TITLES AND ABSTRACTS

Abstract.     The conceptualisation of being human and the theory of personality in Rogers’ work are mainly based on “axioms” of the organism, and the actualising tendency, which is assumed to be inherent in the organism. In spite of their primary importance for the theory of the person-centred approach, these axioms are not distinct and are likely to be misunderstood. This is due to the fact that Rogers does not distinguish between the organism or the body as a biological substratum and the organismic experience as a psychological category. These phenomena need to be placed on different epistemological and ontological levels. To explicate the term subjectivity, a fundamental distinction will be made here between the body as a physical entity and organismic experience, which is not considered as a predetermined development process regulated only by conditions of worth that are represented in the self.

Abstract.     Play therapists give evidence of Interactive Resonance by playing with the child and by responding to the child’s play through their own playing activities on a bodily level, by verbal or non-verbal means. This enhances their capacity to be primarily supportive and encouraging and to give the child space, thus increasing the child’s symbolizations on a deeper level. This concept is supported by developmental psychological theories: Stern’s theory of self and the theory of attachment behavior enrich the client-centered theory of personality and of empathic interventions. They indicate how empathy and authenticity can be offered in play interactions with a child or an adolescent. Brief descriptions of how in practice the therapist reacts to the child’s actions present examples of how to proceed in games with rules, role playing, fights, and setting boundaries.

Abstract.     This article looks in two directions in order to contribute to the search for the identity and future of the person-centered and experiential paradigms: into the interior of the person-centered and experiential ‘family’ (where are we and what are our relationships?); and to the outside (where are the other orientations and what could be our contribution to the realm of psychotherapy as a whole?). It examines criteria for a coherent and distinguishing person-centered conception after the paradigm shift we owe to Rogers, gives reasons for the necessity for ongoing dialogue and mutual challenge among the branches of person-centered and experiential therapies and discusses some of the consequences for psychotherapy in general.

Small is Beautiful: Small-Scale Phenomenological Research for Counsellor Self-Development

BOOK REVIEW ESSAY

Inspiriting the Practice of Therapy: A Passionate Call for Professional and Social Renewal

A Review of Brian Thorne, The Mystical Power of Person-Centred Therapy: Hope Beyond Despair

Abstract.    This essay focuses on Brian Thorne's passion and courage in his latest book, as once again he extends our comfort zones as therapists and persons. Among others, he rejoins themes such as spirituality and love to the core of healing, while contrasting this with the contract mentality based on fear that dominates today's psychological milieu and diminishes the depth of both our characters and our therapy. Each topic explored encourages us to revivify ourselves and our practices with new perceptions and constructs (as does Thorne himself), while holding fast to the PCA roots of authentic empathic relatedness. Finally, Thorne looks at worldwide warring ideologies knotted in their tangled nexus and sees even here the possibility of weaving a healing web of connection to the One/All through inspirited person-centered principles.