A Brief Comparison of Psychoanalytic and Person-Centered Therapy

Within the field of counseling and therapy there be ever-living theoretical stances, each of which develop different perspectives on humanity and establish varying counselor roles. servant of the implications of these various orientations is essential in the process of choosing the appropriate therapy for an individual. As an illustration, examine the stark contrast surrounded by psychoanalytic therapy and person- bear on therapy. The core of each theoretical approach in psychological science lies in the unique interpretation of human nature.Sigmund Freud wear out of the psychoanalytic movement, had an extremely deterministic view of the human experience (Corey, 2009). According to Freud a combination of unconscious, irrational motivations and intellectual drives that lie outside of unmatcheds conscious control serve as the basis for ones individualisedity (Corey, 2009). These irrational forces include Eros the innate biography instinct responsible for sexual energy and ou r desire to survive, and Thatanos the innate death instinct responsible for aggression (Burger, 2008).In addition, Freud rigid a heavy emphasis on the role of puerility experiences and sexuality in personality development. psychoanalytical theory asserts that most of the conflict experienced in adulthood is a result of repressed unconscious framework from childishness (Burger, 2008). The psychoanalytic view of human nature is quite contrary to the humanitarian outlook. Carl Rogers founder of the humanistic psychology movement, developed a more optimistic view of human nature.This approach asserts that at the core of each individual lies a positive center, which is composed of trustworthiness and capability (Corey, 2009). Person-centered therapy is centered on the belief that people have an innate actualizing tendency which drives an individual to strive for growth and personal fulfillment (Corey, 2009). Although past experiences are not ignored in therapy the emphasis on growth, development, and competence proposes that traumatic past experiences can be everywherecome by finding meaning and purpose in ones life (Corey, 2009).Given their varying interpretations of human nature and psyche, person-centered healers and psychoanalytic healers establish very different roles in their practice. Because the goal of psychoanalytic therapy is to bring repressed unconscious material to light, the therapist utilizes a blank-screen approach (Corey, 2009). Although they initially establish almost rapport with the client psychoanalytic therapists assume an anonymous stance for the majority of therapy by behaving in a neutral, impersonal manner (Corey, 2009).The goal of this approach is to foster transference in which clients give repressed emotions onto the impartial therapist (Corey, 2009). The main role of a psychoanalytic therapist is that of an interpreter. Therapy employs various techniques think to evoke unconscious memories such as transference, dream-analysi s, projection tests, and free association (Burger, 2008). These repressed memories are a lot ambiguous and puzzling to the client thus therapists provide guidance in instinct and confronting the meaning of this material (Burger, 2008).In contrast, the goal of person-centered therapy is to create a nurturing environment which fosters the clients actualizing tendencies and growth (Corey, 2009). The relationship betwixt therapist and client is equal, meaning that the therapist can hold no dominant role (Corey, 2009). Rather than advising and interpreting, the therapist simply serves as a model for the patient. In order to be appropriate models, three characteristics are required of person-centered therapists (Corey, 2009).Firstly, they essential have congruency in their own lives by being genuine and honest with themselves. Person-centered therapists must also accept their clients with unconditional positive regard (Corey, 2009). This vital concept assumes that therapists can accep t their clients without any judgment, and deeply care for people beyond the obligations of their occupation. Lastly, therapists must have a true empathetic understanding of their clients. Person-centered therapists should be able to relate to their clients feelings and experiences as if they were their own (Corey, 2009).Cumulatively these three qualities create an fan out relationship in which the client is free to express themselves and grow as an individual. Due to the intrinsic differences between psychoanalytic and person-centered therapy, it is necessary to examine their strengths and weaknesses in application. Freudian psychoanalytic therapy has been modified greatly over quantify due to many flaws in the redress process. The most notable of these shortcomings is the intense emphasis on childhood experience in personality development (Burger, 2008).Critics claim that psychoanalytic therapy ignores the significant role of post-developmental and current life circumstances on mental health. In addition, the therapeutic process in lengthy and approachly restrain its application to those in well-off socioeconomic standing (Corey, 2009). There are however many full uses of contemporary psychoanalytic therapy. Some argue that because all people are affected by childhood experiences, therapy can be applicable cross culturally assuming therapists possess a multicultural sentience (Corey, 2009).In addition, brief psychoanalytic therapy is a promising new therapeutic approach that aims to limit the time and cost of psychoanalytic therapy while maintaining the focus on the inner psyche thereby broadening its availability (Corey, 2009). Person-centered therapy is currently a more widely utilized form of therapy, but it is not without weaknesses. Critics argue that from a multicultural perspective, the internal locus of evaluation stressed in therapy whitethorn not be fitting for some collectivist cultures who value the opinions and standards of other group me mbers over their own (Corey, 2009).Others contend that the non-directive stance of the therapist may not be sufficient for those seeking guidance from therapy. Although some aspects of therapy may be flawed, humanistic psychology has been responsible for some major breakthroughs in the field of human resources internationally. Humanistic psychologists have traveled to over 30 countries worldwide in order to assist different cultures in their adoption and modification of humanistic theory and therapy in hopes of promoting global communication and understanding (Corey, 2009).Those who promote person-centered therapy also assert that the key therapeutic conditions of empathy, understanding, and honest caring are essential in promoting growth universally (Corey, 2009). References Burger, J. M. (2008). Personality. (8th ed. ). Belmont, CA Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Corey, G. (2013). Theory and perpetrate of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (9th ed. ). Belmont, CA Brooks/Cole, Cengage Lea rning.