Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers
There are numerous personality theories one could choose from in pursuit of an explanation on human behavior. Some theories focus on stages of development, complete unconscious control, or the concept that personality is governed by a pre-disposition directly related to genetic tendencies. Carl Rogers, however, focused his theory, the Person-Centered Theory, on the basis that individuals are self-actualizing and learn and develop in response to current circumstances. According to Hergenhahn and Olson (2007), “Rogers postulated one master motive that he called self-actualization, the organism has one basic tendency and striving—to actualize, maintain, and enhance the experiencing organism. Rogers further postulated that there is one central source of energy in the human organism; that is a function of the whole organism rather than some portion of it; and that it is perhaps best conceptualized as a tendency toward fulfillment, toward actualization, toward the maintenance and enhancement of the organism” (page 443). Rogers’ theory led to the formation of what he is best known for, humanistic person-centered approach to therapy. Rogers’ therapy approach has been embraced since the development of such; not only in traditional therapy, but across multiple realms. Rogers’ person-centered approach to therapy is the most influential and widely embraced therapy approach in use today. To be a successful therapist, educator, co-worker, friend, and parent one must also embrace Rogers’ theory and approach. Carl Rogers was born January 8th, 1902 in Oak Park, Illinois. Here, he lived in a large financially secure family as a middle child. He was raised in an environment of strict religion and strong familial bonds; relationships outside of the family were not allowed due to Rogers’ parent’s beliefs that individuals outside of the immediate familial unit participated in bad and forbidden behavior. As a result, Rogers was a loner and occupied his time
There are numerous personality theories one could choose from in pursuit of an explanation on human behavior. Some theories focus on stages of development, complete unconscious control, or the concept that personality is governed by a pre-disposition directly related to genetic tendencies. Carl Rogers, however, focused his theory, the Person-Centered Theory, on the basis that individuals are self-actualizing and learn and develop in response to current circumstances. According to Hergenhahn and Olson (2007), “Rogers postulated one master motive that he called self-actualization, the organism has one basic tendency and striving—to actualize, maintain, and enhance the experiencing organism. Rogers further postulated that there is one central source of energy in the human organism; that is a function of the whole organism rather than some portion of it; and that it is perhaps best conceptualized as a tendency toward fulfillment, toward actualization, toward the maintenance and enhancement of the organism” (page 443). Rogers’ theory led to the formation of what he is best known for, humanistic person-centered approach to therapy. Rogers’ therapy approach has been embraced since the development of such; not only in traditional therapy, but across multiple realms. Rogers’ person-centered approach to therapy is the most influential and widely embraced therapy approach in use today. To be a successful therapist, educator, co-worker, friend, and parent one must also embrace Rogers’ theory and approach. Carl Rogers was born January 8th, 1902 in Oak Park, Illinois. Here, he lived in a large financially secure family as a middle child. He was raised in an environment of strict religion and strong familial bonds; relationships outside of the family were not allowed due to Rogers’ parent’s beliefs that individuals outside of the immediate familial unit participated in bad and forbidden behavior. As a result, Rogers was a loner and occupied his time
References: Cain, D. (2007). What Every Therapist Should Know, Be and Do: Contributions from Humanistic Psychotherapies. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 37(1), 3-10. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from ProQuest Health and Medical Complete. (Document ID: 1241486581). Fernald, P. (2000). Carl Rogers: Body-centered counselor. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 78(2), 172-179. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 52748638). Hergenhahn, B. & Olson, M. (2007), An Introduction to Theories of Personality, 7th Edition, Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall Pioneer psychologist showed us how to love in a healthy way :[FIRST Edition]. (2006, January 30). Western Mail,p. 29. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 978140941). Sommers-Flanagan, J. (2007). The Development and Evolution of Person-Centered Expressive Art Therapy: A Conversation With Natalie Rogers. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 85(1), 120-125. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1204313111). Tursi, M., & Cochran, J. (2006). Cognitive-Behavioral Tasks Accomplished in a Person-Centered Relational Framework. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 84(4), 387-396. Retrieved June 7, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1122823311).