The fundamental components of the client-centered therapeutic tradition are the
most influential dynamics for facilitating self-change. In this method, the
key elements to bring about change lie within the client-therapist
relationship. "From this perspective, treatment is best understood as a
partnership for change" (Hubble 416). This relationship must be based on
mutual trust, respect and belief that the client has the ability to change.
"The client's view of the relationship is the 'trump card' in the therapy
outcome..." (Hubble 412). The client-therapist relationship is crucial in
producing change in an individual. This relationship consists of two major
components (the therapist and the client) and in order for successful change to
occur there are essential elements to both sections.
First, the therapist must create a warm emotional bond with the client that is
empathetic, genuine and unconditionally accepting. "Nonjudgementalness reduces
interpersonal anxiety, thereby increasing the client's capacity for facing
intrapersonal pain and anxiety, whereas therapist empathy helps the client to
turn his or her attention to internal experience" (Greenberg 102).
The second
set of key elements lie within the client. The client must have
self-determination and actively participate in the therapy. The therapist
motivates and promotes self-exploration, but the client must be willing to
change. The client and the therapist work together to achieve goals
established by the client. "With the recognition that motivation for change is
partly a product of what people do together, clinicians can work in harmony
with their clients to increase their participation in treatment" (Hubble 413).
A person who has trouble growing toward self-actualization needs a positive
caring environment to grow psychologically. The therapist's role of being
empathetic, genuine and unconditionally accepting creates a welcoming
environment for facilitating self change. It helps the client feel comfortable
in sharing truthfully about his or her...