Person Centered Therapy Case Study

Question 1: How is Person-Centered therapy effective in creating therapeutic alliance?
According to Bordin (1979), therapeutic alliance was referred as the degree to which the therapist and client are committed in collaborative and purposeful work. Bordin further elaborated therapeutic alliance into three components - bonds, goals and tasks. Bond was known as the interaction and connectedness between therapist and client. It suggested the therapist’s interpersonal attitudes and approach and the influence on client. Goal referred to what lead the therapist and client working together in the alliance, also defined as the purpose of helping process. Task was known as goal-directed in nature; it referred to the actions conducted by the therapist and client. According to Carkhuff and
When the therapist is aware of client’s world from the client’s position, it gives client an acknowledgement that his or her viewpoint has value and important. It is significant in creating therapeutic alliance as client is being understood without the therapist’s expertise or judgment. Empathic understanding contributes reassurance and encouragement to client and creates a relaxed counseling atmosphere; with a relaxed counseling atmosphere, therapist is able to journey with client to explore his or her concerns which are usually stressful.
Rogers (1957) stated that “significant positive personality change does not occur except in a relationship”. The core conditions in Person-Centered Therapy, congruence, unconditional positive regards and empathic understanding encourage the therapist to shows respect, empathy and non-judgemental which were essential in creating therapeutic alliance. At the same time, client is able to explore his or her thinking, feelings and behaviours without fear of being