Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D. Introduction to Clinical Psychology Humanistic therapy – A case study.

Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Humanistic therapy – A case study

History of Person-centered therapyCarl RogersHistory: Nondirective therapyThen client-centeredThen person-centered (to include

encounter groups and psychoeducation).Assumptions:

All human beings possess a self-directed growth process

Mechanism by which that process is activated…..

VocabularySelf-actualizationThe Self or self-structure/self-concept

Conceptual mapI or mePerceptions of I or me in relation to othersReal or actual selfIdeal selfCongruenceincongruence

TherapyUnconditional positive regardConditions of worthLocus of evaluationGenuineness and empathyEmpathy and empathic listeningAbnormalityAssessment and DiagnosisQ-sortWhat about external evaluations?

TherapyNegotiation of the therapeutic relationshipNecessary and sufficient conditionsTherapist focusWhat does the client have to do?Therapeutic techniquesThe process of therapyResearch in Client-centered therapyCriticisms

Childhood Traumatic GriefNew childhood condition – Childhood

Traumatic Grief (CTG).ConceptualizationSymptomsCoping Mechanism

Other Common Symptomsdepression or anxiety.Issues with internalizing or externalizing

behaviors.Similar to loss of a parent through divorce.Higher incidence of “interpersonal

sensitivity”.

Examples1998 hurricane that killed 4,000 people in

Nicaragua.9/11 examples.Virginia Tech examples.

Client-Centered Treatment – Carl Rogers

The role of the therapistProvides assistance based on certain

beliefs – the person is valuable, worthwhile, and fully equipped to understand her life.

Techniques used.The challenge for the therapist.

Traumagenic ModelThe use of CCT is especially compatible

with Finkelhor & Browne’s traumagenic model.

What is the traumagenic model?What symptoms are common in children &

adolescents?

Case StudyThe case of Shelly – a 15-year-old high

school sophomore at a large public high school.

Development history was unremarkable.No previous history of mental health

problems.

Case StudyHonor student.Small, close group of friends from elementary

school.No hobbies & was not on any sports teams.Shelly told her mother that 6 months after the

death of her father, she needed help.In the pretreatment evaluation, Shelly seemed

to vacillate between attempting to control her feelings & being overwhelmed by them.

She appeared to function well when provided structure, as in school.

Case StudyBoth Shelly & mom felt that they were arguing

more.Adjustment disorder – diagnosis.Shelly also reported a number of symptoms of

PTSD, including 4/5 arousal symptoms, 4/5 reexperiencing symptoms, & depression & anxiety.

Based on Shelly’s symptoms & reported difficulties in various areas of her life, she was seen as having CTG.

Positive long-term outcome was seen because she did not have any pre-event mental health problems & her mother was asymptomatic for PTSD. Both mother & child had strong support networks.