POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TEACHING

SEPTEMBER / 2023

HPGD2103

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING

MATRICULATION NO : CGS03172526

IDENTITY CARD NO. : 950118115786

TELEPHONE NO. : 601139196573

E-MAIL : [email protected]

LEARNING CENTRE : KUANTAN LEARNING CENTRE

PART 1: QUESTION 1: ESSAY

1.0 Introduction
In this assignment I will discuss about how I was a counsellor supposed to help a parent on
how to manage their child’s behavior effectively. There are three components that being
introduced under behaviorist principle which are classic conditioning, operant conditioning
and cognitive behavior therapy. In this discussion, we will have focus on the benefits of
operant conditioning practices and how to implement those to children that have difficulties
as Mr. Aiman’s daughter whose name is Sarah, has problem on concentrate when doing her
task whether in learning or other basic home chores. She can’t stay focus on class and always
get complains from teachers that Sarah refuse to complete homework and participate in class
activities. So, Mr. Aiman seeks for an advice regarding Sarah’s behavior and how to help her
overcome this issue.
Additional for the second question we will be discussed on the strategies in behaviorist
counselling introduced to help clients overcome their challenges in life. There are 4 main
strategies proposed under behaviorist counselling which are role-play, assertive practices,
token economy and self-management. Role play is a strategy to train clients on behavior or
act that the person finds difficult to do before. But there are limitations on role play which
required skills of counsellor on the implementation. It can be referred as acting or training
which basically facilitated by counsellor. Besides, token economy also commonly used which
refer to rewarding gifts as cited by Helm (2023). It is an organized procedure where involve
of reinforcement being given for appropriate behaviors done. The token can be in the form of
valuable things for the person to possess (Helm, 2023). In addition, self-management
suggested techniques that also called as self-monitoring and self-reinforcement. In a simple
word it involves the capability for a person to better manage and regulate emotions which
then shown in the behavior. Last but not least is assertive practice which related to the
behavior that reflects to the person’s best interests which includes standing up for their
ideology without significant anxiety but mostly being comfortable but still didn’t denying
other’s rights (Sutton, 2023) Among those four strategies I would choose assertive practice
as the most resonates with myself.

2.0 Operant Conditioning principles

What is operant conditioning? This is one of the components from behaviorism counselling
theory that relevant for Behavioral Treatment on Sarah’s situation which involves rewards
and punishment when she did certain behavior. Operant conditioning which was proposed by
B. F. Skinner in 1953 involves practices of reinforcement that used to ensure the repetition of
certain behavior. There are two types of reinforcement which are positive and negative
reinforcement that related to rewards or punishments relatively. When positive reinforcement
related to the presence of a stimulus to increase a desirable behavior, negative reinforcement
is a presence of hurtful or uncomfortable stimulus to decrease undesirable behavior
(Ackerman, 2018). There are also two types of punishments which are punishment by
application (direct punishment towards the children) or punishment by withdrawal (get back
the belonginess). Operant conditioning simply are the actions that followed by reinforcement
tend to be strengthen and more likely to occur again in the future. For example, in the class
teachers that give compliments when student bravely raise their hand to answer question will
encourage the student and others in the class to raise their hand too for next time when they
want to answer question or asking for clarity. The aim of this session to help Mr. Aiman and
wife on understands how Sarah’s think and should learn.

2.1 Giving praise when did things as instructed

Positive reinforcement can be used by offering rewards rules to encourage children behave
better. For example, Mr. Aiman can set new environment practices in the house in the context
of cleaning after eat. Everyone should clean their own dishes and help to clean kitchen
utensils too. When Sarah manages to listen and did the cleaning, Mr. Aiman and wife should
say words like “Good job Sarah” or “Well done Sarah”. Ultimately, Sarah will feel
appreciated and proud for the responses and tends to understand that she needs to do the
cleaning to get her parents attention and, in some circumstance, it can lead Sarah to even
voluntarily expand her willingness to clean rooms and bring this practice to the school later to
get praises from her teachers. Operant conditioning principles also stated that modelling can
facilitates personality development. An individual’s behavior can be modelled by observing
the nearest person and when reinforcement is given for the behavior that is similar to the
behavior of the observed person. This called as role-play. Slowly by adapting this type of
praising behavior, Mr. Aiman can also set another instruction for all of them need to read and
learn every night at 8 o’clock until 10 o’clock. Every time Sarah able to finish read or study,
Mr. Aiman will give badge and if Sarah able to collect 10 badges Mr. Aiman will bring her to
eat outside to whatever she wants as a gift.
Research done by Crespo et al,. (2021), stated that Skinner’s principles concerned on the
links between behavior and its consequences. For example, if person’s behavior accompanied
by pleasurable rewards, the person will engage in that behavior more frequently and it’s
called operant conditioning. As stated by Crespo et al., (2022), positive reinforcements that
being given to the students during learning process do have impacts on student’s desire to
learn more and reach faster compare to without reinforcement. Another study conducted by
Costa (2023) also found that reinforcement and feedback play an important role in learning
process as it has direct or indirect consequences on student’s behavior usually will cause
students to be encouraged and interested to complete the task given.

