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How does your 'real self' impact psychotherapy? How did Carl Rogers view the inconsistency between self and ideal self?
The development of psychotherapy has undergone decades of evolution, and the Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) founded by Carl Rogers is considered one of the important milestones. . This therapeutic approach focuses on promoting individual growth and self-actualization, emphasizing unconditional positive regard, a genuine therapeutic relationship, and empathetic understanding.
Conflict between self and ideal self
For Rogers, Self refers to an individual's actual existence and inner feelings, while Ideal Self refers to the goal or image that the individual desires to achieve. The difference between the two, or "inconsistency," often leads to psychological distress and emotional instability. Rogers emphasized that the pain caused by this inconsistency is at the core of the search for self-identity.
Self-inconsistency, or the gap between the experience of the real self and the expectations of the ideal self, is often an important factor that causes individuals to feel anxious.
The process of psychotherapy is to help clients become aware of their true feelings and accept these feelings, thereby reducing the gap between themselves and their ideal selves. Rogers argued that in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, individuals are able to face their emotions more courageously and promote self-actualization.
Treatment requirements
According to Rogers' theory, successful psychotherapy requires the fulfillment of six necessary and sufficient conditions. These conditions include:
- There is a psychological contact between the therapist and the client.
- There is a mismatch between the client's internal experience and self-perception.
- The healer demonstrates authenticity and consistency.
- The therapist accepts the client unconditionally.
- The therapist has empathetic understanding.
- The client is able to perceive the therapist's unconditional acceptance and empathy.
Rogers believed that these core conditions could help clients explore their true selves, reduce anxiety, and promote psychological growth.
Treatment process and principles
In person-centered therapy, the therapist's role is to create a welcoming environment in which the client feels safe. This environment allows customers to express their true feelings without worrying about being judged. Rogers doesn't tell his clients what to do, but rather guides them to explore their feelings and thoughts in depth.
In addition, Rogers also emphasized the importance of personal experience. He believes that everyone has their own answers and the therapist's task is to help the client discover those answers.
Rogers believed that when clients felt the therapist's unconditional care and empathy, their self-perception would gradually improve and they would achieve real growth in therapy.
Criticism and achievements
While person-centred therapy has been criticised for being insufficiently structured and for offering relationships that can be conditional, research shows it works well for a wide range of mental health issues. Over time, it has been continuously improved and developed, becoming one of the important methods of psychotherapy today.
ConclusionCarl Rogers' ideas clearly demonstrate that the development of self-identity is inextricably linked to mental health. His work not only influenced the field of psychotherapy, but also promoted a deeper understanding of human nature. In contemporary society, everyone is trying to find their true self. So, on this journey of finding oneself, how do you view the distance between yourself and your ideal self?
