The person-centered approach, also known as client-centered or Rogerian therapy, is a form of psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s. It is based on the premise that individuals have an inherent drive towards self-actualization and personal growth, and that a therapist can facilitate this process by creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
However, there are a number of criticisms of the person-centered approach that have been raised over the years. One of the main criticisms is that it can be overly passive and non-directive, with the therapist taking a backseat and not providing much guidance or structure to the therapy sessions. This can lead to a lack of progress or direction, as the client may not know what to talk about or how to address their problems.
Another criticism is that the person-centered approach may not be suitable for clients with more severe mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, as it may not provide enough structure or direction to address these problems effectively. Some argue that a more directive and structured approach, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may be more effective in addressing these types of issues.
Additionally, the person-centered approach has been criticized for being overly optimistic and idealistic, with a focus on the client's strengths and positive qualities rather than their weaknesses or problematic behaviors. While it is important to recognize and build on an individual's strengths, ignoring or minimizing their negative qualities can be harmful and prevent them from making necessary changes in their lives.
Overall, while the person-centered approach has been influential in the development of modern psychotherapy and has helped many individuals, it is important to consider its limitations and the potential drawbacks of using this approach with certain clients. It may be more effective to use a more integrative approach that combines elements of different therapies and is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the client.
Measuring Person
Personal needs may be acknowledged but only in as much as they relate to overall medical and nursing needs. When these stages are not satisfactorily passed and completed, and the problem not dealt with, it is possible that the repressed emotions and feelings may manifest themselves in later life and cause psychological difficulty. It could well be argued that these three tenets are basic environmental conditions that should be provided by all good therapists, regardless of whether they choose to adopt a Person-Centred approach or not, and that when these requirements are met a counsellor can then progress to a stage where their expertise in a particular field will help the client solve their problems. Psychoanalysis is also a very comprehensive theory, and like all theoretical works provides a basic framework from which analysts can draw their own interpretations and conclusions. Subsequently, Rogers Seven Stages of Psychological development during the process of therapy will be outlined.
Critique of Person Centred Approach and Psychoanalytical theory
Attitudes and Habits of Highly Humanistic Physicians. American Journal of Bioethics 14 6 4-16. Needed: A More Rigorous Analysis of Models of Decision Making and a Richer Account of Respect for Autonomy. As with all psychological theories and indeed approaches to therapy, the work of Rogers and Freud has attracted and continues to attract both critical and favourable comment, highlighting both the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the methods they helped to develop. From a person-centered perspective, it is appropriate neither to blame nor to give full credit to, people for what they do. Psychoanalysis is also a very comprehensive theory, and like all theoretical works provides a basic framework from which analysts can draw their own interpretations and conclusions.
What are criticisms of person
Health Affairs 29 8 1489-1495. It means that when the therapist is experiencing a positive, non-judgmental, accepting attitude toward whatever the client is at that moment, therapeutic movement or change is more likely …. An exploration of Person Centred Counselling will follow examining Philosophical Principals, Key Concepts and the Core Conditions that must be present in the therapeutic relationship. Annals of Emergency Medicine 64 4 351-357. The gap between policy and practice: a systematic review of patient-centred care interventions in chronic heart failure. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences 31 3 547-553. Also, the perspective of people with dementia remains absent.