2.2 Use incentive as rewards

Another situation, Mr. Aiman could also plan for incentive reward if Sarah is able to get
positive feedback from teachers that she participated well in the class. Set a clear goal for her
to understand what are the things that we expected from her to change and do. In addition,
Mr. Aiman also should make the rewards visible by meaning displays the rewards
prominently in the rooms, dining room or other places that can attract her attention on
bringing effort to achieve the goals for rewards. Built in games like points or level for her to
avoid she become less interest. Study done by Crespo et al., (2022), researcher found that one
respondent’s school in Indonesia uses variety of rewards and penalties in order to comply
with reinforcement of rewards and punishments which then bring to the changes of the
student’s characteristics as they become more diligent, motivated and eager to learn more.
Implementation of rewards and punishments proved that 96% students show high level of
motivation while only 4% students have low motivation (Khalil, 2016 cited by Crespo et al.,
2021). This proves that, using both positive and negative reinforcements simultaneously will
have better impact on students because some students will find that they aim for the
incentives while there’s other students might change or improve their way of learning due to
afraid of getting the penalties.

2.3 Punishment of penalties

Punishment can be defined as “The use of physical force, mental assaults or verbal
misbehavior to students either to maintain discipline or ensure they are performing well at
school (Gershoff, 2017). However, further defined by Lowanshi (2019), stated that
punishments are behaviors which do not involve any physical harm. Punishment here
involves penalties or something unpleasant act that will be conduct as a practice of
disciplining to ensure the same kind of behavior didn’t happen in the future. In this situation,
Mr. Aiman can use punishment of threaten if Sarah didn’t finish her homework, she will be
grounded and not allowed to watch television for one week. Punishment for children didn’t
need to be harsh its adequate enough just to be threaten factors to make her understand that
those behavior and should be done again to avoid punishment.

2.4 Punishment by time-out

If necessary, studies showed time-out also can be implemented and good to handle children
with ADHD when they can’s focus. It helps the children to stay calm and think rationally. For
example, when Sarah refuse and debating when being asked to do homework, Mr. Aiman can
teach her to find a spot to calm down to reduce her overstimulated and frustration feelings.
Create a comfortable area to enable her find that area is a place to think whether what she has
done is right or wrong and soothe herself. In some situation, ignoring also can be a good
punishment for Sarah. Ignore the complaining, screaming, or loud noise if she tends to
tantrum as a sign of protest. However, Mr. Aiman should alert that ignoring here is about
ignoring the act, not the child. After calm, he should explain to her why he ignored her
behavior and make her understand that tantrum will not bringing her anywhere unless she
talks or communicates anything she want cause “I’m here and want to listen to what you are
willing to share” kind of behavior that should be displayed in the situation.

There are pros and cons from the implementation of positive or punishment reinforcement. In
some articles stated that positive reinforcement bringing more impact to the children
compared to negative reinforcement as punishment can lead to stress, reduce confidence
level, feeling of unfair and more depress. Because some students might see the punishment is
not relevant on bringing better performances (Lowanshi, 2019). However, there are also
researches done and proved that punishment is more relevant current days and mostly being
used by teachers.

