Introduction
As a student of Counselling at Level 3, exploring the intricacies of personality through the lens of counselling theories offers a profound opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. This essay aims to apply key counselling theories, specifically Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach and Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory, to understand aspects of my own personality. By critically engaging with these frameworks, I seek to uncover how they explain my behaviours, emotions, and self-perception. The discussion will focus on the relevance of these theories in identifying personal strengths and limitations, while also considering their practical applicability in fostering self-awareness. This analysis will be supported by academic literature to ensure depth and validity, ultimately illustrating how counselling theories can serve as tools for personal insight.
Person-Centred Approach and Self-Concept
Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach provides a valuable starting point for understanding my personality, particularly through the concept of self-concept. Rogers posits that an individual’s personality develops from the alignment or discrepancy between their self-image and ideal self, influenced by conditional or unconditional positive regard from others (Rogers, 1959). Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognise a tendency to seek approval from peers and family, which often shapes my self-perception. For instance, during group interactions, I frequently prioritise others’ opinions over my own, arguably stemming from a need for external validation. This aligns with Rogers’ idea that incongruence between the real and ideal self can lead to internal conflict, manifesting in my occasional self-doubt. However, engaging with this theory has encouraged me to pursue self-acceptance, a core principle of Rogers’ approach, by valuing my intrinsic worth rather than external judgement. While this framework offers a compassionate perspective, it is somewhat limited in addressing deeper, unconscious influences on personality, which leads me to consider alternative theories.
Psychoanalytic Theory and Unconscious Influences
Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory offers a contrasting lens by emphasising the role of unconscious processes in shaping personality through the id, ego, and superego (Freud, 1923). Applying this to my own traits, I notice how internal conflicts between immediate desires (id) and moral standards (superego) often influence my decision-making. For example, I sometimes experience tension when balancing personal ambitions with familial expectations, a struggle that Freud might attribute to the ego’s mediation between these forces. Furthermore, reflecting on recurring anxieties, I wonder if unresolved childhood experiences, as Freud suggests, subtly impact my current emotional responses. Although Freud’s theory provides a deep analytical framework, it is not without critique; its reliance on subjective interpretation and lack of empirical support may limit its applicability (Eysenck, 1985). Nevertheless, it remains a useful tool for identifying hidden drivers of behaviour that Rogers’ approach might overlook.
Critical Reflection on Applicability
Both theories illuminate distinct facets of my personality, yet their relevance varies. Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach resonates more with my immediate goal of fostering self-awareness through empathy and growth, aligning with my reflective nature as a counselling student. Conversely, Freud’s theory, while insightful, feels less practical due to its abstract focus on unconscious dynamics. Indeed, blending elements of both—such as using Rogers’ self-concept alongside Freud’s emphasis on past influences—might offer a more holistic understanding. This highlights the importance of critically evaluating theoretical frameworks rather than accepting them at face value, a skill essential in counselling practice.
Conclusion
In summary, applying counselling theories such as Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach and Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory has provided meaningful insights into my personality, from the role of self-concept in shaping self-worth to the impact of unconscious conflicts on decision-making. While each theory offers unique perspectives, their limitations—Rogers’ lack of depth on unconscious factors and Freud’s speculative nature—underscore the need for a balanced approach. This exploration not only enhances my self-understanding but also informs my development as a future counsellor, emphasising the value of integrating theory with personal reflection. Ultimately, such analysis fosters greater empathy and awareness, both for myself and, potentially, for future clients navigating their own personal journeys.
References
- Eysenck, H. J. (1985) Decline and Fall of the Freudian Empire. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books.
- Freud, S. (1923) The Ego and the Id. London: Hogarth Press.
- Rogers, C. R. (1959) A Theory of Therapy, Personality, and Interpersonal Relationships as Developed in the Client-Centered Framework. In S. Koch (Ed.), Psychology: A Study of a Science (Vol. 3, pp. 184-256). New York: McGraw-Hill.
