Book review

Book Review: Dave Mearns and Mick Cooper, Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Schmid, P.F.

Review | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages:

Book review

Book Review: Godfrey Barrett-Lennard, Relationship at the Centre: Healing in a troubled world

O'Leary, C.

Review | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages:

Book review

Book Review: Nathaniel Raskin, Contributions to Client-Centered Therapy and the Person-Centered Approach, a comprehensive collection of his papers over a lifetime of work in client-centered therapy.

Grant, R.

Review | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages:

Book Review: Paul Wilkins, Person-Centred Therapy in Focus

Bohart, J.

Article | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages: 138-143

Keywords: culture, non-directivity, person-centered therapy

Abstract: Person-Centred Therapy in Focus by Paul Wilkins addresses common criticisms of person-centered therapy. These include criticisms having to do with issues of culture and difference; that person-centered theory has no theory of development; that the core relationship conditions are not ‘necessary and sufficient’ for therapeutic change — more is needed, such as techniques and interventions; that non-directivity is a fiction; that there is no theory of psychopathology; and that person-centered therapists are sloppy about
boundaries. Wilkins fairly reviews and evaluates the controversies. He usually does not provide closure on any issue; rather, he writes to invite thought on the part of the reader.

Building Theory and Research across Languages and Cultures

Elliott, R., Mearns, D., Schmid, P.F., Stiles, W.B.

Editorial | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages:

Doing Research on the Effectiveness of Psychotherapy and Psychotherapy Training: A Person-Centered/Experiential Perspective

Elliott, R., Zucconi, A. - University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

Article | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages: 81–100

Keywords: research, training, person-centered therapy, experiential therapy

Abstract: In this article, we present a framework for selecting instruments for evaluating psychotherapy and psychotherapy training from a person-centered and experiential psychotherapy (PCEP) perspective. The protocol is divided into eight therapy-measurement domains, consisting of four research themes (therapy outcome, therapy process, client predictors, training outcome) and two levels (general/pan-theoretical concepts vs. treatment-specific/PCEP-oriented concepts). This research protocol provides recommendations about what to measure, encouraging collaboration across different training sites, while still allowing flexibility for individual centers. Minimum and systematic case-study data-collection designs are described: Minimum designs are appropriate for use in private practice settings with one’s own clients; systematic case-study designs can be used for student case-presentation requirements or for publication. The framework and research protocols described are part of an emerging international research project involving private and public training centers in several countries.

Radical Reflexivity: Rationale for an Experiential Person-Centered Approach to Counseling and Psychotherapy

Rennie, D. L. - York University, Toronto, Canada

Article | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages: 114–126

Keywords: radical reflexivity, agency, counseling, psychotherapy, empathic attunement, process identification, process direction, meta-communication

Abstract: In this article qualitative research into the client’s experience of therapy is drawn on in support of the concept of radical reflexivity, or awareness of being self-aware, and of how radical reflexivity contributes to agency. Radical reflexivity is applied to the individual’s relation with self and others, evaluation of these relationships and the articulation of experiencing. These ramifications are woven into a rationale for an experiential person-centered approach to counseling and psychotherapy. Empathic attunement, process identification, process direction and meta-communication as the main features of the approach are described and their implications for both the therapeutic alliance and the integration of approaches to counseling and psychotherapy are discussed.

Sensory Awareness as a Method of Mindfulness-Training within the Perspective f Person-Centered Psychotherapy

Tophoff, M. M. - Limmen, The Netherlands

Article | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages: 127–137

Keywords: sensory awareness, mindfulness training, Chan Buddhism, person-centered therapy, wuwei

Abstract: This article starts with a description of Sensory Awareness as a training method in mindfulness. Subsequently, the influence of Eastern doctrines, i.e., Daoism and Chan Buddhism, on Rogers´ thinking is examined. Concepts from person-centered psychotherapies are traced to their Eastern roots. Their function within Sensory Awareness is discussed. Finally, the paper addresses the issue of whether Sensory Awareness can be instrumental within person-centered psychotherapies.

The New Integral Multidisciplinary Guidelines in The Netherlands: The Perspective of Person-Centered Psychotherapy

Huthschemaekers, G. J. M., Van Kalmthout, M. - Arnhem and Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Article | From volume/issue: 5.2 | Pages: 101–113

Keywords: client-centered therapy, person-centered therapy, multidisciplinary guidelines, levels of evidence, treatment goals

Abstract: In the new Dutch multidisciplinary guidelines for mental-health care, person-centered psychotherapy has been omitted. The consequences of this verdict may result in the Person-Centered Approach being excluded from regular treatment. This omission is based on the view that intervention should be evidence-based. This evidence-based emphasis has resulted in guidelines that restrict good treatment to interventions focused on complaint reduction. Other treatment goals are excluded because they lack enough evidence. Person-centered psychotherapists are in an excellent position to open this discussion.