3.0 Reasons on findings assertive practices is the best

Assertive practice is an ideology that one is able to do what they want to but still not going to
hurt or damage people surrounding them. It promotes independency characteristic of the
particular person.
3.1 Encourages effective interpersonal skills
Being assertive meaning you are able to stand and communicate from your point of view
regarding what you believe is true and important for all. Assertive doesn’t have to be
aggressive, it’s enough to the point that you illustrate respectfully what is important to you
and you want other people to know it is matter for you. Compare to being passive, you tend
to lose respect towards yourself because passive communication aligned with the behavior of
“Its fine, I’d just follow what other people decides” meaning you tend to avoid conflict. But
is that a big deal? The answer is yes, because it shows that you are not thinking your thought
of feelings are important as compared to those other people (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Assertive
actually is the combination of passive and aggressive communication style which includes
fairness at the same time you show the power in your words and gestures (Pipas, 2010). It
increases your interpersonal skills as you possess respect of others towards your value and
assertive in many cases can develop characteristics of a leader.
Assertive in class also can make students become more confidence and improve their self
esteem which is good for students that have difficulties in interacting with other people
especially when doing presentation. For example, when teachers always support their
students to be brave speak their opinion in class and asking questions to teachers, these kinds
of practices will develop their skills. Educate students on the importance of having an active
listening and empathy towards others, validate people feelings and respond fairly.
Involvement of teachers also a good way to encourage the usage of assertive communication
in lifestyle.

3.2 Promotes better problem-solving skills

Assertive style of practices teaches us to be confident in sharing our thought and feelings. In
this area, it promotes a healthy environment whether in workplace or school because we will
have an open and honest conversation. By means of this, communication is effective and
more needs can be satisfied which lead to better idea on solutions to overcome any issues.
Every time we face challenges, team up and discuss on everyone’s opinion truthfully without
being afraid of rejection because in assertive theory we are not only suppose to be brave in
speak up, but also need to have abilities on listening respectfully to other’s opinion too.
Article from Alhola (2017) indicates that researchers found psychologically human brain can
functioning better in a calm environment because they can stay focus on what they’re doing
and think of more possibilities. Good decisions making involved when we have varied
alternatives or deep exploration in options.
Nowadays, most of the employers are looking for the criteria of graduates that possess soft
skills in addition to a someone that excel in academic too. Soft skills involve proficiencies
related to communication, interpersonal skill and social cues (Heine, 2023). Hard skills are
things that can be learn easier while soft skills are more innate. It needs to be developed
unless you are born with it which is possible. People that familiar with assertive practices
have the credibility to make decision better, communicate effectively and easier for them to
create a harmonious working environment.

3.3 Reduce stress and lead to productive environment

Learning assertive may takes time and didn’t occur overnight. Practices and training are
essential to develop new culture after years of spending by silencing your thoughts and
follow others. Research done by Eslami et. al (2016) showed the results that assertiveness
training program do have impact on reducing student’s stress, anxiety, and depression. The
program helps students learn on how to manage problems and difficulties thus affecting their
emotional intelligence. The assertive session involves reviewing homework and providing
feedback for the students and make them familiarized with their rights to express feeling,
beliefs and opinions. Providing the students with information regarding the assertive and non-
assertive behavior, define anger management, unloading stress or feeling without using
aggressive behavior and emphasis on the freedom of expression. All of these assertive
practices help to create space for sharing opinion which actually good for people to be more
productive as they are free to be creative.
Managing stress and depression is essential for our societies nowadays whether in school or
workplace as we need to cope the challenges towards retrieve better performance.
Familiarized assertive behavior at the young age is very good for long term investment as it
can develop confidence and help them to manage their emotional when having difficulties in
life.

3.4 Long term learning outcomes

We want to have curriculum that is effective not only during this moment but the effects
should be running in the business for long term. Some argue that rewarding only appear to be
effective in a short term because it was due to the eagerness on the incentive only without
extract the key points of the practices. However, I found that assertive is good for long term
outcomes because we build values and characteristic in a person align with honesty. As we
know that assertive based on true feelings expression that promotes honest value in the
particular person. Assertive teach one behavior to be able to speak up for themselves in a way
of honest but respectful (Durán -Terradez & Baviera, 2023). It helps a particular person to be
able to ask someone for a date, asking teachers questions in class or doing well in job
interview. It creates credibility for the person in order to prepare them facing challenges in
their life.
However, we may see that there are some researchers found that teachers being assertive tend
to be emotional in class, use force or express anger feeling to students. These practices then
only lead to more frustration and stress of learners. Again, in any theories there are factors
that may affect the effectiveness of the strategies or methods conducted. Which is why
assessment is needed for every curriculum introduced. The challenges can be overcome by
providing training to teacher on how to conduct assertive teaching method and also learn on
student’s background. This is because difference in culture, family and environment are all
the factors that may affect the outcomes.

