| PCEP Journal article archive | Search |
| 2009 - Volume 8, Issue 2 |
Nele Stinckens, Robert Elliot, Mia Leijssen - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, BelgiumArticle | From volume/issue: 8.2 | Pages: 143-162 Keywords: systematic case study research, practice-oriented research, therapy process, therapy outcome, therapy training Abstract: The goal of the Leuven Systematic Case Study Research Protocol project is to stimulate practice- oriented research in order to bridge the gap between research and practice. In this article we give a progress report of the project, in which a set of Dutch-language research instruments was created and tested with postgraduate trainees in person-centered/experiential therapy at the University Leuven (Belgium). We begin by presenting the general framework for the protocol, including the three major domains of therapy process, therapy outcome, and client/therapist characteristics. Then we give an overview of the quantitative and qualitative instruments used. We explain how the project has been implemented in the postgraduate program. To evaluate the success of the project, we analyzed the answers of our trainees on a questionnaire. We give an overview of the clinical cases involved and the variety of research questions that have been formulated in the individual case studies. Finally we discuss the value of this pilot project. |
Margaret S Warner - Argosy University, Chicago, USAArticle | From volume/issue: 8.2 | Pages: 109-126 Keywords: Rogers’ personality theory, actualization, self-directed change Abstract: Rogers’ (1951, 1961) writings about psychotherapy offer a revolutionary conceptualization of human capacities for actualization and self-directed change. Notably, Rogers’ broader writings postulate spontaneous activation of human tendencies toward processing, self and personal agency within the context of client-centered relationship. Yet, in the more formalized versions of the “theory of personality,” Rogers (1951, 1959) uses several of the more static theories that were prevalent in the fifties — notably, logical positivism and psychodynamic theories of defense — as central elements in the formulation of the theory. As a result, crucial elements of client-centered therapy and the person-centered approach are distorted or minimized. This paper proposes ways that Rogers’ writings and those of later client-centered theorists can be reorganized as a clear theory of actualization that highlights human tendencies toward self-directed change. |
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From Personality to Relationship: Path of thought and practice Godfrey T. Barrett-Lennard - Murdoch University, Western AustraliaArticle | From volume/issue: 8.2 | Pages: 79-93 Keywords: relationship theory, system, healing, relational psychotherapy, case study Abstract: This paper makes the case for recognition of the centrality of relationship in human life generally as well as in the particular case of person-centered and related therapies. Relationships are understood here as emergent process entities that develop life and presence. Therapy is one relationship among others in a client’s life; each one capable of influencing other interpersonal systems in the client’s experience, and all falling within larger systems of association. An extended therapy case study helps to illustrate the author’s psycho-relational approach and theoretical understanding. The client’s described journey is infused with relationship issues carried within her, from her family and in her everyday life and found also in the unfolding partnership with her therapist. This perspective on personal therapy connects with other proposed levels of healing that are needed across the full spectrum of disturbed human association. |
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From Symptom to Self in Experiential Psychotherapy Frans Depestele - Aarschot, BelgiumArticle | From volume/issue: 8.2 | Pages: 94-108 Keywords: symptom, self, experiential psychotherapy, therapy steps, urge, trauma Abstract: In a symptom such as a severe inner critic, part of the self is occupied by an urge (the critic) while another part of the self (the criticized part) is prevented from “speaking.” In this article an attempt is made to describe the experiential therapy process by which the occupied part of the self may become free and the prevented part of the self gets the opportunity to develop itself. This therapy process is described as a series of differentiated steps and substeps, developing in a certain order. The interplay between symptom and self is explained and explored in a way that makes visible important leads for experiential therapy work, in which what was symptom may become new self. |
Per-Anders Tengland - Malmö University, SwedenArticle | From volume/issue: 8.2 | Pages: 127-142 Keywords: congruence, empowerment, mental health, psychotherapy goals, quality of life, self-actualization Abstract: Psychotherapy appears to be one kind of practice and one kind of science. Despite this, different schools of psychotherapy suggest different goals for their practices. The aim of the paper is to scrutinize some of the goals suggested and to formulate a normative theory of what goals psychotherapy in general ought to pursue. Various kinds of goals are identified, for example, personal goals, theoretical goals, and ultimate goals. Some theoretical goals, like cognitive change, symptom reduction, and self-knowledge, are found wanting as ultimate goals for psychotherapy, as are some broader goals, like health, well-being, and empowerment. Quality of life is found to be the most reasonable ultimate goal for psychotherapy, if it is achieved through some internal, mental change. This overarching goal is shown to encompass many of the other suggestions, including person-centered goals like congruence. Finally, the value of the study is primarily the formulation of goals that can help us construct better outcome instruments, and make it easier to compare the effects of different kinds of psychotherapy. |
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