Practical Applications of the Rogerian Perspective in Postmodern Psychotherapy

Abstract

Abstract The phrase “Rogerian perspective” exemplifies one of the themes of this paper: the Rogerian conditions, methods, and concepts as viewed from a postmodern perspective as opposed to an essential “truth” or model. Carl Rogers and his followers interpreted Rogers' therapeutic method in the terms of their day. Their descriptions emanated from what seemed to work in counseling combined with existing modernistic concepts about psychotherapy and personality. If we view Rogers' contributions as perspectives that we may apply in practice, we can avoid potential conflicts with those modernistic descriptions throughout Rogers' writings and in the personcentered literature. Here I will attempt to illustrate how the postmodern and Rogerian perspectives support each other in powerful and synergistic ways. In addition to the three Rogerian conditions (empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness), other more specific practices (e.g., the use of silence and tentative reflections) are covered. Rationale...