Parapsychology and the Information Theory:

Parapsychology and the Information Theory:

The intersection of parapsychology and information theory explores how concepts from the latter might explain or quantify phenomena studied in the former, such as telepathy, precognition, psychokinesis, or other “psi” phenomena. While parapsychology deals with phenomena that challenge the boundaries of conventional science, information theory provides mathematical tools to quantify and model information transfer, uncertainty, and communication systems.

Here’s an overview of how these fields intersect:

1. Information Theory Basics

Information theory, developed by Claude Shannon, studies the transmission, processing, and storage of information. Key concepts include:

Entropy: A measure of uncertainty or information content.
Channel capacity: The maximum rate at which information can be transmitted through a communication channel.
Noise: Disturbances that interfere with the clarity or accuracy of information transmission.

2. Potential Applications to Parapsychology

a. Telepathy and Signal Transmission

Telepathy, or mind-to-mind communication, could theoretically be framed as an information channel.
Researchers have attempted to quantify how much “information” can be transmitted between individuals and whether this exceeds chance levels.
Information theory provides models to evaluate whether telepathic communication can overcome “noise” (e.g., psychological or environmental distractions).

b. Precognition and Information Transfer from the Future

Precognition involves accessing information from future events. Information theory could help frame this in terms of entropy reduction: Does knowing future outcomes reduce the uncertainty of a system in statistically significant ways?

c. Randomness and Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis (mind affecting matter) has been tested using random number generators (RNGs). Information theory can measure deviations in the randomness of RNG outputs to determine if mental influence is statistically significant.

d. Psi Phenomena and Entropy

Some theories suggest that psi phenomena might operate in contexts of low entropy, where information transfer does not follow standard physical constraints.
Experiments have explored whether individuals can influence or predict outcomes in highly entropic systems, such as random patterns or noise fields.

3. Theoretical Perspectives

a. Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Psi

Parapsychology often deals with weak and elusive effects that might be drowned out by noise. Information theory helps quantify whether meaningful “signals” can be extracted from noisy datasets.

b. Retrocausation

Some interpretations of information theory allow for the possibility of information traveling backward in time, aligning with studies in precognition and retrocausation.

c. Quantum Information Theory

Some parapsychologists draw on quantum mechanics and quantum information theory to explain psi phenomena, arguing that consciousness might interact with quantum systems in ways that allow non-local or faster-than-light information transfer.

4. Criticism and Challenges

Skepticism: Mainstream scientists criticize parapsychology for lack of reproducibility and theoretical grounding. The use of information theory in parapsychology is often seen as speculative.
Methodological Rigidity: Applying information theory rigorously requires precise, quantifiable data, which can be hard to obtain in parapsychological experiments.
Philosophical Concerns: Some critics argue that using advanced mathematical frameworks like information theory to explain psi might obscure, rather than clarify, the phenomena.

5. Experimental Approaches

Several experiments have incorporated information theory principles:

Ganzfeld Experiments: These involve sensory isolation to reduce noise and test for telepathic communication, with results analyzed for information transfer above chance levels.
Random Number Generator Studies: RNG experiments use entropy measures to detect deviations influenced by psychokinesis.
Remote Viewing: Attempts to measure the accuracy of describing distant or unseen targets can be framed in terms of entropy reduction or information gain.

6. Future Directions

Integration with AI: Machine learning and AI could enhance the analysis of psi experiments, identifying subtle patterns of information transfer.
Quantum Entanglement: Exploring connections between psi phenomena and quantum information processes, such as entanglement or superposition.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Combining insights from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and physics to refine theoretical models and experimental designs.

While the overlap of parapsychology and information theory remains a speculative frontier, it provides a promising framework for exploring anomalous phenomena in a structured, quantitative manner.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the Survival Theory:

Parapsychology and the Survival Theory:

Parapsychology is the scientific study of anomalous psychological phenomena that fall outside conventional explanations in psychology or physics. These phenomena often include extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis (PK), and survival-related phenomena like reincarnation, near-death experiences (NDEs), and mediumship. The Survival Theory is a hypothesis within parapsychology and related fields suggesting that consciousness, personality, or some form of individual identity persists after the death of the physical body.

