[u04d1] Unit 4 Discussion 1
Application of Person-Centered Therapy Concepts
For this discussion, consider the case of Vanita, a middle-aged woman who has come to you after the end of her third serious relationship. In tears, she tells you, “I just keep looking for love in all the wrong places. But I don’t know why!”
There are two parts:
• First, apply person-centered theory to conceptualize her problem, identifying key concepts that can be applied.
• Then, create a brief transcript following the template provided to demonstrate your use of person-centered theory to address Vanita’s concern. For this exercise to be truly person-centered and prepare you for required activities for residency, NO QUESTIONS will be allowed as a counselor response. Focus on demonstrating key PCT skills such as the use of reflection, paraphrasing, and summarizing. Follow this format to provide a minimum of 10 responses and identifying at least three different skills/principles that align with the theory:
Client: Insert Statement
Counselor: Insert Response Identify Skill/Principle per Theory
Response Guidelines
Respond to the posts of at least two of your peers. These responses should be substantive and contribute to the conversation by respectfully asking questions, engaging in discussion, and offering varying viewpoints.
Resources
• Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
GRADUATE DISCUSSION PARTICIPATION GRADING RUBRIC
Criteria Non-performance Basic Proficient Distinguished
Apply relevant course concepts, theories, or materials correctly.
25% Does not explain relevant course concepts, theories, or materials. Explains relevant course concepts, theories, or materials. Applies relevant course concepts, theories, or materials correctly. Analyzes course concepts, theories, or materials correctly, using examples or supporting evidence.
Collaborate with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts.
25% Does not collaborate with fellow learners. Collaborates with fellow learners without relating the discussion to the relevant course concepts. Collaborates with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts. Collaborates with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts and extending the dialogue.
Apply relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences.
25% Does not contribute professional, personal, or other real-world experiences. Contributes professional, personal, or other real-world experiences, but contributions lack relevance. Applies relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences. Applies relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences to extend the dialogue.
Support position with applicable knowledge.
25% Does not establish relevant position. Establishes relevant position. Supports position with applicable knowledge. Validates position with applicable knowledge.
Participation Guidelines
Actively participate in discussions. To do this you should create a substantive post for each of the discussion topics. Each post should demonstrate your achievement of the participation criteria. In addition, you should respond to the posts of at least two of your fellow learners for each discussion question—unless the discussion instructions state otherwise. These responses to other learners should be substantive posts that contribute to the conversation by asking questions, respectfully debating positions, and presenting supporting information relevant to the topic. Also, respond to any follow-up questions the instructor directs to you in the discussion area.
Studies
Readings
Use your Theories of Counseling and Therapy text to read the following:
• Chapter 6, “The Primacy of Human Experience: Humanistic Approaches,” pages 133–144[Person-Centered Theory] and pages 150–157 [Contemporary Extensions of Humanistic Theory].
Use the Capella University Library to read the following:
• Joseph, S., & Murphy, D. (2012). Person-centered approach, positive psychology, and relational helping: Building bridges. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 53, 26‒51.
• Rogers, C. R. (2007). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 44(3), 240–248.
Multimedia
• View the What is Empathy? media piece.
o This media piece will help you understand what empathy is, and is not, as well as how to respond to client concerns empathetically.
Optional – Reading
The following readings are recommended but not required for this unit:
• Carrick, L. (2014). Person-centred counsellors’ experiences of working with clients in crisis: A qualitative interview study. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 14(4), 272‒280.
