Jackie Hicks

As I consider my life since high school, a constant and persistent theme remains as freshly intriguing as it began: I am fascinated by relationships among people and the factors contributing to all of our interpersonal dynamics. I discovered the work of Dr. Carl R. Rogers, the most influential psychologist of the twentieth century, in college. Since my junior year, I have been teaching myself while working with others and studying the Person Centered Approach that Dr. Rogers identified, developed, and articulated so beautifully. I am fortunate to have met him and to join with a number of his colleagues and students at the Center for Studies of the Person in La Jolla, a professional association of psychologists, therapists, educators, healthcare professionals and practitioners from all walks of life to extend our exploration of what it means to be human or to simply Be.

My fascination has become a calling. I love facilitating other people in their growth and development, and uncovering the persons we truly are. When my belief that we all posses a natural tendency to actualize our highest potential is realized, I revel in that energy and the beauty of just Being together--knowing.

Three psychological commitments facilitate my growth in Being together: congruence (authentic and responsible communication), empathy (Being with another as they explore their own experience) and unconditional positive regard (suspension of personal judgments, openness to the total person and facing and embracing the conflicts, differences and similarities we bring into the light.)

Since college, I have incorporated the Person Centered Approach in all of my relationships; it is who I am. My choice of how to be has enriched all the many roles in my life and their accompanying relationships: child care worker and supervisor, organizational consultant, facilitator, educational counselor, teacher, administrator, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague.

Now, I am writing a book and developing a workshop program specifically for educators to support the development of effective relationships at school. Teachers and administrators are increasingly looked to for guidance in the social and emotional growth of students. Their ability to form effective relationships with their students, students’ parents, and each other is vital in meeting successfully the growing challenges emerging in education today. Having started out as a first year teacher, counselor, principal, consultant and, with each endeavor, grown in confidence and competence, I feel the call is ever stronger to share the important and indelible lessons I’ve learned. Lessons I know work for the betterment of anybody willing to engage in the journey with me.