Humanism and Transactional Analysis

Client-Centered Therapy (Rogers)

Carl Rogers proposes an optimistic vision where the human being has an innate tendency to actualization.

Pathology arises from incongruence between the "real self" and the organismic experience, often due to value conditions imposed in childhood.

The therapist does not direct, but facilitates the climate for growth through three basic attitudes: Unconditional Positive Acceptance, Empathy (understanding the other's internal frame of reference) and Congruence (authenticity).

The goal is for the client to recover his or her own inner guidance.

Transactional Analysis (Berne)

Eric Berne structures the personality into three ego states: Parent (rules, criticism or protection), Adult (rationality, here and now) and Child (emotions, creativity or adaptation).

He analyzes the Transactions (communicational exchanges) which can be complementary, crossed or ulterior (with double bottom).

It focuses on Life Scripts (unconscious plans decided in childhood) and Psychological Games (repetitive interactions with negative endings, explained by the Dramatic Triangle: Persecutor, Savior, Victim).

The goal is to reach autonomy and the existential position "I am well, You are well".

Summary

Carl Rogers proposes that pathology arises from incongruence with the real Self. The therapist facilitates growth through unconditional a