Question

Ilyana has been in therapy for 2 months. When she began therapy, her therapist asked her to describe herself as she would ideally like to be and as she actually is. He explained that when these two descriptions are nearly alike, the person is thought to have a positive _____.

Answer 1

Ilyana's therapist is referring to the concept of a positive self-concept, where the ideal self and the real self are closely aligned, a theory developed by Carl Rogers in his client-centered therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ilyana's therapist suggests that when the descriptions of how she would ideally like to be and how she actually is are nearly alike, the person is thought to have a positive self-concept. Carl Rogers, a humanistic theorist, elaborates on this through the concepts of the ideal self and the real self. High congruence between these two selves leads to a greater sense of self-worth and a healthy, productive life. This therapeutic approach is part of Rogers's client-centered therapy, which aims to empower individuals by providing them with unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.