Core Aspects of Survival Theory

Consciousness After Death: The theory posits that consciousness is not entirely dependent on the brain and might continue to exist in some form after physical death.

Mechanisms of Survival: Suggested mechanisms include:

Non-physical dimensions or planes of existence where consciousness persists.
Energy or information fields that continue to exist after death.
Reincarnation, where consciousness or aspects of it transfer into a new physical form.

Types of Evidence Examined:

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Reports from individuals who were clinically dead or near death but revived, often describing vivid and meaningful experiences.
Mediumship: Claims of communication with deceased individuals through mediums.
Past-Life Memories: Especially in children who report detailed, verifiable accounts of past lives.
Apparitions and Ghosts: Reports of phenomena interpreted as manifestations of the deceased.
Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC): Electronic devices allegedly used to communicate with entities beyond.

Scientific Perspectives

Supporters: Proponents argue that evidence from NDEs, reincarnation cases, and verified communications through mediums supports Survival Theory. Researchers like Ian Stevenson and his successor Jim B. Tucker have documented cases of past-life memories in children that seem difficult to explain conventionally.
Skeptics: Critics often attribute these phenomena to psychological, neurological, or cultural explanations, such as hallucinations, cognitive biases, or wishful thinking.

Challenges and Debate

Verification: Establishing rigorous, repeatable, and scientifically acceptable evidence for survival is difficult.
Materialism vs. Dualism: The debate over whether consciousness can exist independently of the brain is central to the discussion. Mainstream science predominantly supports materialism, which sees consciousness as a product of brain activity.
Cultural Influences: Interpretations of phenomena like NDEs and reincarnation are often shaped by cultural and religious beliefs, complicating objective analysis.

Broader Implications

The Survival Theory has profound implications for understanding consciousness, the nature of reality, and human existence. If validated, it could challenge current paradigms in neuroscience, psychology, and physics, potentially expanding the boundaries of science.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the Hidden Messages in Numbers:

Parapsychology and the Hidden Messages in Numbers:

Parapsychology and numerology often intersect in exploring hidden meanings in numbers, although they belong to different domains of thought.

Here’s an overview of how these concepts relate and are often interpreted:

Parapsychology and Numbers

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that appear to transcend the known physical laws, including extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis, and near-death experiences. Numbers, in this context, are sometimes thought to act as mediums or symbols conveying psychic messages or metaphysical truths. For instance:

Synchronicities: Parapsychology often explores coincidences involving specific numbers, such as repeatedly seeing the same sequence (e.g., 11:11). These patterns are sometimes interpreted as messages from a higher consciousness or the universe.

Psychic Phenomena: Numbers might appear in visions, dreams, or psychic readings. Parapsychologists could explore whether these have predictive or symbolic significance.

Experiments with Randomness: Research in parapsychology, such as studies on the Global Consciousness Project, investigates whether human consciousness can influence random number generators.

Numerology and Hidden Messages

Numerology is the belief in a mystical relationship between numbers and events. It is less scientific and more metaphysical, often involving:

Life Path Numbers: Based on your date of birth, a single-digit number is calculated to reveal your life purpose and destiny.

Angel Numbers: Specific sequences, such as 222 or 444, are thought to carry spiritual messages, often guiding individuals in times of uncertainty.

Cultural Symbolism: Different numbers carry distinct meanings in various cultures and spiritual traditions (e.g., the number 7 is often seen as divine or mystical in Western traditions).

The Hidden Messages in Numbers

Patterns of Significance: Many believe that recurring numbers are signals from the subconscious or the collective unconscious. Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity ties in here, suggesting these patterns are not coincidental but meaningful.

Mathematical Mysticism: Numbers like π (pi) or the Fibonacci sequence are often cited as evidence of a universal design. These are used symbolically in metaphysical thought.

