Person Centered Therapy
Basic Ideology:
- Every human being has a self-concept that includes our perceptions of what is characteristic of “I” or “me”, perceptions of our relationships to others/world, and the values attached to these perceptions.
- Incongruence takes place when there is a difference between what is being experienced and what is symbolized as part of a person’s self-concept.
Empathy and probing on the emotions are the important techniques in Person Centred Therapy. This therapy helps people to be in touch with their authentic emotions. You may refer the following and understand the emotions you go through and express them to the counselor in the forthcoming sessions to get further help.
| Emotion/Feeling | Perception/Belief/Thought about Event(s) |
|---|---|
| 1. FEAR/WORRY* | Threat |
| 2. ANGER/UPSET^ | Injustice or something unfair |
| 3. HAPPINESS | Needs are fulfilled |
| 4. SADNESS# | Loss or missing someone/something |
| 5. SHAME/ EMBARACEMENT/INSUTLT^ | Loss of dignity |
| 6. GUILT/REGRET^ | Mistake of doing something against their conscience/values/principles in an event and are angry on themselves |
*Worry– If the intensity of threat is low or it would occur after a long time, it is called as worry. If the intensity is high and it is immediate, it is called as fear. Anxiety is a diagnostic term used by clinicians for worry and fear along with some more symptoms.
^ – If the intensity of the injustice is low, it is called as upset. If the amount of dignity lost is less it is called as embracement/insult. If the intensity of the mistake done is low, it is called as regret.
#– Depression is the diagnostic term used by clinicians for sadness along with some more symptoms. Stress is the umbrella term for all 5 distressing feelings.