There is incongruence between his wanting to avoid rejection and criticism through isolation and the perception that the same avoidance is exacerbating his experience of depression. It is evident that Ted enjoys being social, however, perceived negative experiences diminishes his self-worth. His depression contributes to his lack of well-being in that it conflicts with his ideal self, that he should be likable and in control of his own living. Ted’s sense of self and need for positive regard is conditional on his social interactions with friends and family. As previously noted, Ted thinks his lack of self-worth stems from the critical interactions he experienced as child by his school peers and teachers. Those encounters contribute to feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, and discouragement in that he sees himself as “not …show more content…
Ted’s perception of self is conditional on an external locus of evaluation that he must be well liked and unchallenged and all times in order for feel acceptance. Ted’s worth and self-concepts are dependent on ideal unconditional positive required which is critical for self-actualization. Incongruence between his sense of self and his experiences created dissatisfaction and contribute to depression to which utilizes aggression, avoidance, and isolation. It is important for a therapy to provide Ted with unconditional positive regard in their therapeutic relationship, consistently emphasizing his ability to judge himself and his experiences with an improved locus of