Abstract This paper discusses Carl Rogers' non-directive approach to therapy, in which the client has control of the direction of the therapy session. The paper examines the roots of humanistic therapy in Carl Rogers' approach and then examines humanistic therapy as it pertains to Rogers' approach. Next, the paper discusses the conditions necessary for positive therapeutic results in client-centered therapy, as propounded by Rogers.
From the Paper "Rogers puts forward some conditions that are necessary for there to be positive therapeutic results in client-centered therapy. These include, the counselor should operate from the premise that the client has a responsibility for himself or herself and also has the willingness for maintaining that responsibility; the client desires to be mature and socially well adjusted and will rely on this to achieve therapeutic change. The counselor should also create a climate where the client feels free to express their feelings and attitudes regardless of their absurdity. Limits can only be set on behavior and not on attitudes, which is a child perhaps may feel like breaking a window but he should not be allowed to actually break the window. The counselor's acceptance of the client's attitudes should involve neither disapproval nor approval of the client's attitudes and feelings. This understanding is conveyed best by seeking clarification where necessary. Finally, the counselor should refrain from actions like probing, giving advice, providing reassurance, apportioning blame and giving suggestions (Ryan, 2008; Green, 2000)."
Tags: non-directive therapy, psychotherapy, carl rogers, humanistic psychology, counseling
Abstract This paper relates that evaluating and comparing human personality theories requires an examination of the history of psychology and an appraisal of the most prominent theorists. The author points out that Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers have influenced psychology profoundly with distinctly different approaches to therapy. The paper explains that Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis and Carl Rogers' humanistic therapy each have their strengths and weaknesses, but humanistic psychology seems to have much greater potential than Freudian analysis.
From the Paper "In evaluating personality theory, it is important to examine the professional history and experiences of the theorists themselves, for these factors inevitably influence the formulation of their theories. We are all products of our own distinctive life experiences, and famous psychologists are no exception. Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers were each influenced consciously and subconsciously by their own unique heredity, their respective professional environments, and a host of other personal, educational, and professional circumstances and events. The respective theories of personality they each constructed reflect all of these influences. Robbins (1999) notes that psychoanalysis was founded by Sigmund Freud more than a century ago."
Abstract This paper examines the impact of Carl Rogers' person-centered theory on society. The author also considers the application of the theory as it relates to family, groups, interpersonal relationships, and conflict resolution. The goal of the theory and how its techniques are used in therapy is also discussed. The paper compares person-centered theory to other psychological theories, including a historical perspective. All of these issues are important and significant for a complete understanding of what person-centered theory really is and how it applies to many various facets of life.
From the Paper "The primary issue in Carl Rogers' person-centered theory is what he terms the "actualizing tendency" (Rogers, 1980). This term refers to what is considered to be the inherent and the immutable tendency of all organisms, of course including human beings, to do many different things, including grow, expand, develop, differentiate, maintain themselves, restore themselves and realize their natures as much as they are able to and as well as they are able to under the circumstances that they are given (Barrett-Lennard, 1998). This actualizing tendency is seen as the basic characteristic of all organic life, including human life. Rogers (1980) expresses these ideas very well in stating that "The actualizing tendency can ... be thwarted or warped, but it cannot be destroyed without destroying the organism" (Rogers, 1980, p. I 19). "
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Francis Bacon's life goals and his worldview were threefold and included the discovery of truth, the welfare of his country, and the reform of religion. The author points out that Bacon began and ended his career during a time of transition; the Church of England was under scrutiny for the degeneration of its officials and reformers, and the Puritans desired to abolish them completely. The paper relates that, in a sense, much of Bacon's work went unfinished because his thoughts were shortened by his searching for perfection and by his resistance to the concrete.
From the Paper "In Bacon's perceived perfect society of New Atlantis, all men were called to follow the rules of a supremely fair society and live within these confines to better repay the gratitude of others. It would seem that this could be contrary to his earlier designs, yet the truth is that the society, with supremely fair standards would be one to follow the rules in. The society, which the explorers happened upon, where of Christina morals, without the restrictive resistance to change that, can be found in the religions of Bacon's day and the present. They are open to change and revel in the past creations of technology."