Frequency and Vibrations: Some theories propose that numbers correspond to specific vibrational frequencies, influencing thoughts, emotions, or even physical reality (e.g., numerology and sound healing).

Skeptical Perspectives

Critics argue that interpreting hidden messages in numbers can be a result of:

Pattern Recognition: The human brain is wired to find patterns, even where none exist.
Confirmation Bias: We notice and remember events that align with our beliefs while ignoring those that don’t.

Shervan K Shahhian

Fire Disasters and Heightened Emotions, how to cope:

Fire Disasters and heightened emotions, how to cope:

Coping with the emotional impact of fire disasters can be challenging, as they often bring about feelings of fear, loss, and uncertainty.

Here are some strategies to help you or others navigate these heightened emotions effectively:

Acknowledge Your Feelings
Accept Your Emotions: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, sad, angry, or anxious after a disaster. Acknowledge these feelings without judgment.
Express Your Emotions: Talk to someone you trust, write in a journal, or engage in creative outlets like art or music to process your feelings.
Seek Support
Connect with Loved Ones: Share your experiences and lean on family and friends for emotional support.
Join Support Groups: Consider joining a community or online group of others who have experienced similar situations.
Professional Help: Reach out to a counselor, therapist, or disaster recovery specialist for guidance.
Practice Self-Care
Stay Physically Active: Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Rest and Replenish: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep and eating nourishing meals.
Mindfulness Practices: Activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help center your emotions.
Focus on What You Can Control
Create a Plan: Work on immediate and long-term recovery steps, such as rebuilding or seeking aid, to regain a sense of control.
Limit Media Exposure: Overexposure to disaster-related news can heighten anxiety. Take breaks when needed.
Engage with Your Community
Volunteer: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and connection during challenging times.
Rebuild Together: Collaborate with neighbors or local groups to restore the community.
Monitor and Seek Help for Persistent Issues
Watch for Signs of Trauma: Symptoms like nightmares, avoidance behaviors, or severe anxiety may indicate the need for professional help.
Address Survivor’s Guilt: If you feel guilty for surviving when others did not, a therapist can help you process these feelings.
Educational Resources
Learn About Trauma: Understanding how disasters affect mental health can help normalize your reactions.
Preparedness Education: Being better prepared for future events can ease feelings of helplessness.
Shervan K Shahhian

Extreme Stinginess is it a Mental Disorder or a Personality Disorder:

Extreme Stinginess is it a Mental Disorder or Personality Disorder:

Extreme stinginess, often characterized by an excessive reluctance to spend money or resources even when it is reasonable to do so, is generally not classified as a standalone mental or personality disorder. However, it can be associated with certain mental health conditions or personality traits depending on its severity and context. Here are some considerations:

1. Personality Traits

Frugality or parsimony is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum. Extreme stinginess could simply be an exaggerated expression of these traits, without crossing into disordered behavior.
It might reflect underlying values, cultural norms, or personal experiences, such as growing up in poverty.

2. Mental Health Disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Extreme stinginess may manifest in individuals with OCPD as part of their rigidity, perfectionism, and preoccupation with control.
Hoarding Disorder: While primarily about collecting and retaining items, some individuals with hoarding tendencies might also be excessively frugal, fearing they might waste resources.
Anxiety Disorders: Fear of financial insecurity could drive stingy behaviors, especially if tied to generalized anxiety or trauma-related fears.

3. Behavioral and Emotional Roots

Fear of Scarcity: Deep-seated fears about running out of resources can stem from past experiences, such as poverty or economic hardship.
Cognitive Distortions: Overvaluing money as a symbol of safety, control, or self-worth may reinforce stinginess.

4. Impact on Life

If extreme stinginess begins to interfere with an individual’s relationships, quality of life, or ability to function, it might warrant psychological intervention. For instance:

Neglecting basic needs or health to save money.
Damaging personal or professional relationships due to excessive frugality.

