Assessment in Person-Centered Therapy.

Wilkins, O., Gill, M. - Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Article | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages: 172–187

Keywords: assessment, person-centered therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, diagnosis

Abstract: The paper considers the literature on the assessment of clients in regard to their suitability for person-centered therapy and the relationship between assessment and diagnosis. It goes on to describe a small, qualitative study comparing the thinking of person-centered therapists and psychodynamic therapists on assessment, and offers a formative person-centered theory on client assessment.

Book review

Book Review : W. Keil and G. Stumm (eds.). Die vielen Gesichter der Personzentrierten Psychotherapie.

B. Thorne

Review | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages:

Editorial

Elliott, R., Mearns, D., Schmid, P.F.

Editorial | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages:

Empathy: The Adventure of Being Present.

Rud, C. - Casabierta, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Article | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages: 162–171

Keywords: empathy, transformation, metaphor, contemplative practice, poetic language, contact, being present

Abstract: With increasing frequency, we hear people talk about empathy both in professional and in everyday life. This is a concept that for us as psychotherapists has previously belonged almost exclusively to our therapeutic practice. A lot has been said to define this concept, and yet there is something that makes it ungraspable and indefinite. In this paper, I define empathy in experiential terms, which includes both the empathizer and the empathized. I also try to establish the difference between empathy as an effective healing process and empathy as a mere instrument of diagnosis. Thus, it is my purpose in this article to contribute to a more congruent, person-centered practice by offering an alternative look at the concept of empathy, which is so close to our model of therapeutic work.

Hypnocounseling: Carl Rogers and Milton Erickson.

Gunnison, H., Moore, S - St Lawrence University, Canton, NY, USA;

Article | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages: 204–218

Keywords: Erickson, hypnocounseling, hypnosis, person-centered approach, reframing, Rogers trance

Abstract: In this paper we propose the convergence of seemingly unrelated therapies to form the basis of hypnocounseling. Erickson and Rogers shared a belief in the inherent growth of the individual and in the importance of immediacy. Both worked to restore personal power and control to the client-patient. Although using different methods, both trusted that the development of a sensitive understanding of the individual’s internal frame of reference would facilitate growth and change. As the foremost contributor to a modern method of hypnosis, Erickson’s therapy model focused on trance induction as the key that unlocks an individual’s stored potential for growth and change. Rogers, on the other hand, wrought a richly compassionate environment — a prizing of the individual — that allowed a deep sense of self-discovery to emerge. Hypnocounseling merges Rogers’ person-centered therapy with Erickson’s utilization approach to create opportunities for choice, deep understandings, and change.

Professional Characteristics of Humanistic Therapists: Analyses of the Collaborative Research Network Sample.

Elliott, R., Orlinsky, D., Klein, M., Amer, M., Partyka, R. - University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

Article | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages: 188–203

Keywords: humanistic therapists, professional characteristics, theoretical orientation

Abstract: The Collaborative Research Network’s (CRN) Development of Psychotherapists Common Core Questionnaire has been completed by more than 5,500 mental health professionals worldwide. We used this data set to examine demographic and practice characteristics that define and distinguish humanistic therapists. We identified four groups of therapists based on their pattern of endorsement on a set of theoretical orientation questions: Purely Humanistic, Mixed Humanistic, Minimally Humanistic, and Wholly Nonhumanistic. We found that about 10% of this sample was Purely Humanistic in orientation, while Mixed Humanists accounted for another 20%. Nonhumanistic and Minimally Humanistic therapists appeared to be predominantly psychodynamic in orientation. We used the data to depict each of the four groups, in particular documenting the nature of the group of Mixed Humanistic therapists, who see a greater number and diversity of clients with apparently greater treatment flexibility.

The Art of Psychological Contact: The Psychotherapy of a Mentally Retarded Psychotic client.

Krietemeyer, B., Prouty, G. - Diakonie Stetton e.V. Kemin im Remstal, Germany

Article | From volume/issue: 2.3 | Pages: 151–161

Keywords: pre-therapy, psychological contact, psychosis, mental retardation

Abstract: Rogers suggests that ‘psychological contact’ is the first condition of a therapeutic relationship. Perls suggests that contact is an ‘ego function’. Evolving from these suggestions, Pre-Therapy is the theory and practice of psychological contact. Early work in Pre-Therapy focused on mentally retarded or psychotic clients. This paper is a case study and commentary featuring the therapeutic work of the first author, German psychologist Barbara Krietemeyer, with introduction and commentary by the second author, Garry Prouty, the developer of Pre-Therapy. The case history demonstrates the application of contact with a severely regressed, psychotic/retarded woman. This facilitated the client’s movement into a therapeutic relationship, resulting in considerable symptom reduction. More importantly, it enabled the client to live much more satisfactorily in the institution.