4.0 Conclusion
Operant conditioning method is one of the most frequently used to enhance student’s
performance in terms of influence their motivation to change their behavior as accordance to
what we want them to be. However, there are other factors that may affect the effectiveness
of operant conditioning implementation which include, background, culture, family supports
and others. But, from researches in any kind of circumstances there are quite significant
differences between performance of students that being conditioning compared to non-
conditioning. Students that being exposed to reinforcement tend to show better quality in
learning which they indicated faster learning compared to without reinforcement. There are
arguments towards the impact from reinforcement whether they will be good for a long term
or just for the moment they get the rewards or punishment only. Because in some situation,
there might be possibility of taking rewards as granted when the students are expected to get
the rewards and praise, they will assume on getting rewards for thing that are not necessary or
relevant to the goals. As a result, they may expect to get praise for any kind of task given, and
taking this method for granted. However, this issue is not the major problem which it can be
controlled by the implementer as rewards are only given for instruction that being given and
link to the aim of goals.
REFERENCES

Ackerman, C. E., MA. (2023, April 19). 12 examples of positive punishment & negative
reinforcement. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-
punishment/

Alhola, P. (2007, October 1). Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance. PubMed
Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/

Being assertive: Reduce stress, communicate better. (2022, May 13). Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/
art-20044644#:~:text=Assertiveness%20can%20help%20you%20express,can
%20help%20with%20stress%20management

Costa, H. (2021, March 31). The importance of positive reinforcement in education -

Smartick. Smartick.
https://www.smartick.com/blog/parents-and-teachers/psychology/positive-
reinforcement/#:~:text=Reinforcement%20and%20feedback%20plays
%20an,commitment%2C%20and%20self%2Dperception

Crespo, D. G., Ortega, C. L., Graviles, A., & Medina, C. J. (2022b). Operant conditioning
effectiveness of English teachers’ approach to students. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366365559_Operant_Conditioning_Effectiv
eness_of_English_Teachers'_Approach_to_Students

Eslami, A. A., Rabiei, L., Afzali, S. M., Hamidizadeh, S., & Masoudi, R. (2016). The
effectiveness of assertiveness training on the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
of high school students. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 18(1).
https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.21096

Gershoff, E. T. (2017b). School corporal punishment in global perspective: prevalence,

outcomes, and efforts at intervention. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 22(sup1), 224–
239. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2016.1271955

Heine, A. (2023, July 15). Soft Skills in The Workplace to Give You a Competetive Edge.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/soft-skills-in-the-
workplace
Helm, S. (2023). Use Token Economies to Provide Positive Reinforcement and Modify
Behavior. https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/use-
token-economies-to-provide-positive-reinforcement-and-modify-behavior/

Lowanshi, M. (2019). Study of effect of punishment on students’ academic achievement in

schools. Techno Learn : An International Journal of Educational Technology, 9(1).
https://doi.org/10.30954/2231-4105.01.2019.3

Pipaş, M. D., & Jaradat, M. A. (2010). Assertive communication skills. Annales Universitatis
Apulensis, 2(12), 649–656. https://doi.org/10.29302/oeconomica.2010.12.2.17

Sutton, J., PhD. (2023, April 6). How to perform assertiveness training: 6 exercises.
PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/assertiveness-training/

Sutton, J., PhD. (2023b, September 28). Empathy in Counseling: How to show empathetic
understanding. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/empathy/
QUESTION 2 : ESSAY
1.0 Introduction
In this part of assignment, I am supposed to discuss on the fundamental principles of Person-
Centered Therapy which involves concept of unconditional positive regard, empathy and
congruence with real live examples. This concept found by the American psychologist known
as Carl Rogers believed that a person can reach their full potential and become true self
which term as self-actualization. A person-centered therapy counsellor will help on exploring
their client’s issues, feelings and behavior in deep. No judgement involves and counsellor
will create as much trust as possible to ensure the client are opened to share their problems.
Therapeutic goals are to assist clients to be honest to themselves and acquire their full
potentials (Narknisorn, 2018). The understanding of those three concepts was done by
referring to the article from Yao (2023). Unconditional positive regard is done by providing
the clients with comfortable environment in the meaning of acceptance without any
judgements feedback. This to ensure clients can expressed their true feelings without any
concern of others. Besides, empathy which involves to an active learning and therapist paying
full attention to understand the whole points that being explained by clients. By means,
therapist will usually use reflection or paraphrasing the client’s words in to order to allow
them process their feelings after hearing them restated by someone else. Lastly, congruence
related to be transparent and honest by sharing the therapist true feeling and sharing their
experiences without including any personal problems of therapist to ensure the session’s
focus keep on track.

