Question

Which of the following characteristics is NOT shared by both person-centered therapy and Gestalt therapy

Use of confrontation

Rejection of determinism

Emphasis on the importance of the therapeutic relationship

Phenomenological approach

Answer 1

Use of confrontation, emphasis on the importance of the therapeutic relationship and phenomenological approach

are all shared by both person-centered therapy and gestalt therapy. It is rejection of determinism, which is not shared by both person-centered therapy and gestalt therapy. Rejection of determinism is specific to client centered therapy. Carl Rogers, the founder of client centered therapy, rejected the deterministic nature of both psychoanalysis and behaviorism. According to him, behavior is the result of the perception of one's situation. One's perceptions are unique to himself or herself. Therefore, an individual is the best expert for himself or herself. Confrontation is used in both client centered therapy and gestalt therapy. Confrontation helps a person to reach insight and awareness. It helps in reducing resistance and increases congruence between the client’s aims and his or her behaviors. It also helps in bringing about open communication. Forming therapeutic relationship is essential in both client centered and gestalt therapies. This relationship is a kind of alliance or a close and consistent association between a health care professional and his client. The phenomenological approach or the study of subjective experiences is also common in client centered and gestalt therapies.