Carl Rogers

Carl Rogers (January 8, 1902 – February 4, 1987) was an influential American psychologist and among the founders of the humanistic approach (or client-centered approach) to psychology. Rogers is widely considered to be one of the founding fathers of psychotherapy research and was honored for his pioneering research with the Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1956.

Early life and education

Carl Ransom Rogers was born on January 8, 1902, in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He was the fourth of six children. His education started in the second grade, because he could already read before kindergarten.

Rogers attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he initially studied agriculture, planning to follow in his father's footsteps. Later, he switched to religion to study for the ministry. During this time, Rogers was introduced to the works of Sigmund Freud and felt a strong attraction to the field of psychology.

Career

After completing his doctoral work, Rogers engaged in child study at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in Rochester, New York, from 1928 to 1930. From 1930 to 1940 he lectured at the University of Rochester and wrote The Clinical Treatment of the Problem Child (1939), based on his experience in working with troubled children.

In 1940 Rogers became professor of psychology in the Ohio State University, where he wrote his second book, Counseling and Psychotherapy (1942). In it, Rogers suggested that the client, by establishing a relationship with an understanding, accepting therapist, can resolve difficulties and gain the insight necessary to restructure their life.

Contributions to Psychology

Rogers' innovation was the humanistic approach (or client-centered approach) to psychology. The approach proposed that therapy should be client-centered, with the client being seen as the expert on their own feelings and thoughts. This was a stark contrast to the psychoanalytic therapy of the time, which involved the therapist interpreting the client's experience.

Rogers' approach to therapy was a reaction to the directive methods some therapists practiced at the time, and it has influenced much of the mental health field. Today, person-centered therapy is one of the most widely used approaches in psychotherapy.

Death and Legacy

Rogers died of a heart attack on February 4, 1987, in San Diego, California. Today, he is remembered for his significant contributions to psychology and psychotherapy. His work has influenced the fields of education, counseling, healthcare, and other areas.

See also

• Humanistic psychology
• Person-centered therapy
• Psychotherapy
• American Psychological Association