Constructive personality change

This has been defined as an alteration of the personality structure of the individual towards greater maturity, integration and energy utilizable for effective living. It is suggested that the necessary and sufficient conditions for such change to occur are as follows: [Existence of a relationship]

Significant positive personality change does not occur except in a relationship which requires psychological contact, namely awareness of the presence of the other. [Incongruence]

A difference between the actual experience of the individual and his self picture, leading to some degree of anxiety. [Congruently functioning therapist]

In a therapeutic relationship, the therapist must be freely, deeply, genuinely himself, with his actual experience accurately represented by his awareness of himself. [Acceptance by therapist]

In a therapeutic relationship, the therapist must experience a warm and unconditional acceptance of each aspect of the person's experience and have a positive regard for him as a person. [Empathy by therapist]

In a therapeutic relationship, the therapist must experience an empathic understanding of the person's awareness of his own experience and must try to communicate this understanding to the person. [Communication of therapist's empathy and regard]

In a therapeutic relationship, the person must perceive that the therapist empathizes and accepts.

A further necessary condition suggested is that the therapist should have adequate knowledge and be adequately trained.