PS206- Abnormal Psychology
Models of Abnormality- Humanistic-Existential Model
What is the Humanistic- Existential Model?
- Main focus is human issues such as SELF-AWARENESS, VALUES, MEANING, and CHOICE.
- People are driven to SELF-ACTUALIZE.
- Abnormal behavior occurs when a person’s drive is interfered with.
- Two groups of therapists, CLIENT-CENTERED therapists and GESTULT therapists
Self-Actualization is defined as the humanistic process by which people fulfill their potential for goodness and growth.
Client-Centered therapy is defined as the humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers in which clinicians try to help clients by conveying acceptance, accurate empathy, and genuineness.
Carl Rogers, who is often considered the pioneer of the humanistic perspective.
-Developed CLIENT-CENTERED THERAPY
-Client-Centered therapy- warm and supportive approach.
-Clinicians who practice Client-Centered therapy try and create a supportive environment/climate in which clients feel able to look at themselves honestly and acceptingly.
-Therapist MUST display three important qualities throughout the therapy.
1. Unconditional Positive Regard- full and warm acceptance for the client
2. Accurate empathy- skillful listening and restatements
3. Genuineness- sincere communication
In this type of atmosphere a person is expected to feel accepted by their therapist. Once that is achieved or felt they may then be able to look at themselves with honesty and acceptance- a process called experiencing. Experiencing is when a person begins to value their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and so they are freed from the insecurities and doubt that prevent self-actualization.
CARL ROGERS (January 8, 1902 – February 4, 1987)
In my early professionals years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for...