Tags: atlantis, puritan, transition, perfection, truth
Abstract This paper examines Francis Bacon's classic novel "New Atlantis, which is somewhat based on Plato's "Republic" and the accompanying dialogues "Timeous" and "Critious". The paper relates that Both Bacon and Plato are seeking the perfect city. The paper also relates that the concluding speech of this novel, which is delivered by a scholar of the city Bensalem, the Father of Salomon's House, seems to be an abrupt ending to the story. However, it is the perfect conclusion because, unlike Plato's perfect city, Bacon describes Bensalem as not being a city of enlightened and virtuous people, but rather one of robots who hold their scientist higher than their God.
From the Paper "This statement made by the Father of Salomon's House shows the scientific part of the house. This goal, which is described by the scholar, seems to be bent on the improvement and the extending of the human knowledge. However, this statement that is made by the Father of Salomon's House seems a bit hypocritical. As the scholar says, their end is "knowledge of causes, and secret motions of things." Knowing causes and motion in the scientific and philosophical world would resort back to the most fundamental cause and the first motion."
Abstract This paper discusses Bacon's view that science and its potential should be used to amplify a nation's relationship with and understanding of God. The paper describes two of Bacon's works, "The New Atlantis" and "Novum Organum," and how they reflect his philosophy that the purpose of science is to follow the workings of God as closely as possible.
From the Paper "Although the late sixteenth century had been witness to much scientific advancement, Bacon attributed this primarily to accidental discovery rather than any systematic scientific method. He writes, "Even the effects already discovered are due to chance and experiment, rather than to the sciences; for our present sciences are nothing more than peculiar arrangements of matters already discovered, and not methods for discovery or plans for new operations." (Bacon 107). This is the major error he sees within his society: scientific achievements are heralded and used extensively but not logically understood or looked into in any efficient ways."
Abstract This paper compares Crusoe's efforts on his island with the guidelines Bacon sets out in his essay "On Plantations". The social structure of each story is examined individually and the compared to each other.
From the Paper Daniel DeFoe's The Life and Strange Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1719) sets out to tell the story of one man's misadventures, predominately, Robinson Crusoe becoming stranded on a deserted, tropical island for nearly thirty years. Whether or not it was Daniel DeFoe's intent, he has Robinson Crusoe follow to some degree many of the precepts of a good plantation that Francis Bacon specifies in his 1625 essay ?Of Plantations.? Bacon believes that a good plantation will have a skilled, unforced labor base, a thought-out food production system, a monarchial government, and good relations with the indigenous peoples. Robinson Crusoe"one man"meets, to various degrees, nearly all of Bacon's plantation precepts."
Abstract The writer argues that from the opening line of the essay Pilate reveals himself as the antithesis, or opposite, of truth. The paper discusses the moral stance of Bacon in 1625 when he wrote essays requiring readers to look more deeply into history.
From the Paper "Considering the opening line itself, it should be no surprise that Pilate is jesting when he asks, "what is Truth"? Having asked this question of Jesus, disregarded truth, and chosen instead "the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith" (6), Pilate must be facetious because his embracing a lie has resulted in the pleasure of a "corrupt love of the lie itself" (6). More than that, however, Pilate's fickleness in approaching the subject of truth and then leaving reflects the delight of Skeptics in intellectual fickleness. Of course Pilate does not stay for an answer; to listen to Bacon's (or anyone?s) thoughts on truth would point out Pilate's failing as a man of God as well as a citizen, for "clear and round dealing is the honour of man's nature" (7)."
Abstract This paper examines the life and works of author and television host, Fred Rogers. The paper presents the main themes of Rogers's message: the recognition of feelings and acceptance of oneself and others. The paper contends that, although Rogers's message may appear simplistic, it is nonetheless profound and void of any sugar-coated sentimentality. Rogers was perhaps the first self-help media guru. Long before the bookstores were lined with self-discovery literature, "Mister Rogers" was captivating generations of children and parents alike and teaching them to love themselves for who they are.
From the Paper "Fred Roger's neighborhood has become everyone's neighborhood. It is a soft-spoken environment of inner feelings and the safe exploration of world. He taught his audience, his neighbors, to appreciate the small things in life and to acknowledge the beauty of every day. Fred Rogers was the epitome of human decency. "The World According to Mister Rogers" includes chapters such as "The Courage to be Yourself," "Understanding Love," "The Challenges of Inner Discipline," and "We are All Neighbors." Released in October 2003, Rogers' book is filled with inspirational wisdom and love of humankind. Just like his television program, Fred Rogers' book is dedicated to encouraging everyone, everywhere, to better understand and appreciate the not only one's own personal world, but the world at large as well."
