Actualizing Tendency: The link between PCEP and interdisciplinary systems theory.

Kriz, J. - University of Osnabrück, Germany

Article | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages: 30 - 44

Keywords: person-centered approach, actualizing tendency, self-organization, metaphors, systems theory, emergence, phase transition

Abstract: The Actualizing Tendency is a core concept in person-centered and experiential psychotherapy (PCEP). It is neither a belief nor an assumption in Rogers’ theory, but a simple description of the consequences of seriously taking interconnectedness and relationships into account. This paper discusses some (sub)concepts of the actualizing tendency as well as terminological problems and looks at notions such as emergence and phase transitions also investigated in modern interdisciplinary systems science. It is argued that utilizing this link between PCEP and systems science is not intended to explain the processes of psychotherapy in terms of the frame of natural science, but enables PCEP to take part in the interdisciplinary discourses and by this, parry accusations that PCEP is not “scientific.” Moreover, this link can also help to scrutinize the principles and metaphors which we use in PCEP and provide a consistent theoretical basis for our own practice.

Book review

Book Review: Moore, J. & Purton, G. (Eds.) (2006). Spirituality and counselling: Experiential and theoretical perspectives. Ross-on-Wye: PCCS Books

Krikilion, w.

Review | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages:

Leading a Good Life: The evolving paradigm from the PCE 2006 keynote addresses.

Cornelius-White, J.H. - Missouri State University

Article | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages: 61–71

Keywords: PCE, formative tendency, ecology, fully functioning, actualization

Abstract: This article analyzes and synthesizes the core ideas of the three keynote addresses from the PCE 2006 conference. Bohart (2007) asserted that leading a good life involves “receptive openness, holding constructs tentatively, and adopting a task focus” (p. 21). O’Hara (2007) explained how leading a good life is “psychological capacity-building for a world in transition” (p. 55). Kriz (2007) focused upon the contextual, systemic processes of chaos and actualization to understand the good life, especially in terms of “seriously taking interconnectedness and relationships into account” (p. 30). This author integrates themes of the three presentations to illuminate an evolving paradigm of PCE, including emphasis on the ecological context, dialectics of rationality and intuition, appreciating creativity, living the approach in the world, and fundamental transformation.

Promoting Health: Challenges for person-centered communication in psychotherapy, counseling and human relationships in daily life.

Tausch, R. - Institut für Psychologie, Universität Hamburg

Article | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages: 1–13

Keywords: client -centered therapy, empirical research, therapeutic effectiveness

Abstract: For person-centered psychotherapy and counseling to be scientifically acknowledged and accepted by public health services, the following are required: (a) more empirical research on the effectiveness of person-centered therapy for different diagnostic categories (ICD-10) and counseling modes (group, family, health-related counseling); (b) incorporation of alternative interventions to increase the effectiveness of short-term person-centered psychotherapy consistent with the approach and the client-centered behavior of the therapist, such as having patients choose their therapists, providing written information on stress reduction and self-help, teaching daily relaxation exercises, using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with minor anxiety, and suggesting homework assignments; (c) improvement of the therapist–patient relationship via regular written feedback from the patient for the therapist, reflections that incorporate cognitions and emotions in proportion to clients’ expressions, and active, intensive (non-directive) efforts by the therapist to improve the therapeutic relationship; and (d) promotion of person-centered behaviors by people in daily situations and relationships outside the therapeutic setting (e.g., teachers, parents, partners).

Psychological Literacy for an Emerging Global Society: Another look at Rogers’ persons of tomorrow as a model

O’Hara, M. - National University, La Jolla, California

Article | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages: 45–60

Keywords: Carl Rogers, fundamentalism, global mental health, organizing narratives, person-centered approach, persons of tomorrow, psychological literacy, psychosphere, social innovators, social transformation

Abstract: The cultural contexts in which we live and find meaning are no longer stable and are being disrupted on an unprecedented scale. The result is a rupture between human minds and the external contexts that must be navigated by them. Three possible responses to this crisis of psychological coherence are reactive, psychotic and transformational. Carl Rogers recognized the characteristics of people who could respond in a transformational way and called them persons of tomorrow. He described an emerging new mode of consciousness with a more advanced level of psychological literacy. The person-centered approach (PCA) process is not merely an effective therapeutic approach but also a powerful pedagogy that supports the transformational learning needed to cultivate persons of tomorrow. Now is the time to reframe the mission and purpose of person-centered theory and practice, and expand it beyond the individual therapeutic context into the larger social and civic spheres.

Taking Steps Along A Path: Full functioning, openness, and personal creativity.

Bohart, A. C. - Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center, and California State University, Dominguez Hills

Article | From volume/issue: 6.1 | Pages: 14–29

Keywords: personality change, openness, creativity, full functioning

Abstract: For Carl Rogers, living the good life was the equivalent of being fully functioning. This meant living a life of growth, flow and change. Change happened because the fully functioning person was open to experience, information, ideas, and others. I present an elaboration of Rogers’ views. People are seen as constantly changing on a moment-to-moment basis as they creatively cope with life’s challenges. This feeds into change in personality over time. I cite research supporting this view. I consider how a particular form of openness — receptive openness — and holding constructs tentatively and productive agency may contribute to productive change. I then consider obstacles to receptive openness and how blocks to openness relate to psychopathology. Finally I look at how clients in psychotherapy exhibit the kind of creativity I have been discussing.