2.0 Unconditional positive regard

Unconditional positive regard or in a short form is UPR was defines as a concept that is
testament to the therapist’s wholehearted acceptance and non-judgmental attitude towards
client regardless of what are the mistakes done by them (Main, 2023). For example, when
your friends borrow your laptop and bringing it back with scratches on the cover. A therapist
in UPR might advices you instead of asking “What are you doing? Why are you being so
careless on other’s belonginess?” you should first understand the situation and listen to their
explanation on “I see that you feel awful regarding this thing but may I know what happen?”
is a better approach.
This principal can cultivate a therapeutic relationship that can lead to personal growth in the
future (Main, 2023). By implementing this technique, the therapist will show complete
support without criticism which create a grave space for clients to be open up during the
session. The openness of client in sharing their problems is important for the therapist to
know the real issue because in some circumstances, clients tend to divert the focus of the
session due to afraid of being judged and think about what other people will say behind them.
It’s the challenge that commonly occur during counselling session as referred to the article
done by Sutherland (2013) stated that sometimes people come to the counselling session and
waited for a long-time until they open up about things. They are afraid of sharing vulnerable
things with the therapist because no matter what the counsellor also human being that may be
swayed by feelings and emotions in the session. However, the main key point in UPR
principles that suggested by Carl Rogers, therapist’s unconditional acceptance of whatever
the clients say or does and note the word on “unconditional” here refers to no matter what.

2.1 Example on UPR implementation

One of the examples on the situation that may reflect the usage of UPR in therapeutic session
is when there’s a student found “cheated” during test of subject Mathematics by his teacher.
So, in this situation they all are having discussion plus with test at the end of session as an
assessment for the teacher to evaluate to what extent her student’s understanding on the
related topic. But there’s one student who found using “Photomath” apps on answering the
question.
Back to the basics of steps in counselling session which at first the teacher supposes to
develop relationship with the student like take a chance on knowing the update of their out-
school activities involve soccer’s games for example. Create a conducive situation to allow
interactions and building trust of the student. Just then, exploration on the scope of problem.
Analyze his issue and express her understanding on why he chooses to cheat in the test,
maybe due to time constraint as he has football games on that week or he just ashamed on
getting the lowest score in class. Then, determine the student’s level of functioning meaning
that we recognize his strengths in dealing with issue, how he maintained self-adaption when
he faced conflict with his friends by means how he managed his previous problems. After
determined the values of the student, together decides on approaches and strategies to solve
the issue. During this time, student might responses on various issues that can thwart his
effort to function well but the therapist should divert his focus on problems. Turn the
situation to the focus of the aim. Address the fault and misbehavior that shouldn’t be repeated
in the future and the consequences for the long term.
During the session, teacher shouldn’t express any judgment towards the behavior like saying
“you’re reflecting bad reputation in my class” is a no. Address this issue with a thought on
everyone did a mistake in their life and we learn from it. By using UPR method, it creates
chances for students to improve and make a better movement in life which also affect
personal growth (Narknisorn, 2018).

3.0 Empathy
Empathy is a process of attempting to understand from client’s perspectives towards the
thoughts and feelings underlying behavior which also refers to the ability of the therapist to
walk on client’s shoes, knows how they feels at the moment (Kottler and Brown, 2000 as
cited by Narknisorn, 2018). Empathy also defines as the ability to see things from other’s
perspectives and feel their emotions (Reid, 2023). For example, when a friend is angry on
how his supervisor treated him, you will likely share the sense of frustration together. We
tried our best to see things from other’s point of view and relate to our experience too if
possible. By doing so, maybe we can’t solve their problems but it can reduce other person’s
distress and create a room to think better. There’s a saying from Carl Rogers books “When a
person realizes he has been deeply heard, his eyes moisten (Rory, 2018). I think in some real
sense he is weeping for joy. It is as though he were saying, “Thank god, somebody heard me.
Someone knows what it’s like to be me”. Sometimes people didn’t expect we help them solve
their problem, its enough as long as we understand and have connection to them (Brown,
2013). Empathy is a skill that can bring people together and make they feel included (Brown,
2021). Commonly, people that facing difficulties know the reality and didn’t expect someone
will come and magically make the problem disappear. What they want is someone that can
help them feel that they are not alone in solving the problem. They may look for someone
that has already face the issue and learn how they overcome them.

