Theory of Counseling and Psychotherapy

Running head: THEORY OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
THEORY OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
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THEORY OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
Introduction:
There has been enormous variety when it comes to counseling approaches. The
development of the counseling therapies has become popular since the late 19th and 20th century
along with the Freudian psychoanalysis (Sharf 2015). Two of the profound therapies that have
been used widely are client centered or person centered counseling (PCC) and Reality therapy or
choice theory (RT/CT) which was constructed by William Glasser during the 1950s and later
explained by Robert Wubbolding. The theories that are mentioned here have been used widely
and been applied across diverse contexts. It has involved not only individual counseling but also
group work and educational environments (Finnerty 2014). The essay aims to discuss the
historical aspects of the two theories and breaking the concepts that work in CT/RT and PCC.
The essay will analyze the approach including theoretical construction of the related concepts.
The essay will also discuss the underpinning of choice theory along with the discussion on the
central role of control psychology and effective locus control. Lastly, it will discuss the ways
PCC and RT/CT and multicultural counseling and therapy can be integrated into a functional
model for therapy purpose.
Person-center therapy approach
Carl Rogers had developed the person-centered therapy during the 1940s. In this therapy,
Rogers diverted from the traditional way of therapy where the therapist used to be considered the
expert (Rogers 1957). In the new approach, Rogers laid emphasis on a more nondirective,
empathetic approach that looked to empower and motivate the client. The PCT relies on the
belief of Carl Rogers that every individual endeavors for and has the ability to fulfill her or his

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THEORY OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
own potential. Known also as Rogerian therapy, the PCT has had remarkable influence on
psychotherapy field and numerous other disciplines.
Self-actualisation
The therapy could be understood more clearly from the theoretical construct of self-
actualization. Abraham Maslow has extensively used the concept of self-actualization. It is
humanistic psychology term referring to the fundamental human need for self-fulfillment
(Rogers 1957). Maslow stated that self-actualization symbolizes development of a person toward
fulfillment of the greatest needs – those needed for providing a meaning to life. The theorist
created a hierarchy of needs theory that talks deeply about the fundamental needs of human
beings in which, self-actualization is one of the most important and most neglected needs
(McLeod 2007). Rogers too was of the view that individuals have a tendency of actualization and
believed that people could achieve self-actualization by being fully functional. He defined a
fully-functional person as the one who has connection with her or his innermost and deepest
desires and feelings.
Conditions of worth
Rogers suggested that individuals, who are fully functional, understand their personal
emotions and put deep trust in their own urges and instincts. To put is in a simpler way, in
making the individuals fully functional, unconditional positive regard plays a crucial role. In his
views, the individual has attained unconditional positive regard from other people and refrains
from placing any conditions on her or his own worth.
Locus of evaluation

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THEORY OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
An important aspect of psychology and PCT in particular is the locus of evaluation as
stated by Rogers. According to the theorist, in every statement that implies or makes a value
judgment, the structural locus of the origin of evaluation could be rather inferred readily. This
structural locus or place could be either internal or external. In case a person operates from
internal locus of evaluation, she or he trusts her own instincts using her or his organism valuing
process. On the other hand, if a person operates from external locus of evaluation, then the
person is believed to adopt others’ values especially parents through conditions of worth attained
in their childhood.
Organism valuing process
According to Rogers, people who make use of the self-actualization tendency as the
context for living are considered to be directed by the organism valuing process (Rogers 1957).
The organism valuing process means that the individuals are motivated with their own genuine
feelings. In the person-centered therapy, the therapist believes that the client is a fully functional
person who has the ability to interpret experience accurately amongst others.
According to Murphy and Joseph (2019), in the year 1940s Carl Rogers developed
Person-centered therapy. The therapy is divergent from the traditional model of Carl Rogers as
expert. In the 1950s humanistic therapies began evolving in USA. According to Carl Rogers
therapy could be simpler, more optimistic and warm than what was available during that time by
psychodynamics psychologists. Certainly his perception was different than the psychodynamic
and behavioral approaches where he suggested that clients can be helped in better ways if they
were encouraged to focus on their current subjective understanding instead of being led by
someone else’s interpretation of the situation or some unconsciousness motive.