Contemporary psychology derives largely from the experimental laboratory or from Freudian theory. It is preoccupied with minute aspects of animal and human behaviour or with psychopathology. But there have been rebels, including Carl Rogers, Gordon Allport, Abraham Maslow and Rollo May, who felt that psychology and psychiatry should aim higher and be more concerned with growth and potentiality in man. The interest of such a psychology is in the production of harmoniously mature individuals, given that we all have qualities and possibilities infinitely capable of development. Successful development makes us more flexible in relationships, more creative and less open to suggestion and control.
This book is a mature presentation of the non-directive and related points of view in counselling and therapy. The final chapter presents a formal treatment of the psychological theory which is basic to the whole client-centered point of view, not only in counselling but in all interpersonal relations.
This edition marks the 70th anniversary of first publication and includes a new introduction from Rogers' granddaughter Frances Fuchs, PhD.