The degree to which I can create relationships, which facilitate the growth of others as separate persons, is a measure of the growth I have achieved in myself.
Carl RogersRead
In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the shift from trying to 'fix' others to fostering supportive relationships that enable personal growth.
Carl Rogers, a prominent psychologist, reflects on the evolution of his approach to helping others. Initially focused on treatment and change, he recognizes that the true value lies in creating meaningful relationships that empower individuals to grow and develop. This perspective highlights the importance of connection and support in the healing and personal development process, advocating for a more collaborative and relational approach to personal growth.
Themes
GrowthRelationshipSupportPersonal DevelopmentCounseling
In practice
Example use cases
In a therapy session, to emphasize the need for supportive interactions.
More from Carl Rogers
All quotes →The kind of caring that the client-centered therapist desires to achieve is a gullible caring, in which clients are accepted as they say they are, not with a lurking suspicion in the therapist's mind that they may, in fact, be otherwise. This attitude is not stupidity on the therapist's part; it is the kind of attitude that is most likely to lead to trust.
Carl RogersRead
I prize the privilege of being alone.
Carl RogersRead
Though modern Marriage is a tremendous laboratory, its members are often without preparation for the partnership function. How much agony and remorse and failure could have been avoided if there had been at least some rudimentary learning before they entered the partnership.
Carl RogersRead
I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know — and also one of the most growth-promoting experiences for the other person — is just fully to appreciate this individual in the same way that I appreciate a sunset.
Carl RogersRead
In a person who is open to experience each stimulus is freely relayed through the nervous system, without being distorted by any process of defensiveness.
Carl RogersRead
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