When to Seek Help

It’s important to differentiate between a personality quirk and a behavior driven by deeper psychological issues. If stinginess causes significant distress or impairment, consulting a mental health professional can help identify underlying causes and provide strategies for change.

Here’s a more detailed look at addressing extreme stinginess, focusing on understanding its root causes and strategies to manage or change it effectively:

1. Understand the Root Causes

To address extreme stinginess, identifying its underlying drivers is crucial. Consider these possibilities:

Past Experiences:
Reflect on early life experiences or financial struggles. Did past hardships, like poverty or family teachings, create a fear of scarcity?
Underlying Emotions:
Fear, insecurity, or anxiety about the future might fuel stingy behaviors. Identifying these emotions is a key step.
Personality Traits:
Some people naturally lean toward caution or frugality. Extreme behaviors might amplify these tendencies.

2. Assess the Impact

Determine how this behavior affects your life and relationships:

Are basic needs or health being compromised?
Are loved ones or colleagues frustrated by the behavior?
Does the stinginess cause guilt, shame, or anxiety?

3. Cognitive Behavioral Strategies

If stinginess stems from irrational fears or distorted thinking, cognitive-behavioral techniques can help:

Challenge Negative Thoughts:
Write down fears or beliefs about money. Are they realistic or exaggerated?
Replace thoughts like “I’ll never have enough” with evidence-based reassurances.
Exposure Exercises:
Gradually spend money on small, meaningful items. Reflect on how it feels and build tolerance for spending.

4. Develop Balanced Spending Habits

Create a Budget:
Allocate money for essentials, savings, and discretionary spending. A clear plan may reduce anxiety around spending.
Prioritize Joyful Spending:
Spend on experiences or items that bring happiness or improve well-being. Remind yourself that money is a tool for quality of life.
Track Spending Patterns:
Keep a journal of your expenditures to identify where and why you’re hesitant to spend.

5. Address Emotional and Relationship Strains

Communicate with Loved Ones:
Share your feelings and struggles with trusted people. Their perspectives can help highlight how stinginess affects relationships.
Seek Social Support:
Consider financial workshops or support groups that foster healthy financial habits.

6. Professional Help

If stinginess causes significant distress or stems from deep-seated issues:

Therapists or Counselors:
Work with a mental health professional to explore emotional roots and develop healthier behaviors.
Financial Advisors:
A financial planner can help create a spending plan that feels secure but encourages balance.
Support Groups:
Joining a group like Debtors Anonymous (even for non-debt issues) can help with emotional aspects of money management.

7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance:

Practice Gratitude:
Regularly acknowledge what you already have. This reduces fear of “not enough.”
Focus on Long-Term Gains:
Remind yourself that balanced spending improves life satisfaction and strengthens relationships.
Visualize Success:
Imagine a life where financial decisions bring happiness, not stress.

Shervan K Shahhian

The Theory Indigenous Psychology:

The Theory Indigenous Psychology:

Indigenous psychology is a field of study that focuses on understanding and explaining the psychological experiences, processes, and behaviors of Indigenous peoples around the world. It encompasses the unique perspectives, values, beliefs, and practices of Indigenous cultures and communities.

Indigenous psychology seeks to challenge the universal theories and concepts that have traditionally dominated mainstream Western psychology by highlighting the cultural, historical, and socio-political contexts within which Indigenous individuals and communities exist. It recognizes the importance of cultural diversity and strives to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and worldviews into psychological research, theory, and practice.

Some key principles and themes within Indigenous psychology include:

Cultural Context: Indigenous psychology emphasizes the significance of cultural factors in shaping human experiences and behavior. It recognizes that cultural norms, values, and practices play a crucial role in understanding psychological processes.

Holistic Approach: Indigenous psychology takes a holistic approach, considering the interconnectedness of individuals with their communities, ancestors, nature, and spiritual dimensions. It recognizes the importance of addressing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being in a comprehensive manner.

