Insights

The Person-Centred+ approach is one useful tool based on the philosophy of humanistic psychology. Inception of and research foundation into this counselling and psychotherapeutic theory were laid down by Carl Rogers PhD (1902-1987). Unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence are core concepts of person-centredness. To put these concepts into action, we can start by acknowledging our vulnerabilities as persons who make mistakes and who are, in one way or the other, fallible and imperfect. We may also need to learn how to put ourselves in other people's shoes, that is, showing more empathy towards than comparing ourselves with other people.

The Rogerian approach is predicated on the premise that if we are able to regard ourselves positively without judgement and empathise with the world around us, we will be able to feel and behave consistently so that we actualise into authentic and genuine persons. How we feel becomes congruent with how we behave and think. Hence, when you say you feel happy, you look happy inside and out. When we get to this stage, Rogers referred to this human state as "self-actualisation" or "actualising tendency". In theory, Roger's approach focuses more on the person than on the technique. To facilitate change and maximise their potential, the person directs their own therapy. Self-directed change and self-determination are the primary goals of person-centred healing and interventions.

From a practical perspective, we may begin with simple baby steps exemplifying the concept of unconditional positive regard. Refrain from making judgements of yourself, particularly on how good or bad you are. Then use the concept of empathy by looking outside of yourself and gaining deeper awareness of how other people may act, feel and think. By practising empathy everyday, you will find you are not alone in your own frustrations. You will discover there are people around you who are in the same predicament and are going through vicissitudes of everyday life. For example in facing the challenges and difficulties of the global pandemic and the ongoing economic and geopollitical crises, the person-centred approach may suggest that we take it easy on ourselves because in reality, many others, if not all, are going through the same experience.

Humankind, after all, has successfully actualised their human potential and tendencies toward self-fulfillment living with global pandemics by doing the best we can as humanly possible to live with the challenges and positive lessons learnt from life experiences congruent with compliance to health protocols, social distancing measures, good hygiene and vaccination standards in the country where we live. Furthermore, human beings have adapted well enough to the chill and heat with changing seasons and extreme weather events. We have facilitated self-directed growth by taking care of ourselves during bouts of heat waves and cold snaps, as well as earthquakes, famine, floods, pestilence, storms, wars and wild weather disturbances.

Stay warm, rug up and cuddle this winter for those of us living in the southern hemisphere. Keep cool, hydrate and protect your skin for those in the tropics and the northern hemisphere. Bear in mind that looking after yourself is a person-centred approach to unconditional positive regard.

Reference:

+Corey, G (2020). Theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy enhanced (10th ed). Belmont, CA: Brooks / Cole Cengage Learning (560 pages).