Application of Humanistic Psychological
Principles
The Rogerian person-centered
(client-centered) approach to interpersonal problem
solving
-
Focus on solving interpersonal problems through
- problem
identification, clarification
- interpersonal
communication
First task is clarifying problem
ownership
- Is there a problem? If so, who owns the problem?
- Do you need to--
- Help another person solve their own problem?
[or]
- Solve your own problem? [If other person is unaware there is a
problem, it is your problem.]
- Use communication strategies
suited to the situation
If the other person owns the
problem,
- Use active listening skills: empathy, acceptance,
authenticity/genuineness.
- Do not ask questions, criticize, state
opinions, offer suggestions, praise...
- Reflect back feelings like a
mirror (empathy).
- Do not try to solve the problem for other person.
- In groups, do not speak on behalf of other people.
If you own
the problem,
- Use confrontative skills: indicate to other person
that you have a problem.
- Say I not you
-
Compare the
following:
-
I feel really hurt and angry when you forget to call
me.
- You are really inconsiderate. You have a time management
problem
- Be descriptive, not judgmental.
- Use metaphors
if this helps you to express how you are feeling.
- If a person's
behavior creates a problem for you, you need to make it their problem,
too. If they do not even know their behavior bothers you, then by
definition it is your problem, not theirs.
Seek solutions and
strategies
- Strive for open communication. (How would you define
open communication?)
- Prospects for useful discussion, clarification,
analysis, joint-problem solution are greatly enhanced by open
communication.
Humanistic
PsychologyTheoretical
Perspectives
Human Growth
and Development Course Handouts