Interdependence and Relationships: Indigenous psychology highlights the significance of relationships and the interdependence between individuals, communities, and the environment. It recognizes that individuals’ well-being is closely tied to their relationships and the collective welfare of their communities.

Cultural Identity and Self-Determination: Indigenous psychology acknowledges the importance of cultural identity and self-determination for psychological well-being. It emphasizes the value of cultural pride, cultural revitalization, and the empowerment of Indigenous individuals and communities.

Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Indigenous psychology aims to incorporate and respect Indigenous knowledge systems, including traditional healing practices, storytelling, spirituality, and oral traditions. It recognizes the wisdom and expertise present within Indigenous cultures and seeks to bridge the gap between Western and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Overall, Indigenous psychology strives to promote culturally appropriate and empowering approaches to understanding and addressing the psychological well-being of Indigenous peoples. It acknowledges the diverse experiences and strengths within Indigenous communities and seeks to challenge and overcome the historical and ongoing marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples within mainstream psychology.

Shervan K Shahhian

First Responders, PTSD, Trauma and Suicide Prevention

The issue of first responders experiencing high levels of stress, PTSD, and the subsequent risk of suicide is a serious concern. There are several solutions that can help address and mitigate these challenges:

Increased awareness and education: Promote awareness about the mental health challenges faced by first responders, including the risk of PTSD and suicide. Educate both first responders and the general public about the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to seek help.

Comprehensive mental health support: Develop and implement comprehensive mental health support programs specifically tailored for first responders. This includes providing easy access to confidential counseling services, peer support groups, and specialized mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by first responders.

Mandatory mental health screenings: Implement regular mental health screenings as part of the standard protocol for first responders. This can help identify individuals who may be at risk and ensure they receive the necessary support and treatment.

Peer support programs: Establish peer support programs within first responder organizations to create a culture of support and understanding. Peer support groups allow individuals to share their experiences, provide emotional support, and offer guidance to one another. This can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage early intervention.

Resilience training: Provide resilience training and stress management techniques to help first responders cope with the challenges of their profession. This can include mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and training on how to recognize and manage stress effectively.

Improved working conditions: Address the underlying factors contributing to high levels of stress and burnout among first responders. This can involve improving shift schedules, reducing overtime hours, providing adequate staffing levels, and ensuring access to necessary equipment and resources.

Organizational support and leadership: Foster a supportive organizational culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being. This includes promoting open communication, destigmatizing mental health issues, and providing leadership training to supervisors and managers on how to support their team members effectively.

Collaboration with mental health professionals: Foster partnerships between first responder organizations and mental health professionals to ensure that individuals receive appropriate and timely care. This can involve developing referral networks, training mental health professionals in first responder-specific issues, and establishing collaborative care models.

Research and data collection: Invest in research to better understand the causes and risk factors for PTSD and suicide among first responders. Collecting data on mental health outcomes and using that information to inform evidence-based strategies and interventions can help improve support systems.

Legislative support: Advocate for legislation that supports the mental health needs of first responders, such as expanding access to mental health services, ensuring insurance coverage for mental health treatment, and providing workers’ compensation for mental health injuries.

Remember, addressing the issue of first responder mental health requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach involving the cooperation of government agencies, first responder organizations, mental health professionals, and the community as a whole.

Shervan K Shahhian

Coping with Tragedy:

Tragedy, in a general sense, refers to a disastrous event or a serious misfortune that causes great suffering, distress, or sadness. It doesn’t necessarily follow a pattern of positive assumptions failing, but certain tragedies can indeed be more impactful when they disrupt expectations or plans that were based on positive assumptions.
When people hold positive assumptions about the future or their circumstances, and those assumptions are shattered by unexpected and unfortunate events, it can lead to a heightened sense of disappointment, shock, or grief. The contrast between what was anticipated and what actually occurs can make the impact of a tragedy more profound.
However, it’s important to note that tragedies can also arise without any preceding positive assumptions. They can be unpredictable events that occur independently of our expectations. Life is inherently uncertain, and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt our lives regardless of our outlook on the future.
In coping with tragedy, resilience and adaptability become crucial. It involves the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges and find ways to rebuild and move forward, even when positive assumptions are shattered.
Tragedy, in a general sense, refers to a disastrous event or a serious misfortune that causes great suffering, distress, or sadness. It doesn’t necessarily follow a pattern of positive assumptions failing, but certain tragedies can indeed be more impactful when they disrupt expectations or plans that were based on positive assumptions.
When people hold positive assumptions about the future or their circumstances, and those assumptions are shattered by unexpected and unfortunate events, it can lead to a heightened sense of disappointment, shock, or grief. The contrast between what was anticipated and what actually occurs can make the impact of a tragedy more profound.
However, it’s important to note that tragedies can also arise without any preceding positive assumptions. They can be unpredictable events that occur independently of our expectations. Life is inherently uncertain, and unforeseen circumstances can disrupt our lives regardless of our outlook on the future.
In coping with tragedy, resilience and adaptability become crucial. It involves the ability to navigate through unexpected challenges and find ways to rebuild and move forward, even when positive assumptions are shattered.
Shervan K Shahhian

Person-Centered Therapy:

Dr. Carl Rogers is known as one of thee greatest psychologist of the 20th century. Dr. Carl Rogers was a humanist thinker and believed that people are generally good.

Dr. Rogers also said that people are fundamentally good, or a need to fulfill their human potential and become the best that they can be.

Dr. Rogers called his technique non-directive therapy at the beginning. His aim was to be as non-directive as possible, he saw that psycho-therapists guide their clients even in some way. He also saw that clients mostly look to their therapists for some type of advice or direction.

What is Client-Centered Therapy:

Finally, the Dr. Rogers technique came to be known as Rogerian, client-centered therapy or person-centered therapy.

Dr. Rogers used the term client rather than patient. He thought that the term patient implied that the person is sick and seeking a cure from a therapist.

Dr. Rogers used the term client instead of patient, he emphasized the importance of the person in seeking help, controlling their future, and overcoming their problems. This self-direction is a important part in client-centered therapy.

Like psychoanalyst Dr. Freud , Dr. Rogers thought that the therapeutic interaction could find insights and lasting changes in clients. While Dr. Freud focused on giving interpretations of what he thought were the unconscious problems that led to a patients troubles, Dr. Rogers believed that the therapist should stay non-directive.

This is to say, the psycho-therapist should not direct the client, should not give judgments on the client’s feelings, and should not give suggestions or alternatives. Instead, the client should play an equal part in the therapeutic sessions.

How Does Client-Centered Therapy Works:

Psychology professionals who utilize this technique strive to create a therapeutic environment that is relaxing, empathic, and non-judgmental. 2 of these key elements of client-centered therapy are:

It’s non-directive. Therapists let clients lead the talk and do not try to direct the client in a certain direction.

It emphasizes unconditional positive regard. Therapists is completely accepting and supportive of their clients without judgment.

Three Key Qualities of Client-Centered Therapists:

What Is Genuineness?

The therapist needs to speak of his or her feelings honestly. By showing this behavior, the therapist can help show the client and to also help the client develop this important skill.

What Is Unconditional Positive Regard?

The therapist must understand the client for who they really are and show support and care for them no matter what the client is experiencing in their life. Dr. Rogers believed that humans often develop issues because they are used to only getting conditional help; being accepted only if the person conforms to certain expectations.

By creating an environment of unconditional positive regard, the client is able to speak his or her true feelings without fear of being turned down.

Dr. Rogers also explained: “Unconditional positive regard means that when the therapist is experiencing a positive, acceptant attitude toward whatever the client is at that moment, therapeutic movement or change is more likely. It involves the therapist’s willingness for the client to be whatever feeling is going on at that moment — confusion, resentment, fear, anger, courage, love, or pride…The therapist prizes the client in a total rather than a conditional way.”

