Humanistic Psychotherapy and the Issue of Equality

Abstract

While strongly endorsing the values of the third force, the author of this article takes issue with mainstream humanistic psychotherapists such as Rogers for attributing the therapy relationship/ situation with a more egalitarian nature than it does or could have. The corresponding purposes of this article are (1) to correct the misconceptions involved; (2) to suggest how they arose; (3) to sort out where equality exists and where it does not exist and (4) to explore the problems that arise from the misconceptions in question. The author distinguishes between areas of absolute equality, areas where inequality usually but does not always pertain, and areas of necessary inequality. Clients' not getting the help needed and increased manipulation are among the problems identified as arising when equality is claimed in instances and/or on levels where it does not exist.