment:
Discussion
We will take a deeper look at Person-Centered theory. Created by Carl Rogers, Person-Centered theory serves as the foundation for modern talk therapy. While Rogers was influenced by psychoanalytic theory, he believed that the counselor's relationship with the client was the catalyst for therapeutic change. In the course text provides a comprehensive overview of Person-Centered theory and will provide the background for this discussion.
For the purposes of this discussion, please read the following case study and answer the questions below:
Madison is a 12-year female with a history of depression. Madison is the oldest of three children and lives with her mother. Madison's parents divorced 6-months ago and her mother was forced to go back to work. Madison is now responsible for caring for her 10-year old twin brothers each day after school and most weekends. Madison's grades have dropped significantly and her once vibrant friendships have dissolved. Madison's school counselor has become increasingly concerned and sent a referral to your agency for individual counseling services.
Using "The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Client Change,"(see below) specifically describe how you would meet each condition when working with Madison. In your discussion post, please number each condition accordingly and address it thoroughly (using counseling statements where necessary).
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions:
1. Two persons are in psychological contact.
2. The first, whom we shall term the client, is in a state of incongruence, being vulnerable or anxious.
3. The second person, whom we shall term the therapist, is congruent or integrated in the relationship.
4. The therapist experiences unconditional positive regard for the client.
5. The therapist experiences an empathic understanding of the client's internal frame of reference and endeavors to communicate this experience to the client.
6. The communication to the client of the therapist's empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard is to a minimal degree achieved.
Readings:
Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy
By Gerald Corey