Through empathy we created a bond with other people (Nortje, 2021). You cry when friends
having hard times, celebrate their success and even cry when watching movies that touch
your feelings. However, there’s a different between empathy and sympathy. When empathy
involves feelings on what someone else feels, sympathy is more to feel pity and sorry for that
person’s feelings and the understanding comes from your own perspectives not them (Perry,
2022). Dr Brene Brown represented that sympathetic person tend to use words like “At least”
in conversation like “At least you still have your job”. Instead of emphatic will say things like
“I’m really sorry you have to face this difficulty. I’m glad you willing to share with me. I’ll
try my best to help find another job”. Not just they approach and share emotions, they also
supporting them with the effort to help them out of the problem. From education perspective,
empathy could even bring students success because emphatic cause them to create bonds with
teachers, collaborate well with peers and can become more cooperative in class (Tikkanen et.
al, 2022).

3.1 Example of empathy implementation

One day, you have a client name Lisa, 15 years old student that come to you and ask for an
advice regarding her family issue. She feels like her parents always pay more attention on her
sister and always feels abandoned by them. There’s one time, she gets the highest mark in
class for subject Mathematics but her parents show no interest at all compared to her sister
that excel in her subject Biology. Lisa also has no friend and always being alone at school.
She said that she always feels like being isolated by the world. In implementing empathy in
this therapeutic session, as a therapist you should try your best to enter Lisa’s world and
understands her current state of minds. Attending method is important to show her that she
has our full attention in her right now. What is the possible thing she think about and how
does she feel. When you are not supposes to jump into the conclusion that you have
experience in that situation too, try to be an active listener and be genuine by your expression
and body language at the same time use your experiences in regulate your understanding
regarding this issue. For example, when Lisa is in the middle of conversation, try to attract
her interest by responding that, “Yes, it must feel bad for you to be in that circumstance. You
must sometime hope that you can have even one friend that close to you and able to share
your story together, right?” or any words that showed you do know how she feels when being
judged and not able to get parents attention in addition to have no friends to talk about.
Empathy is not about you but them. Feeling alone, favorism issue, depress, lonely and feels
like useless for being excel in education as no one cares about you. As quoted by Rory
(2018), said that imagine you enter someone else room, you must try to be as gentle as
possible and didn’t do anything beyond your limits and remember the door that you need to
use to get out from it. Meaning that, in the time you try to connect to their emotion and
feelings, you as a therapist shouldn’t get too emotional as you will lose focus and the session
might didn’t achieve the aim results.

In addition, we also can use reflecting and paraphrasing which you reflecting back what she
has said in emphasize. Rory (2018) stated that most of the counselling sessions he conducted,
the word on “Yes, that’s exactly what I said” is the common words comes from clients when
he used the method of reflecting back. He also stated that, clients become more opened and
share more information when they believe we’re with them. However, empathy is useless
unless Lisa is being in the same level like you, meaning that she gets the picture that you are
connecting to her frame now. For example, when you watch movies, you even cried and
laugh your heart out also involves empathic but it is ineffective as it’s one way (Rory, 2018).
In order to ensure empathy is effective, client needs to know deep in her heart that we the
therapist really understand her and want to help her solve the issue.

4.0 Congruence
Rogers stated that “for a person to grow they require environment like genuineness,
openness, unconditional acceptance and empathy” (Hall, 2018). These criteria allowed the
person to be creative and move from their comfort zone. Roger’s theory in congruence
mainly focuses that human has a tendency to operate at their full potential in life from any
kind of aspect if the person is in a healthy environment. What actually congruence is? As
referring to Kelly (2018), he stated that from his readings on Rogers books he believes that
clients tend to be incongruence at the first place as they afraid of being judged and not
acceptable. So, it’s the responsibility of the therapist to helps clients see that incongruence is
not good for life and recognized their actual feelings. While congruence meaning that
showing the true side of you, incongruence is trying show others, the best version of you.
That’s why Roger believes that being congruence in therapeutic can manage the session to be
more powerful and involved deep emotion between therapist and client. For example, a
person that diagnosed with dyslexia tend to hid the secret and didn’t tell anyone about it due
to ashamed and doesn’t like people concern about him. But, in a situation if congruence is
implemented, there’s a possibility he would be more confidence in loving and accept himself
as the way they are and change his personality throughout his life which then also affect his
performances.

