Barriers and Gateways to Communication
I should like to propose, as a hypothesis for consideration, that the major barrier to mutual interpersonal communication is our very natural tendency to judge, to evaluate, to approve (or disapprove) the statement of the other person or group. Let me illustrate my meaning with some very simple examples. Suppose someone, commenting on this discussion makes the statement ‘I didn’t like what that man said’. What will you respond? Almost invariably your reply will be either approval or disapproval of the attitude expressed. Either you respond, I didn’t either; I thought it was terrible,’ or else you tend to reply, ‘oh, I thought it was really good’. In other words, your primary reaction is to evaluate it from your point of view, your own frame of reference.
Although the tendency to make evaluations is common in almost all interchange of language, it is very much heightened in those situations where feelings and emotions are deeply involved. So the stronger our feelings, the more likely it is that there will be no mutual element in the communication. There will be just two ideas, two feelings, two judgments, missing each other in psychological space.
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PERSON CENTERED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Carl R. Rogers developed a profound practice and understanding of psychotherapy. Rogers’ essential insight is that certain qualities of the relationship between therapist and client (or person and person) can be learned and practiced to create an optimal interpersonal climate for personal growth, development, and healing. In this course, we will be learning through our own experience, reflection, and practice.
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The Encounter Group process is central to the way we seek to be with and interact with one another at the Center for Studies of the Person (CSP). Even those familiar with the structure may have questions…March 20 & 21, 2021
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This workshop presented by Barbara and Heather Williams will explore the person centered approach and play therapy. With their own developed philosophy, they build upon the principles of humanistic psychology developed by Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir, and Virginia Axline. Their work focuses on the deep respect for a child and the child’s wisdom.
April 17th & 18th, 2021
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