Person Centered

Using myself as a person

I would use myself as a person to create a relationship with Helga by being genuine, authentic, and empathic. I would listen to her without judgment, and I would try to understand her world from her perspective. I would also offer her unconditional positive regard, meaning that I would accept her for who she is, even when she is making mistakes.

Interpretation, direction, and active techniques

In addition to building a relationship with Helga, I would also use interpretation, direction, and active techniques to help her work through her depression. For example, I might use interpretation to help her identify and understand her negative thoughts and beliefs. I might also use direction to help her set realistic goals and develop coping skills. Additionally, I might use active techniques, such as role-playing and behavioral activation, to help her practice new skills and behaviors.

German background

I would want to explore Helga's German background with her to the extent that she is comfortable doing so. Her German heritage may be an important part of her identity, and it may be helpful for her to understand how it has shaped her experiences. Additionally, exploring her German background may help her to feel more connected to her culture and to others.

Response to Helga's statement

If Helga says "you can't understand how uprooted I feel. I don't belong anywhere. But I just don't think you can know what this is like for me," I would respond by saying something like, "I understand that you feel uprooted and that you don't belong anywhere. I may not be able to fully understand what that is like for you, but I can listen to you and try to understand your experience as best I can." I would also emphasize that she is not alone, and that there are other people who understand what she is going through.

Person-centered approach

I would choose to approach Helga from a person-centered perspective because this approach is based on the belief that all people have the innate capacity to grow and heal. The person-centered approach also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where people feel valued and accepted.

Benefits and shortcomings of the person-centered approach

One of the main benefits of the person-centered approach is that it is very effective in building trust and rapport with clients. This is essential for working with clients who are struggling with depression, as they often feel isolated and misunderstood.

Another benefit of the person-centered approach is that it is non-directive. This means that the counselor does not tell the client what to do or how to think. Instead, the counselor provides a supportive and encouraging environment where the client can explore their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

One of the shortcomings of the person-centered approach is that it can be time-consuming. The counselor needs to be patient and willing to let the client set the pace of the therapy. Additionally, the person-centered approach may not be suitable for all clients. Some clients may need more guidance and direction from their counselor.

Overall, I believe that the person-centered approach is a good choice for working with Helga. This approach is effective in building trust and rapport with clients, and it is non-directive, which is important for clients who are struggling with depression.