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Person-Centred Therapy: a Revolutionary Paradigm
BozARTH, J., 1998
Ross-on-Wye: PCCS Books
ISBN 1-898059-22-5
L15
Reviewed by David Acres, counsellor and supervisor in private practice
Jerold Bozarth planned to write this book for 20 years. It is very good news that he has produced this authoritative text now. In five main sections lies a wealth of detailed examination of personcentred therapy, its theory, philosophy, basics of practice and application, coupled with an examination of four decades of research into the outcomes of psychotherapy.
Bozarth reviews over 40 years of his commitment to the person-centred approach and clarifies the key contributions of Carl Rogers to psychotherapy. He impressively examines the myths, misunderstandings and distortions of Rogers' ideas. The revolutionary paradigm of the title relates to the fundamental change in our thought, perceptions and values contained in Rogers' concept of the 'actualising tendency':
'This assumption is the foundation of the Person-Centred approach, and also the primary reason for the approach being a different paradigm from other therapeutic approaches' (p. 77).
Bazarth's view is that this continues to be as revolutionary a concept as it was when Rogers formed it.
The book's structure is clear and accessible. The five sections contain 20 short chapters. The...