If we show honesty and genuine in counselling session, we can gain more trust from clients
and make them willing to tell us the main issue that probably they afraid to tell others. The
counsellor’s congruence actually can promote the client’s to be congruent to themselves too
(Counselling Tutor, 2021). Rory (2018) in a podcast stated that apart from being genuine,
congruence is a power to change. How you authentically behaved the way you are in front of
client and from that you can get their trust which then can influence that person to follow
your vibe in being congruent. When client can be congruence, it helps them to push away any
worries of rejections or other people thoughts as long as they believe on themselves to show
the world like “Hey, this is me. This is who I am” is what congruence principles is about.
However, there are difficulties on implementing those in real situation on therapeutic because
logically it involves a conversation between two strangers that just get to know in 20-30
minutes that time. It is impossible for the therapists especially to be congruent and show the
true side of them unless the relationship got stronger through many sessions already. But it is
impossible for therapeutic session that just conducted in a short period of time.

4.1 Examples of congruence implementation

In a session with Anna (16 years old). She is having difficulties in her life due to jealousy
issue. She always feels jealous about her friend achievement, relationship and others to the
extent affecting her daily life activities as she becomes irritated at people and always become
annoyed at her friends. Below is the simple illustration for the first situation that might show
congruence in therapeutic.

Counsellor : Do you like coffee Anna? Please have some and sorry I just have coffee in
my office.
Anna : Thank you. I’m okay with that.
Counsellor : Sorry, you know what it must be a compulsory routine for me to have coffee
every day in the morning. I know some people would say coffee and sugar is
not good for your health but I still can’t get away from it. I think it’s called
addicted right?

In this situation it shows how transparent the therapist can be for a new person which he just
met a few seconds before. This lies the value of congruence on being honest and genuine to
yourself. What the possible outcomes from this act? The therapist behavior showed Anna that
even though the routine of having coffee regularly might contribute to bad health but the
therapist is still a human being who is imperfect and very opened in showing his bad side
personality to strangers. In addition, Anna might become ashamed by her behavior on being
jealous for other people. So being congruence here is when therapist showed to her that its
okay to make mistake because we’re not perfect. In fact, jealous is one of the human nature
feelings that derives when feel threatened or is a defensive reaction to perceive threat
(Ramachandran and Jalal, 2017). This act shows that therapist try to match the situation of
Anna being jealousy with awareness and the therapist is being one with the feelings of client.
For example, make her understand the situation on why jealous occur at the first place, its
normal to feel jealous but there’s a limit to that. The major impact from congruence in
therapeutic is to establish trust as when we’re “real” with each other, it facilitates trust and
communication (Rogers, 1961 as cited by Geller, 2023).
5.0 Conclusion
Person centered therapy which also known as Rogerian therapy is about how you conducting
the counselling session while allowing clients to take lead. All those three principles
explained whether UPR, empathy or congruence are all beneficial and proved they are
effective theories that counsellor should understand and consider in therapeutic session. The
concept of person centered is more like humanistic counselling (Adikwu, 2020). Rogers
believed that a therapy session is effective when the counsellor go in deeper to the individual
experience (Adikwu, 2020). By means, when we exploring the person’s experience in a
supportive, non-judgmental situation it leads to achieve the end goals of the session which is
a positive therapy experience. The theories help counsellor to get the idea and managed to
know other people situation better as that person will be opened to share their life (Sutton,
2023). Besides, it also manages to help counsellor understands and experiences what client is
sharing which is good in therapeutic session to succeed. A great counsellor is when they are
able to create a conducive environment and have trust of client in the relationship to ensure
client can focus on the main issue and willing to share their problems. Problems is something
can be very personal to them and might cause people to misjudge that’s why counsellors
should be someone patience, empathy, high self-awareness, confidentiality and flexible. All
these attitudes can be achieved by experiences and training over and over as the qualities of
counsellor are important to ensure they able to be someone that can relied on.
REFERENCES

About ADHD – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment – CHADD (2019, June 13). CHADD.
https://chadd.org/about- adhd/overview/#:~:text=How%20severe%20the
%20disorder%20is,criteria%20in%20 the%20 DSM%2D5

Adikwu, M. (2023, October 10). What is person (Client) centered therapy? Talkspace.
https://www.talkspace.com/blog/therapy-client-centered-approach-definition-what-
is/#:~:text=Carl%20Rogers%20believed%20that%20offering,feelings%20without
%20fear%20of%20judgment

Assertiveness for Teens – Nemours KidsHealth. (2023, November 13).

