Assimilation of Two Critic Voices in a Person-Centered Therapy for Depression

James K. Mosher, Jacob Z. Goldsmith, William B. Stiles and Leslie S. Greenberg


Abstract.    We report the case of a 29 year-old male client’s course of person-centered therapy for depression. Using the Assimilation Model's conception of internal voices in conjunction with person-centered theory, we suggest that conditions of worth may provide the traces of experience that comprise problematic voices. In our analysis, we identify three voices: a meek and timid criticized voice and two problematic critical voices—one expressing anger outwardly and the other inwardly. We describe changes in their relationships as the problematic voices moved towards becoming resources for the person.
 

A Person-Centered Approach to Borderline Personality Disorder

Jan van Blarikom


Abstract.    Working with people who suffer from a serious mental disorder should fill us with modesty. Borderline personality disorder is no exception to this. Outcome studies do not confirm the claim that person-centered therapy is universally effective. A balanced approach to the borderline patient is required. In this paper the author searches for common ground between the person-centered approach and general psychiatry with respect to borderline personality disorder. Acknowledging pathological aspects of the person is not necessarily in conflict with the basic principles of the person-centered approach. New developments in person-centered therapy open up perspectives to work with people with a borderline personality disorder. This paper is the second in a series of three concerning the person-centered approach to severe mental illness.
 

Pre-Therapy Process and Outcome: A Review of Research Instruments and Findings

Mathias Dekeyser, Garry Prouty and Robert Elliott

Abstract.    Pre-Therapy aims at stimulating psychological contact in persons suffering psychosis. We offer a review of Pre-Therapy research instruments and findings. The Pre-Therapy Rating Scale (PTRS; Prouty, 1994) and the Evaluation Criterion for the Pre-Therapy Interview (ECPI; Dinacci, 1997) have been the two most frequently used instruments for the assessment of psychological contact. PTRS scores seem more reliable than ECPI scores, but all manuals need revision. Particular attention is needed for the rating of non-verbal behavior. A preliminary evaluation of the structure of the PTRS indicates that it is two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional. The PTRS and the ECPI can be regarded as measures of communicative contact but also as measures of the meaningfulness of communication. Preliminary outcome studies suggest that pre-post and comparative effect sizes of Pre-Therapy are large for communicative contact, but the number of participants in these studies is generally low, as is the number of systematic case studies.
 

Meaning in a Godless Universe: A challenge for person-centered therapy

Martin van Kalmthout

Abstract.   Person-centered therapy is presented as a practical philosophy of living, which is especially suited to those who are in search of life’s meaning, but no longer feel inspired by traditional religious thought and practice, while at the same time not rejecting spirituality. Drawing on Rogers’ later work, it is argued that person-centered therapy could well be regarded as a form of ‘atheistic spirituality’. This type of spirituality is explained and shows itself to be compatible with the basic humanistic values and notions of person-centered therapy and with its inherent scientific attitude. It is argued that such a view of person-centered therapy might provide a fresh perspective on its identity and future evolution.