Abstract The paper discusses Frances Bacon's application of the inductive method, his ideas on the four classes of 'idols' and his concept of 'active science'. The paper concludes that his work was of great importance for the development of science and for the growth of an inclusive and more experimental methodology in the sciences.
From the Paper "Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was a politician, statesman, philosopher and scientist who is known, among others, as the founder of the inductive method in science. (The Reader's Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary 71) He was also the author of many famous publications and essays. Many of his concepts and works are still influential in the sciences today. Furthermore, he was an important thinker during the English Renaissance and advocated a new way of understanding the natural world known as "active science" which was to be widely influential."
Abstract This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the psychology theories of Carl Rogers. It also presents the characteristics of the fully functioning person, according to Rogers. The paper provides arguments in favor of and in opposition to Roger's therapy methods. Finally, the paper shows how his methods have the ability of assisting many individuals throughout society, particularly within Irish society.
From the Paper "This approach to counseling can be difficult because the therapist is not tasked with discovering a solution to the issues that pertain to the client's life, but is required to simple understand the person at that moment in time. Rogers (1946) contended that if the therapist were capable of accomplishing this task then the patient would complete the work needed to find resolutions to the issues surrounding him or her. In the process of understanding the individual, therefore, the therapist becomes open to accepting the situation at that point in time, rather than accumulating judgments that are the result of data gathered over the life span of the person. Furthermore, when the therapist focuses on only that moment, the therapist can empathize with the individual to a greater degree because the tendency to judge is erased. Only the situation is significant during the therapy session (Rogers, 1946, sec. 4)."
Abstract This paper discusses the background and musical achievements of Kenny Rogers, a giant of American country music. It begins by discussing Rogers' upbringing and the beginnings of his singing career. The paper then looks at the course of career, both as an individual and as part of a group. The paper specifically focuses on Rogers' success.
From the Paper "Like classical music giants like Beethoven and Mozart, Rogers signifies a particular time in the evolution of music. Beethoven and Mozart are remembered not just for their stunning compositions but also for their impact on Western music in general. Changing the way music is heard by the general public, incorporating elements into the music that were unheard of prior, and reaching out to a broad audience are all hallmarks of musical genius. Rogers brought country music and vocal styles into the mainstream. He synthesized elements from a number of different musical styles. Kenny Rogers is also an emblem of the American Dream: showing that a poor boy from Houston can rise to the top of the charts."
Abstract This paper discusses Carl Rogers as the founder of client-centered therapy. It first describes and examines his concept of client-centered therapy and how it needs to be applied by therapists during treatment sessions. The paper then looks at the ways that Rogers has influenced many psychological theories and therapies present today, especially positive psychology.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Client-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology Movement
Carl Rogers and Positive Psychology
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many of Carl Rogers's ideas have been influential on modern psychological practices, and specifically in the area of positive psychology. Client-centered therapy is humanistic in nature and is concerned with the quality of human experience. Froh (2004) posits that positive psychology mimics the ideas of Rogers's theory in that it emphasizes the importance of positive subjective experiences to achieve significant personal growth, even though many positive psychologists have attempted to distance themselves and the new theory from past models of therapy. Many positive psychology theorists believe that those in the humanistic realm did not use scientific methodologies as a foundation for their theories. However, "humanistic psychology has an extensive research base that uses both positivistic and phenomenological designs" (Misiak & Sexton, 1973; as cited in Froh, p. 19)."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in the beginning of the story, Roger Chillingworth comes across as a cold-hearted character. Early in the novel, Chillingworth is depicted as a neglectful husband, whose unfulfilled promise to join his wife in the New World led Hester to commit adultery. However, it shows how, as "The Scarlet Letter" progresses, Roger Chillingworth becomes more of a pitiful character than an evil one.
From the Paper "Chillingworth is physically deformed; his shoulders are unnaturally stooped. Once he realizes Hester is pregnant with another man's child, he is bent on seeking revenge. Chillingworth devotes his power and attention to the degradation of his wife and her lover, using his status as a doctor to assume a mask of respectability. However, his efforts are in vain. The town sees Chillingworth for the leech that he is. Roger Chillingworth is the cold-hearted, nefarious man that Hawthorne paints him out to be, because he favors revenge over truth, justice, and forgiveness. However, Chillingworth thinks, acts, and feels out of pain and jealousy, for he feels his wife has betrayed him. Although Roger Chillingworth is the embodiment of evil in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, he also evokes pity, as he has no inner strength."