What Is Empathetic Understanding?

The therapist needs to be reflective, meaning: acting as a mirror of the client’s thought and feelings. The goal of this technique is to allow the client to gain an open understanding of their own inner feelings, emotions and perceptions.

By showing these 3 characteristics, therapists can assist clients grow psychologically, become self-aware, and change his or her behavior by self-direction. In this type of therapeutic relationship, a client feels safe and free from judgment. Dr. Rogers believed that this type of environment allows clients to make a healthier view of the world and a less cloudy view of one self.

What Is Self-Concept:

Self-concept also an important part in person-centered therapy.

Dr. Rogers believed that self-concept as an organized set of beliefs and ideas about the self. The self-concept play an important role in determining not only how people see themselves, but also how they view and interact with the world around them.

Sometimes self-concept lines up well with reality, which Rogers referred to as congruence. In other cases, self-perceptions are sometimes unrealistic or not in tune with what exists in the real world. Rogers believed that all people distort reality to some degree, but when self-concept is in conflict with reality, incongruence can result.

For example, a young boy might perceive himself as a strong athlete, despite the fact that his actual performance on the field reveals that he is not particularly skilled and could use extra practice.

Through the process of person-centered therapy, Rogers believed that people could learn to adjust their self-concept in order to achieve congruence and a more realistic view of themselves and the world. For example, imagine a young woman who views herself as uninteresting and a poor conversationalist despite the fact that other people find her fascinating and quite engaging.

Because her self-perceptions are not congruent with reality, she may experience poor self-esteem as a result. The client-centered approach focuses on providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuine support in order to help the client reach a more congruent view of herself

Role in Today’s Culture:

Actor Bob Newhart portrayed a therapist who utilized client-centered therapy on “The Bob Newhart Show” which aired from 1972 to 1978.

How Effective Is Client-Centered Therapy?

Several large-scale studies have shown that the three qualities that Rogers emphasized, genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding, are all beneficial. However, some studies have suggested that these factors alone are not necessarily enough to promote lasting change in clients.4

One evaluation that looked at the effectiveness of person-centered therapy suggested that this approach was effective for individuals experiencing common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and may even be helpful to those experiencing more moderate to severe symptoms.

Shervan K Shahhian

Dr. Rogers:

Dr. Carl Rogers is known as one of thee greatest psychologist of the 20th century. Dr. Carl Rogers was a humanist thinker and believed that people are generally good.

Dr. Rogers also said that people are fundamentally good, or a need to fulfill their human potential and become the best that they can be.

What is Client-Centered Therapy:

Finally, the Dr. Rogers technique came to be known as Rogerian, client-centered therapy or person-centered therapy.

Dr. Rogers used the term client rather than patient. He thought that the term patient implied that the person is sick and seeking a cure from a therapist.

How Does Client-Centered Therapy Works:

Psychology professionals who utilize this technique strive to create a therapeutic environment that is relaxing, empathic, and non-judgmental. 2 of these key elements of client-centered therapy are:

It’s non-directive. Therapists let clients lead the talk and do not try to direct the client in a certain direction.

It emphasizes unconditional positive regard. Therapists is completely accepting and supportive of their clients without judgment.

Three Key Qualities of Client-Centered Therapists:

What Is Genuineness?

The therapist needs to speak of his or her feelings honestly. By showing this behavior, the therapist can help show the client and to also help the client develop this important skill.

What Is Unconditional Positive Regard?

By creating an environment of unconditional positive regard, the client is able to speak his or her true feelings without fear of being turned down.

What Is Empathetic Understanding?

What Is Self-Concept:

Self-concept also an important part in person-centered therapy.

Role in Today’s Culture:

Actor Bob Newhart portrayed a therapist who utilized client-centered therapy on “The Bob Newhart Show” which aired from 1972 to 1978.

How Effective Is Client-Centered Therapy?

Shervan K Shahhian