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PCEP Journal article archive
2008 - Volume 7, Issue 2

Casting a Wider Empathic Net: A Case for reconsidering gender, dualistic thinking and person-centered theory and practice

Wolter-Gustafson, C. - Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Article | From volume/issue: 7.2 | Pages: 95-109

Keywords: empathy, gender, feminist epistemology, women's studies, person-centered

Abstract: Gender is an intimately experienced feature of who each of us is as a person. Gender is also a source of theoretical upheaval. Reconceptualization of the concept of gender is underway throughout the academic world. Joining this effort, I give a brief overview of relevant feminist literature and explore some of the ways gender is treated in person-centered and experiential (PCE) theory and practice. I discuss a number of negative consequences in our theory and our life together that result from ignoring the effects of gender issues and suggest that increasing our empathic attention to the gendered context in which we live would prepare us to more fully embody the liberating potential with each other that is inherent in our theory, and better communicate that potential beyond the PCE community.

Client-Centered Therapy and the Gender Issue

D. Bozarth, J. D, Moon, K. A. - Professor Emeritus of the University of Georgia, USA

Article | From volume/issue: 7.2 | Pages: 110-119

Keywords: client-centered, gender, power, person-centered

Abstract: In this paper I begin to consider the impact of gender role socialization on attitudes, expectations and the dynamics of power in person-centered therapy. It is argued in Proctor (2004) that part of gender role socialization could also be construed as gendered conditions of worth in person-centered theory. Both person-centered and feminist theories suggest that gender role socialization or gendered conditions of worth limit and restrict the potential of both women and men in our society. In what ways can person-centered therapy perpetuate or challenge gender role socialization? I consider each possible gender pairing in therapy and discuss the potential dynamics that may arise to try to help person-centered therapists consider how gender dynamics may be relevant in therapy relationships.

Gender Dynamics in Person-Centered Therapy: Does gender matter?

Proctor, G. - Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust, England

Article | From volume/issue: 7.2 | Pages: 82-94

Keywords: gender, conditions of worth, socio-political context, power, congruence

Abstract: In this paper I begin to consider the impact of gender role socialization on attitudes, expectations and the dynamics of power in person-centered therapy. It is argued in Proctor (2004) that part of gender role socialization could also be construed as gendered conditions of worth in person-centered theory. Both person-centered and feminist theories suggest that gender role socialization or gendered conditions of worth limit and restrict the potential of both women and men in our society. In what ways can person-centered therapy perpetuate or challenge gender role socialization? I consider each possible gender pairing in therapy and discuss the potential dynamics that may arise to try to help person-centered therapists consider how gender dynamics may be relevant in therapy relationships.

Men, Masculinity and Person-Centered Therapy

Gillon, E. - Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland

Article | From volume/issue: 7.2 | Pages: 120-134

Keywords: men, hegemonic masculinity, counseling, psychotherapy, person-centered

Abstract: Issues of men and masculinity have rarely been considered in relation to the theory and practice of person-centered therapy. Such a focus is now required as a result of the need for a male-sensitive approach in the mental health and psychotherapeutic domains. This paper identifies some of the key questions and challenges presented to person-centered therapy by traditional masculinity, the dominant male gender identity in the Western world. It offers some possible areas for the development of the person-centered approach in relation to these.

The relevance of a person-centered approach to therapy with transgendered or transsexual clients

Livingstone, T. - Research Student, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland

Article | From volume/issue: 7.2 | Pages: 135–144

Keywords: phenomenological approach, gender identity disorder, affirmation, relational depth, empathy

Abstract: In line with contemporary debate on the demedicalization of distress, this paper advocates that the person-centered approach to counseling and psychotherapy offers more relevance to transgendered or transsexual clients than the present inclusion of Gender Identity Disorder/Transsexualism as a Disorder of Personality and Behavior in American and international psychiatric diagnostic manuals. It explores the feeling of shame experienced by such clients through social stigmatization, the relevance of a phenomenological approach, and their particular need for empathy and affirmation.

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