Differential Response, Diagnosis and the Philosophy of the Implicit

Purton, C. - University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 245–255

Keywords: client-centered therapy, person-centered therapy, process-experiential therapy, focusing-oriented psychotherapy, implicit order

Abstract: The question of whether person-centered therapists should respond in different ways to different kinds of client problems was a central theme of the PCE 2003 Conference on Client-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy. It can seem that classical client-centered therapy and the process-experiential approach should take opposite positions in this debate, but I suggest in this paper that both sides can agree on the need for differential response, so long as such response is grounded in the kind of implicit knowledge which is a central theme of Gendlin’s focusing-oriented psychotherapy.

Editorial : Raising Our Profile

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

Editorial | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages:

Maintain and Enhance: An integrative view of person-centered and process differentiated diagnostics

Cornelius-White, J. W. - Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, USA

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 268–276

Keywords: diagnosis, person-centered therapy, theoretical integration, process differentiation

Abstract: The author reviews, compares, contrasts and comments on various views of diagnosis in Person-Centered and Experiential therapies, especially as presented in the PCE 2003 keynote speeches of Greenberg (2004), Sachse (2004), and Schmid (2004). These views include the incorporation of traditional (DSM) diagnosis, reflexive models of the client, exercise of ‘therapeutic’ expertise, process diagnosis, and therapy as diagnosis. The paper concludes with an integrative view that values the potentially enhancing qualities of diagnostic formulations while maintaining the core aspects of person-centeredness. While diagnosis is generally incompatible with the person-centered approach, some aspects may be helpful for skill development and interactions with systems. The dialectic of being and doing, which rests upon principled nondirectivity, is emphasized.

Non-Linear Dynamic Systems and the Non-Directive Attitude in Client-Centred Therapy

Sommerbeck, L. - Dianalund Psychiatric Hospital, Denmark

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 291–299

Keywords: non-linear dynamic systems, the expert's mistake, unpredictability, client uniqueness, non-directivity

Abstract: This paper assumes that (a) an important aspect of unconditional positive regard is respect for the uniqueness of each individual client, and (b) the human organism’s continuous interaction with its environment is a non-linear dynamic system. From these two assumptions it derives the non-directive attitude of the client-centered therapist as a logical consequence. In doing so it converts the position that the client-centered therapist is not to be an expert on what is best for the client into the stronger position that the client-centered therapist cannot be an expert on what is best for the client.

Past, Present and Future of the Person-Centered Approach in Greece

Brouzos, A., Mouladoudis, G. - University of Ioannina, Greece

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 256–267

Keywords: person-centered approach, Greece, traing, history

Abstract: This paper is about the history of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) in Greece. Its focus is on individuals who made noteworthy contributions to the development of the PCA in academic and professional settings. Reference is also made to Greek books, articles and translations related to the PCA. Associations offering professional training on the PCA are presented. Finally, the current situation and some proposals regarding the future of the PCA in Greece are discussed.

The Dialogue with the Inner Critic: From a pluralistic self to a client-centered and experiential work with partial egos

Vahrenkamp, S., Behr, M. - Institut für Gesprächspsychotherapie un Klientzentrierte Beratung, Stuttgart, Germany

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 228–244

Keywords: client-centered psychotherapy, inner critic, self-valuing process, focusing-oriented psychotherapy

Abstract: The view of the person has shifted from a unitary to a pluralistic conceptualization of the self. Thus concepts for therapeutic work with partial egos, especially with self-devaluing cognitive–emotional schemata, have been elaborated in a variety of approaches. The Stuttgart Conception for Work with Partial Egos (SCOPE) integrates well-known process-experiential strategies with some further ideas for interventions. It thus offers an integrative model for work with difficult, unusual or inexperienced clients. It aims to facilitate constructive inner dialogues and therefore extends the application of basic, client-centered counseling skills to work with more than two partial egos, and it conceptualizes an inner facilitator. A manual derived from supervision and therapeutic experience guides therapists through critical stages of the client’s process, including assessing prerequisites, calming down, becoming aware, differentiating, moving out partial egos, clarifying borders, modifying the dialogue and balancing. We also discuss the types of client who will benefit most.

Trauma, Imagery and Focusing

Coffeng, T. - Oudega, The Netherlands

Article | From volume/issue: 3.4 | Pages: 277–290

Keywords: trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, focusing, imagery

Abstract: The author reviews, compares, contrasts and comments on various views of diagnosis in Person-Centered and Experiential therapies, especially as presented in the PCE 2003 keynote speeches of Greenberg (2004), Sachse (2004), and Schmid (2004). These views include the incorporation of traditional (DSM) diagnosis, reflexive models of the client, exercise of ‘therapeutic’ expertise, process diagnosis, and therapy as diagnosis. The paper concludes with an integrative view that values the potentially enhancing qualities of diagnostic formulations while maintaining the core aspects of person-centeredness. While diagnosis is generally incompatible with the person-centered approach, some aspects may be helpful for skill development and interactions with systems. The dialectic of being and doing, which rests upon principled nondirectivity, is emphasized.