Hockenbury Discovering Psychology 5th txtbk

Humanistic Therapy587© UFS, Inc.A large number of studies have generally supported the importance of genuineness,unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding (Elliott & others,2004). Such factors promote trust and self-exploration in therapy. However, theseconditions, by themselves, may not be sufficient to help clients change (Cain & Seeman,2002; Sachse & Elliott, 2002).Motivational Interviewing: Helping Clients Committo ChangeLike psychoanalysis, client-centered therapy has evolved and adapted to changingtimes. It continues to have a powerful impact on therapists, teachers, social workers,and counselors (see Cooper & others, 2007). Of particular note has been thedevelopment of motivational interviewing (Miller & Rollnick, 2002). Motivationalinterviewing (MI) is designed to help clients overcome the mixed feelings or reluctancethey might have about committing to change. Usually lasting only a sessionor two, MI is more directive than traditional client-centered therapy (Arkowitz &others, 2007; Hettema & others, 2005).The main goal of MI is to encourage and strengthen the client’s self-motivatingstatements or “change talk.” These are expressions of the client’s need, desire, andreasons for change. Using client-centered techniques, the therapist responds withempathic understanding and reflective listening, helping the client explore his or herown values and motivations for change. When the client expresses reluctance, thetherapist acknowledges the mixed feelings and redirects the emphasis towardchange. As Jennifer Hettema and her colleagues (2005) explain:The counselor seeks to evoke the client’s own motivation, with confidence in the humandesire and capacity to grow in positive directions. Instead of implying that “I have whatyou need,” MI communicates, “You have what you need.” In this way, MI fallssquarely within the humanistic “third force” in the history of psychotherapy.Along with being influential in individual psychotherapy, the client-centered approachhas been applied to marital counseling, parenting, education, business, andeven community and international relations (Henderson & others, 2007). Table14.2 compares some aspects of psychoanalysis and client-centered therapy.Table 14.2Comparing Psychodynamic and Humanistic TherapiesType of Therapy Founder Source of Problems Treatment Techniques Goals of TherapyPsychoanalysis Sigmund Freud Repressed, unconscious conflicts Free association, analysis of To recognize, work through, andstemming from early childhood dream content, interpretation, resolve long-standing conflictsexperiencesand transferenceClient-centered Carl Rogers Conditional acceptance that Nondirective therapist who To develop self-awareness,therapy causes the person to develop displays unconditional positive self-acceptance, anda distorted self-concept and regard, genuineness, and self-determinationworldviewempathic understanding