A Focusing-Oriented Approach to Couples Therapy

Amodeo, J. - Institute of Imaginal Studies, San Francisco

Article | From volume/issue: 6.3 | Pages: 169–82

Keywords: focusing, intimacy, felt sense, connecting, tenderness, defensiveness

Abstract: The use of focusing in couples therapy can help a couple remove blocks to intimacy, understand themselves and each other more deeply, shift stuck dynamics, and nurture connection and intimacy. Focusing-Oriented couples work helps interrupt the cycle of blame, defensiveness, and attack. This is replaced with an attitude of respect, gentleness, and kindness toward themselves and the full range of their experience. This approach to couples therapy is based on the premise that what is happening between the members of the couple is a reflection of what is happening within the two individuals. In this somatic approach, focusing helps each partner stay connected to their own bodily felt sense of relevant issues and concerns. This allows a safer way to uncover underlying feelings, needs, and concerns. Learning to express these in a gentle, nondefensive, tender way creates a climate that invites and nurtures intimacy, love, and connection.

Bearing Witness: Working with clients who have experienced Trauma — Considerations for a Person-Centered approach to counseling

Rutherford, M. C. - University of Strathclyde

Article | From volume/issue: 6.3 | Pages: 153–68

Keywords: trauma, neurophysiology, cultural perspective, empathic attunement

Abstract: This paper explores traumatic experience from both a cultural and neurophysiological perspective. An argument is developed to support and challenge the person-centered approach in working with clients who have experienced trauma. Through a case study, elements of theory are illustrated. Drawing from the increased knowledge base in neurophysiology, this paper aims to strengthen confidence in wider empathic attunement and brings attention to safety for both client and counselor.

Congruence as Extensionality

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

Article | From volume/issue: 6.3 | Pages: 196–204

Keywords: congruence, extensionality, personal perception, critical-creative thinking, systemic

Abstract: Within person-centered and experiential approaches, congruence is a central and evolving concept. It has been described both by Rogers and later theorists in a wide variety of ways. This paper aims to highlight and elaborate an under-examined aspect of congruence, namely congruence as extensionality. Extensionality conveys how the open, mature, adjusted person interacts with not just their self (internal) or others (relational), but the world (systemic). It involves the practice of personalizing perception and thinking critically and creatively to manage multiple realities. Extensionality has important implications for the development of person-centered and experiential approaches beyond the therapy room.

Human relationship: Linkage or life form?

Barrett-Lennard, G. T. - Australia

Article | From volume/issue: 6.3 | Pages: 183–195

Keywords: relationship, linkage, emergent, person-centered, healing , therapy, life form

Abstract: This paper freshly asks "What is the phenomenon of human relationship, in its basic nature?" Two approaches or paradigms are distinguished. In the more individualist view, relationship is something that happens between the participants, who remain the causative players. Effectively, the individuals are the assumed agents of a relationship in its beginning, development, continuation or ending. In the second perspective, relationship is seen as something in its own right that comes to have presence, life and influence. Individual life crucially forms from and flows into and through relational wholes. This understanding implies that human problems are essentially problems in and of relation, at many interwoven levels. Thus also, personal wellness is a connective quality, founded and expressed in relationship.

Is there a place for illness in the person-centered approach? A response to Sanders

van Blarikom, J.

Article | From volume/issue: 6.3 | Pages: 205-209