Discovering Humanistic And Congruent Counselors California

By Michael Evans


One of the most important aspects of counseling is that of congruence. For example, there are now Congruent counselors California working in different areas. As a result, each gets to know one another personally throughout the counseling process.

Also known as genuineness, congruence refers to therapists and clients whom can relate on a person to person basis. Whether relating to lifestyle, past history or current issues, these professionals believe that in doing so, one can build a stronger relationship with each client. With this being the case, these are often the best counselors to provide therapy with regards to sexual orientation, gender reassignment surgery or other gender focused issues.

The Rogerian method allows counselors and clients to work on a one-on-basis with a client-centered focus. The method is one in which the counselor focuses on present issues while eventually leading clients to self-actualization. As a such, the individual becomes more self-aware while going through the process. After which, the client eventually separates oneself from challenges and obstacles which have been limiting in the past.

The core conditions in this type counseling include demonstrating congruency with regards to client needs, providing clients with unconditional positive approval and being empathetic to needs and understanding. Providing support in ways which are acceptable to both client and counselor throughout the relationship is one of the most important aspects in this type counseling.

By using this approach, individuals and professionals can often build a more honest, open and trustworthy relationship. In fact, one of the main differences between congruent and humanistic counseling is that of the client or self-centered approach. As such, using the term clients rather than patients often goes a long way in having the individual open up to a counselor, whom many often find more of a friend than a professional during and after the counseling process.

Unlike other methods of counseling, this method also allows individuals to eliminate and overcome obstacles rather than having a therapist treat the issue. As such, client and counselors are equal partners when it comes to trouble-shooting issues and determining the best problem-solving options. In some cases, this can be ongoing therapy while in others it could be a recommendation to see a professional such as psychologist or psychiatrists.

Most often, those working in this area believe it is more productive when individuals can focus on improving life in the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. Whereas, those undergoing humanistic counseling and therapy are often dealing with issues of the past which interferes with the ability to function in the present. In either case, it is essential that providers and clients be as open and honest with one another as possible.

Ultimately, this type of counseling is more like peer-counseling than humanistic counseling. For, individuals going through this type treatment often become friends with therapists during the process. As a result, not only does the individual find the help one needs to become more aware and self-actualized, clients and therapists often become life-long friends. While this is the case with congruent counseling, those working in traditional therapy are not often allowed to build or carry friendships into the future.




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