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/assertive.html#:~:text=It's%20the%20ability%20to
%20speak,t%20come%20naturally%20to%20everyone

Bennett, T. (2019, August 1). How can family issues affect a child’s performance in school?
Thriveworks. https://thriveworks.com/blog/family-issues-affect-childs-performance/

Congruence. (2021, November 9). Counselling Tutor.

https://counsellingtutor.com/counselling-approaches/person-centred-approach-to-
counselling/congruence-in-counselling/

CounsellingTutor. (2018, March 19). Episode 72 Empathy in Counselling [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSkam26D-gQ

Dr Brené Brown: Empathy vs Sympathy • @21Toys. (2017, December 6).

https://twentyonetoys.com/blogs/teaching-empathy/brene-brown-empathy-vs-
sympathy

Durán-Terrádez, L., & Baviera, T. (2023). Speaking without Hurting: Assertiveness and
Psychological Safety in Receiving Criticism. Revista Empresa Y Humanismo, 9–32.
https://doi.org/10.15581/015.xxvi.2.9-32

Español-Martín, G., Pagerols, M., Prat, R., Rivas, C., Ramos ‐Quiroga, J. A., Casas, M., &
Bosch, R. (2023). The impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and specific
learning disorders on academic performance in Spanish children from a low-middle-
 and a high-income population. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1136994

Expert columns: Use token economies to provide positive reinforcement and modify behavior.
(n.d.). https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/use-token-
economies-to-provide-positive-reinforcement-and-modify-behavior/

Greenberg, L. S. & Geller, S. M. (Congruence and Therapeutic Presence).

https://www.sharigeller.ca/_images/pdfs/Congruence_proofs.pdf

Hall, C. (2019, March 7). Congruence and person centred Therapy - Cassian Hall - Medium.
Medium. https://medium.com/@CassianHall/congruence-and-person-centred-therapy-
85f9f230c80

Kelly Allison. (2021, April 15). Empathic responses and the use of silence [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeuPLVlhAiM

Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 25). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

– Diagnos and Treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc- 20350895#:~:text=Standard
%20treatments%20for%20ADHD%20in,works%20best% 20for% 20your%20child

Narknisorn, B. (2012). Person-Centered therapy and personal growth. Journal of Social and
Development Sciences, 3(9), 322–330. https://doi.org/10.22610/jsds.v3i9.716

Perry, E. (2022, January 12). Understanding the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy.
https://www.betterup.com/blog/empathy-vs-sympathy

Ramachandran, V. S., & Jalal, B. (2017). The Evolutionary Psychology of envy and Jealousy.
Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01619

Self-Management: Definition, Skills & Strategies. (n.d.). The Berkeley Well-Being Institute.
https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/self-management.html#:~:text=In%20simple
%20terms%2C%20self%2Dmanagement,Lorig%20%26%20Holman%2C%202003

Smith, M., MA. (2023, October 11). Empathy: how to feel and respond to the emotions of
others. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-
communication/empathy.htm
Sutanti, N. (2020). Understanding congruence in person-centred counselling practice: A
trainee counsellor’s perspective. ProGCouns, 1(2).
https://doi.org/10.21831/progcouns.v1i2.34615

Sutherland, M. (2021, September 13). Facing the fear of judgement in counselling. Willow
Tree Counselling. https://willowtreecounselling.ca/articles/facing-the-fear-of-
judgement-in-counselling/

The skill of Self-Disclosure. (2001, February 22). William & Mary Education.
https://counseling.education.wm.edu/blog/the-skill-of-self-disclosure

Tikkanen, L., Anttila, H., Pyhältö, K., Soini, T., & Pietarinen, J. (2022). The role of empathy
between peers in upper secondary students’ study engagement and burnout. Frontiers
in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.978546

Unconditional positive regard. (n.d.). Structural Learning. https://www.structural-

learning.com/post/unconditional-positive-regard

Yao, L. (2023, February 9). Person-Centered therapy (Rogerian therapy). StatPearls - NCBI
Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/
PART 2: ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPATION

OCP 1

OCP 2
OCP 3

OCP 4
OCP 5