Carl Rogers' Theories on Humanistic Psychology

Believes that all people possess an inherent need to grow

Everyone has a built-in ability to reach their own goals

People have autonomy and self-control

Their motivation to reach their goal outweighs any external factors holding them back

They strive to obtain maximum amounts of themselves and their potential

Therapist must provide this

Therapist must accept the client as they are

Client should feel free to express both negative and positive feelings

Therapist must practise non-judgement and make the client feel comfortable during the session

Having a healthy self-concept

Those with a stable sense of self were more confident and capable to cope with life's challenges

Begins during childhood and heavily influenced by parenting

Parenting

Children provided with unconditional love and positive regard grew up to have a healthier concept of self

Children who were neglected and made to feel like they had to 'earn' their parents' love may end up with low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness

Carl Rogers believes that people have the concept of an 'ideal self" that conflicts with who they really are

When our self-image does not match with our ideal self we are in a state of incongruence

This leads to low self-esteem, confidence and even, depression

Carl Rogers believes that by pursuing Self-actualisation and following unconditional positive regard, people can get closer to a state of congruence

Those who achieve congruency become a fully-functioning person

These people have a flexible self-concept

They are open to experiences

They are able to live in harmony with others

Unconditional regard for the self

Only when trust can be established, can accept the potential for an honest, respectful, and risk-taking relationship

All individuals are trying to behave honorably

People are constructive, good and honest