Schema Therapy, how does it work:

Schema Therapy, how does it work:

Schema Therapy is an integrative form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, and Gestalt therapy to address deep-rooted patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving known as schemas (or early maladaptive schemas). It was developed by Jeffrey Young primarily to treat personality disorders, chronic depression, and other long-standing emotional difficulties.

How Schema Therapy Works:

Identifying Maladaptive Schemas

  • Schemas are deeply ingrained patterns of beliefs and behaviors that develop in childhood or adolescence due to unmet emotional needs.
  • Examples include abandonment, mistrust, emotional deprivation, failure, unrelenting standards, and more.

Understanding Schema Modes

  • Schema modes are momentary emotional states and coping responses triggered by schemas.
  • Common modes include the Vulnerable ChildAngry ChildDetached Protector, and Punitive Parent.
  • Therapy aims to weaken maladaptive modes and strengthen the Healthy Adult mode.

Healing Core Emotional Wounds

  • The therapist uses experiential techniques (e.g., imagery rescripting, chair work) to help the client reprocess painful memories and experiences.
  • This helps rewrite negative beliefs developed in early life.

Cognitive Restructuring

  • Clients learn to challenge and change self-defeating beliefs tied to schemas using cognitive techniques.
  • This involves recognizing irrational thoughts and replacing them with healthier perspectives.

Behavioral Pattern Change

  • Clients work on breaking unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., avoidance, overcompensation) and developing healthier behaviors.
  • Role-playing and real-life assignments help reinforce new patterns.

Therapeutic Relationship (Limited Reparenting)

  • The therapist provides a corrective emotional experience by acting as a nurturing, supportive figure.
  • This allows the client to experience unmet childhood needs in a safe therapeutic environment.

Who Benefits from Schema Therapy?

Schema Therapy is particularly effective for:

  • Personality disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality DisorderNarcissistic Personality Disorder)
  • Chronic depression and anxiety
  • Relationship difficulties and attachment issues
  • Childhood trauma survivors
  • People who struggle with self-sabotage and emotional dysregulation
  • Shervan K Shahhian

Deep Hypnosis:

Deep hypnosis refers to a heightened state of focused attention, relaxation, and suggestibility. It is often described as a profoundly altered state of consciousness, where the individual experiences a deep trance-like condition that allows access to subconscious thoughts, memories, and emotions. In this state, people can be highly responsive to suggestions, making it a powerful tool for therapeutic purposes, personal growth, or exploration of the mind.

Key Aspects of Deep Hypnosis:

  1. Trance State: The individual enters a deep state of relaxation where the conscious mind becomes less dominant, allowing the subconscious mind to be more accessible.
  2. Heightened Suggestibility: In this state, the person is more open to suggestions, which can be used for positive behavioral changes, such as quitting smoking, overcoming fears, or reducing stress.
  3. Relaxation: The body and mind are deeply relaxed, often producing a sense of calmness and comfort.
  4. Access to the Subconscious: Deep hypnosis can help individuals uncover suppressed emotions, forgotten memories, or insights into personal issues.
  5. Guided Process: Usually facilitated by a trained hypnotist or hypnotherapist who leads the individual into and through the hypnotic state.

Uses of Deep Hypnosis:

  • Therapeutic Hypnosis: Used in hypnotherapy to treat phobias, anxiety, addictions, and trauma.
  • Pain Management: Helps manage chronic pain or reduce discomfort during medical procedures.
  • Personal Development: Enhances focus, self-confidence, and goal achievement.
  • Past-Life Regression: Some people explore deep hypnosis for spiritual or metaphysical purposes to “access” past-life memories (though this is controversial).

Common Misconceptions:

  • Not Mind Control: People in hypnosis maintain control over their actions and cannot be forced to do anything against their will.
  • Not Sleep: While deeply relaxed, individuals remain aware of their surroundings and can recall the session afterward.
  • Variable Depths: Not everyone experiences the same depth of hypnosis. Some may enter deep states easily, while others may remain in lighter trances.

Shervan K Shahhian

Prefrontal Cortex, Decision-Making and Regulation:

Prefrontal Cortex, Decision-Making and Regulation:

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical part of the brain involved in higher cognitive functions, particularly decision-making and self-regulation. Located in the front part of the frontal lobe, the PFC plays a central role in enabling humans to manage complex behaviors, control impulses, and plan for the future.

Here’s a breakdown of its roles in decision-making and regulation:

1. Decision-Making

The PFC is heavily involved in making both simple and complex decisions. It achieves this by integrating information from various parts of the brain:

  • Risk and Reward Assessment: The PFC evaluates potential outcomes, weighing risks versus rewards to guide choices. This involves interaction with the limbic system, particularly the amygdala and ventral striatum.
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: The PFC helps calculate the trade-offs between immediate and long-term rewards, enabling delayed gratification and strategic thinking.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: The PFC supports the ability to shift between different strategies or perspectives when circumstances change, a process called cognitive flexibility.
  • Inhibition of Impulses: It helps suppress impulsive responses that might lead to negative outcomes, favoring rational and well-thought-out actions.

2. Regulation

The PFC is central to self-regulation, which includes managing emotions, impulses, and behavior to align with goals or societal norms:

  • Emotional Regulation: The PFC helps modulate emotional responses by interacting with the amygdala and other regions of the brain. For instance, it can suppress fear or anger to maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Executive Functioning: This includes planning, problem-solving, and managing attention to stay focused on tasks.
  • Impulse Control: The PFC helps inhibit immediate urges or desires that may conflict with long-term goals, like resisting unhealthy foods or controlling anger in arguments.
  • Social Behavior: The PFC enables understanding of social norms and empathy, guiding appropriate behavior in interpersonal contexts.

Key Subregions of the PFC

Different parts of the PFC specialize in specific functions:

  • Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC): Involved in working memory, planning, and reasoning.
  • Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (VMPFC): Plays a role in processing emotions and decision-making, particularly those involving personal and moral choices.
  • Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC): Important for evaluating rewards and punishments, influencing decision-making based on outcomes.

Disruptions in PFC Function

When the PFC is impaired (due to injury, stress, or conditions like ADHD or depression), decision-making and self-regulation can be compromised:

  • Impaired Judgment: Difficulty evaluating risks or rewards accurately.
  • Impulsivity: Challenges in controlling immediate responses or emotions.
  • Poor Emotional Regulation: Heightened or inappropriate emotional reactions.

Understanding the PFC’s role is vital for fields like neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral therapy, as it helps explain and address issues related to decision-making and self-control.

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

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

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.

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

Rogerian:

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

Non-Directive 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

Humanist Psychology:

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