WORKING WITH CHILDREN IN A CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH ACCORDING TO CARL ROGERS

Abstract

The article reveals the content of Carl Rogers’ client-centered approach in the context of psychological work with children and analyzes its significance for the formation of a safe therapeutic space. The main principles of humanistic psychotherapy are considered in detail – unconditional acceptance, empathetic understanding and authenticity of the specialist – as key conditions for effective interaction between an adult and a child. It is emphasized that it is these conditions that ensure the development of trusting relationships that contribute to emotional openness, the formation of stable self-esteem and the strengthening of the child’s internal resources. Particular attention is paid to the use of a non-directive approach in child psychotherapy and pedagogical practice. It is emphasized that non-directive methods of play therapy consider psychological difficulties as a consequence of the negative or restrictive influence of the environment, and therefore the central goal of psychotherapy is to create conditions for the child’s natural self-actualization. Within the framework of play sessions, the child gets the opportunity to freely express feelings, explore his own experience and build a more holistic “I-concept”. It is described that toys and materials should contribute to the following main tasks: establishing therapeutic relationships, expressing a wide range of feelings, processing the child’s real experience, testing boundaries, developing a positive «self-concept», self-control and self-regulation. It is noted that therapeutic intervention should not be aimed at changing the child’s personality, but at supporting his uniqueness, self-worth and inner autonomy. Any intentions to change the child would contradict the principles of non-directive and client-centered therapy, as they imply the rejection and rejection of him as he is. Creating an atmosphere of psychological safety, trust and respect is defined as the foundation that ensures the development of self-regulation, emotional competence and the ability to independently solve life’s difficulties.