Actualising tendency is the theory from Rogers that a person can reach their own individual potential and grow if the environment is good enough. Similarly, Maslow showed the same level of emphasis on self-actualisation, understanding that a person is capable of bettering themselves and can strive to achieve this if they wanted too. It is believed that as humans there is a motivation to strive for a purpose and a meaning of life, in the end becoming a full functioning person.
In addition Maslow created the hierarchy of needs which ranges from physical needs at the bottom of the pyramid including needs such as; the need to eat. Then to the highest need of self-actualising, it is difficult to say what this is for an individual due to everyone having their own …show more content…
For instance, “it is a respectful, non-threatening method, letting the client direct the process themselves through the wisdom of their self-healing tendencies.” (Sanders, 2012, p.36)
The client is in control, they come up with the answer to help understand themselves and the issues they are faced with thus helping the client feel empowered. This is a strength as it can be the first time the client has felt in control. The counsellor will show the core conditions discussed earlier, this helping to show the client they are accepted, understood and that the counsellor genuinely wants to help. It helps the client to gain confidence in themselves and the counsellor intern it can help them to open up.
The theory also helps the clients to focus on the here and now rather than the past. In contrast,
“The counsellor does not probe into aspects of the clients past unless s/he raises them and so it may be viewed as somewhat limiting for those clients who respond more favourably to more directed interventions”. (Sally Aldridge and Sally Rigby, 2001,