"Carl Rogers was one of the most influential psychologists of all time, but surprisingly, also one of the most misunderstood. His ideas are often diluted and misrepresented. This book provides an in depth understanding of Rogers' approach and its contemporary significance. In the history of psychology, Rogers developed the first ever research program to investigate the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Out of his research and clinical observations he developed client-centered therapy-the first evidence-based psychotherapy. This challenged the medicalization of human distress, instead offering a social psychological alternative. He talked about fully functioning decades before positive psychology was developed, and hypothesized that human relationships, rather than techniques, are necessary and sufficient in therapy for constructive personality change to take place. Rogers went on to develop his thinking beyond therapy into what became known as the person-centered approach, applying his ideas to business, conflict resolution, education, management-all contexts in which human relationships matter. He called it a 'quiet revolution', realizing that what he had developed was a way of being in the world and with other people that challenged hierarchical structures of power and control. He sparked a revolution in practice - that is still relevant today"-- Provided by publisher.
This book presents a holistic overview of the work of renowned psychologist Carl Rogers, known for developing the person-centered approach. It positions Rogers' humanistic approach clearly within contemporary psychology and details its continuing applications in the wider field of human flourishing. In doing so, Stephen A. Joseph offers a critical perspective but ultimately a peaceful synergy between Rogers' person-centered approach and the field of positive psychology. The book provides a comprehensive view on why Rogers' theory matters, the challenges in embracing it, and how to live the person-centered approach in practice.
Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of all time, was a pioneer of humanistic psychology and the originator of the person-centered approach. The person-centered approach is characterized by a trust in people to find their own directions in life when they are in the right social environment: one that is genuine, empathic, and unconditionally accepting. Rogers called it a 'quiet revolution,' realizing that what he had developed was a way of being in the world and with other people that challenged hierarchical structures of power and control. He sparked a revolution in practice that is still relevant today.
Despite Rogers' legacy, his ideas are often diluted, misrepresented, and misunderstood. The Humanistic Psychology of Carl Rogers positions Rogers' humanistic approach clearly within contemporary psychology and the wider field of human flourishing. Stephen A. Joseph shows how it is applied to downstream activities such as therapy and coaching, as well as upstream activities such as education and organizational scholarship, and indeed how it can be applied to all human relationships. The book provides a holistic overview of Rogers' approach, acknowledges its subversive and challenging elements, and details what it can look like in practice. Joseph shows that Rogers' theory is not just of historical interest, but that its principles are grounded in current scholarship and increasingly recognized as important to solving the problems of the modern world.
