Introduction
Gloria’s therapy session with Rogers, Perls, and Eliis highlights different therapeutic approaches that generate a variety of responses from the client (Creative Caption & Video, 2014). Three psychological theories have been applied: the client-centered, gestalt, and rational-emotive therapies. All three therapies generate an understanding of a client’s thoughts, increase awareness, and promote accurate self-concepts. The three therapists approached the client, Gloria, from the perspective of the frameworks they have developed and formulated into therapeutic methodologies.
Client-Centered
Roger’s catient-centered approach had a positive impact on the client’s disposition. Gloria managed to share personal moments and feel her emotions in the present rather than viewing them from afar. I reacted to the therapist in the same way Gloria reacted to Carl Rogers’ empathetic approach. Namely, his patient-centered approach inspires honesty and self-reflection. The client quickly developed trust in the therapist and even came to see him as a father figure by the end of the interview (Creative Caption & Video, 2014b). The methodology indeed correlates with the establishment of a positive client-therapist relationship.
Gestalt Therapy
Fritz Perls, one of the developers of gestalt therapy, applied this very technique during the therapy session with the client, Gloria. Perls takes a slightly more aggressive approach, stating that she is putting on a front by smiling and acting like a phony. However, Gloria had several realizations during the session, including her coping strategies and how she views herself in comparison to others (Creative Caption & Video, 2014c). Furthermore, she realized that she seeks respect and protection. Her reaction to Pearls’ approach was anger. She was verbally combative and more likely to exemplify her state of mind through specific movements and body language.
My initial reaction was one of denial of the helpfulness of Pearls’ method. However, as the interview progressed, my reaction shifted to one of acceptance, as it became apparent that Gloria’s emotions were helping her experience the present moment more fully.
Rational Emotive Therapy
Albert Ellis approached the therapy session with Gloria by implementing rational emotive therapy. During therapy, Gloria focused on her personal issues, including her fear of male rejection and her own lack of self-acceptance (Creative Caption & Video, 2014a). Ellis helped the client realize that rejection does not imply that the individual who is pushed back is incompetent or unworthy of love; rather, it is a natural part of the process. As a result, fear of punishment gave way to acceptance and enjoyment.
Ellis did not focus on the client’s past but instead emphasized the importance of taking matters into her own hands and being more confident in her decisions. Gloria’s reaction was initially defensive, then transitioned to acceptance and motivation. Namely, when the therapist argued against some of Gloria’s points, she was defending her actions while recognizing their faults.
My attitude was one of interest, as the therapy session appeared somewhat helpful. I concluded that Gloria benefited from Ellis’s intense approach and has managed to change certain aspects of her thought patterns and behavior.
Conclusion
I preferred Rogers’ approach as it helped motivate the patient to share emotions that would otherwise be avoided. However, the compassion inherent in the patient-centered methodology creates a safe environment for the client, which is why I would personally implement this technique when working with patients. I would also incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy to help individuals modify their behavior by correcting their thought processes.
References
Creative Caption & Video (2014a). Albert Ellis and Gloria – Counselling 1965 full session – Rational Emotive Therapy. YouTube.
Creative Caption & Video (2014b). Carl Rogers and Gloria – Counselling 1965 full session. YouTube.
Creative Caption & Video (2014c). Fritz Perlsand Gloria – Counselling 1965 full session. YouTube.