By LaTrece Gaither

CHAPTER 10PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH TO GROUPS

Brief History• Developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s• Based on Rogers Nondirective counseling• Shifted from client-centered to person-centered therapy• According to Bozarth, Zimring, and Tausch (2002), this therapy went through a few shifts.

Overview• Length of groups varies from weekly to week long encounters• Members aren’t typically screened before entering the group• This approach places trust in human beings internal locus of control and drive to realize their full potential• Core therapeutic skills emphasized are:• Genuineness• Unconditional Positive Regard and Acceptance• Empathy

Genuineness“Genuineness is the state of authenticity that results from a deep exploration of self and a willingness to accept the truths of this exploration” (Corey, 2008, p. 250)

Draw backs:• Difficulty being themselves• Discussing personal problems as a way of being “authentic”

Unconditional Positive Regard and Acceptance• An acceptance of and caring for group members• Can be demonstrated by gestures, tone of voice, facial expression, and eye contact

Draw back• Unrealistic view that we always need to be accepting and warm

Empathy• Being able to “sense accurately the feelings and personal meanings members are experiencing” AND “communicate this understanding “ back to them (Corey, 2008, p.253).

Draw back• Belief we have to have experienced the exact problem to be empathetic.

Role and Function of Group Leader• This approach is more focused on personal qualities than techniques of group leaders• Group leaders are considered Facilitators• Central focus is to establish a therapeutic climate for the group to interact in honest and meaningful ways

Role and Function of Group Leader• Characteristics include:• Trust group process• Listen• Do what they can create/facilitate a psychologically safe

environment• Attempt to be empathetic and accepting• Stay present• Offer feedback and challenges to members• Avoid judgment, but offer how they are affected

The Group Process• Rogers believed that there were several different trends and patterns that

happen in this group approach which are:• Milling around• Resistance to personal expression or exploration• Description of past feelings• Expression of negative feelings• Expression and exploration of personally meaningful material• Expression of immediate interpersonal feelings in the group• Development of a healing capacity in the group• Self-acceptance and the beginning of change• Cracking of facades• Feedback• Confrontation• The helping relationship outside the group sessions• The basic encounter• Expression of feelings of closeness• Behavior changes in the group

Person-Centered Expressive Art in Groups

• Developed by Rogers’ daughter, Natalie Rogers• Has slightly more structure as she gives guidelines at the start of each group experience• It utilizes expressive arts to relay spontaneous creative expression

Limitations

• The major limitation of this approach is that is lacks direction and structure

Exercise• Take a moment to think about this weekend and draw whatever comes to mind. Keep in mind these guidelines:• Be aware of your feelings and your own body, and take care of

yourself• There is no right or wrong way to do art• All instructions are always suggestions• Do not judge others, and keep the general bounds of

confidentiality

Once your done, break into pairs and discuss this experience with one another. What did you draw? Or didn’t draw? Why?

ReferenceCorey, G. (2008). Theory & practice of group counseling. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/video/LgdjeNZtqPQ-journey-into-self-carl-rogers.aspx