This video illustrates some of the techniques which were used by Carl Rogers. First of all, it is possible to speak about empathy. This concept can be described as the ability to place oneself in the position of another person (Vincent, 2005, p. 16). Moreover, this term can also be defined as insight into the feelings and emotions of an individual. Carl Rogers argued that this technique had been critical for establishing relations between the therapist and a patient (Vincent, 2005, p. 16).
At the very beginning of the session, the counselor makes a conjecture about the feelings that make the patient so uncomfortable. In particular, the counselor says that she may be struggling with loneliness and worthlessness. To a great extent, this problem can be explained by the fact that she could not establish long-term relations with her boyfriends. Overall, this technique enabled the therapist to gain the trust of the patient since she became more willing to discuss her experiences. This is one of the aspects that should be identified.
Furthermore, it is possible to mention unconditional positive regard which can be defined as the acceptance of a patient’s qualities and inner world, regardless of what he/she can say (Freeth, 2007, p. 135). In other words, this technique implies that a counselor should not set terms and conditions for people who require their assistance. This approach enables the patient to feel more confident. To some degree, this technique is exemplified in this video.
For example, the counselor lays stress on the ideas that the patient’s problems can be explained by the fact that she was often forced to meet the conditions set by other people. This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about her former boyfriends and her parents.
The therapist prompts the person to believe that during this session, she is not pressured by anyone. Overall, this conversation indicates that unconditional positive regard can make a person feel less restrained. This is why this method is widely adopted by many practitioners.
Apart from that, much attention should be paid to congruence. Overall, this technique implies that a patient should find a match between one’s thoughts, feelings, and outward behavior (Sommers-Flanagan, 2013, p. 136). Additionally, Carl Rogers believed that a patient should make real and conceived selves consistent with one another (Sommers-Flanagan, 2013, p. 136). This step is vital for understanding the underlying causes of emotional problems. This video illustrates the application of this method.
In particular, the therapist says that the patient should be more aware of her true self. This awareness can help her resolve some of the main tensions that she struggles with. This approach is useful because in many cases, people do not fully recognize their desires or feelings. To a great extent, the patient accepted the idea of congruence as the basis for her well-being. So, in this case, the strategy chosen by the therapist proved to be successful.
On the whole, this video is very informative because it can help viewers understand the applications of the methods developed by Carl Rogers. One can say that these methods are critical for establishing rapport with the patient. Moreover, they can assist the patient in overcoming his/her psychological problems such as inferiority complex and depression. This is why they should not be overlooked.
Reference List
Freeth, R. (2007). Humanising Psychiatry and Mental Health Care: The Challenge of the Person-centred Approach. New York, NY: Radcliffe Publishing.
Sommers-Flanagan, J. (2013). Clinical Interviewing. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Vincent, S. (2005) Being Empathic: A Companion for Counsellors and Therapists. New York, NY: Radcliffe Publishing.