Chapter 5: Person Centered Theory

Created by Carl Rogers, Person-centered theory places great emphasis on the individual's ability to move in positive directions. Practitioners of the theory have a belief in the trustworthiness of individuals and in their innate ability to move toward self-actualization and health when the proper conditions are in place. Tied to these beliefs is the confidence that individuals also have the inner resources to move themselves in such positive directions. Lastly, a core concept in the theory says that individuals perceive the world in a unique phenomenological way so that no two people's perceptions of the world are the same.

 In College Student Affairs, this will be a useful tool to use for reference. For example a student comes to my office and they are having trouble with their roommate. They can talk out the situation, because they know there is a problem present. So I can have the student self- actualize and think back about what some of the problems that he/ she may be doing to create conflict and/ or also talk to the other roommate and see if we can come to a mutual agreement to solve the roommate conflict. I can also facilitate the conversation to help the student reach an agreement about the situation. 

Video: Conceptualizing Clients
The therapist is talking to a woman suffering from a bad relationship breakup. The therapist is helping the client realize the pattern in her life dealing with relationships. He is helping her to realize that she needs to build herself up and become more open to trusting men, but being aware of "red flags" so she can break the cycle of bad relationships with men. The therapist is helping to self-actualize the situation and perceive her way of thinking to a more positive influence in her life.