Concept of Self: Person Centred

Carl Rogers saw three main concepts of self-identity; self-image (the way we see ourselves), self-worth (the value we place on ourselves) and idea of self (what you wish you were actually like). Concept of self is an extremely useful tool to help understand where things are ‘not quite right’ for an individual. This could mean in person centred when the self-image and idea of self is vastly different, then this is a prompt to make changes in our lives and seek a more authentic existence. Furthermore, concept of self can help us identify how life has affected us. Especially in the wake of a big life change or trauma. For example, if an event has made someone lose their sense of self, then this could prompt them to seek help. Sense of self is a fantastic tool to analyse how things are going for us. 

Patterns of relating means how people relate to themselves and others. Conditions of worth and introjected values from person centred theory are two ideas which are encompassed by patterns of relating.

First of all, introjects being ideas and beliefs that we have taken on from others without real analysis if we want them. This can affect how we relate to ourselves as if we have introjected a belief that is at odd with who we are then it will be difficult for us. For example, if we have introjected a belief that one’s sexuality should be heterosexual but you are attracted to the same sex then this could affect how we relate to ourselves. This could cause the person distress. This could also affect how the person relates to others in multiple ways. Such as how the person related to other homosexual persons. They could reject them because of their introject, they could feel resentment that other people get to live the life they want., It can also affect how they relate to the person, or persons where the introjects originate from, causing anger and hurt in the pattern of relating. 

Secondly, conditions of worth. These are conditions that have been placed on us from others or society, such as in order to be attractive to the opposite sex women must shave their legs. This could affect the way that women relate to themselves and view their body hair, thinking that they are unattractive or even in extreme cases dirty if they do not shave. It could also affect how the women’s pattern of relating to others, viewing other women as dirty or unclean if they do not shave. 

The aim of the model is to reduce the gap between organismic valuing process and self-concept. If throughout childhood and adult life a person has taken on valuing processes that are in direct odd withs their organismic valuing process then, according to Rogers, one way a person can align themselves with their organismic valuing process is through person-centred therapy and being offered the core conditions.

As can be seen, the person-centred approach has many applications in a person’s own view of self and patterns of relating to others.