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The role of congruence in psychotherapy
Author
Ng, Vivienne Siang Kiat
Supervisor
Wong, Shyh Shin
Abstract
There is increasing acknowledgement across all psychotherapeutic approaches of the critical rope the person of the therapist plays in therapy outcome (Baldwin, 2000.) This alludes to the importance of the positive use of self of the therapist. Buber (1970) stressed the integral need for therapists to be authentic and fully available during therapy so as to use their self purposefully and beneficially. In this study, congruence has been proposed as the key construct for the therapeutic use of self.
The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the phenomenological world of therapists with regards to their experience of congruence in their inner lives and therapy. A phenomenological methodology has been primarily used to explore the essences of the therapists' experience of congruence. Nine major themes emerged. They included : (1) awareness, (2) self-acceptance and self-appreciation, (3) connection to the inner self, (4) spiritual connections, (5) positive outlook and perception of life, (6) healthy boundaries and closeness in interpersonal relationships, (7) connection with the client through trust and safety, (8) therapist taking responsibility for himself during therapy, and (9) the establishment of life-giving, positively directional goals. Quantitative findings using the Congruent Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale provide further insights into the relationships between the three levels of congruence, namely, intrapsychic, interpersonal and universal-spiritual.
The findings of the study illustrated the complex and life-giving nature of congruence that is accessible to all therapists. It influences the therapists' view of their therapeutic roles and responsibilities, the utilization of therapists' inner resources and their beliefs about the clients. This study put forward recommendations for counseling research and promulgates congruence as part of the training in the development of the therapist's personhood.
The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the phenomenological world of therapists with regards to their experience of congruence in their inner lives and therapy. A phenomenological methodology has been primarily used to explore the essences of the therapists' experience of congruence. Nine major themes emerged. They included : (1) awareness, (2) self-acceptance and self-appreciation, (3) connection to the inner self, (4) spiritual connections, (5) positive outlook and perception of life, (6) healthy boundaries and closeness in interpersonal relationships, (7) connection with the client through trust and safety, (8) therapist taking responsibility for himself during therapy, and (9) the establishment of life-giving, positively directional goals. Quantitative findings using the Congruent Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale provide further insights into the relationships between the three levels of congruence, namely, intrapsychic, interpersonal and universal-spiritual.
The findings of the study illustrated the complex and life-giving nature of congruence that is accessible to all therapists. It influences the therapists' view of their therapeutic roles and responsibilities, the utilization of therapists' inner resources and their beliefs about the clients. This study put forward recommendations for counseling research and promulgates congruence as part of the training in the development of the therapist's personhood.
Date Issued
2004
Call Number
RC480 Ng
Date Submitted
2004