1.What is the definition of mental health and psychopathology in Person-Centred therapy?

1.What is the definition of mental health and psychopathology in Person-Centred therapy?

Mental health can be defined as a condition where individuals realize and operate in their
optimum capacities, being able to cope with the stressors in their environment and can work
and engage in income-generating ventures accordingly. From a person-centred therapy
approach, Mental health is a congruence between what one is and what one desire to be
(Driscoll, 2019). Psychopathology on the other hand tends to reflect on the disease processes,
studying the genesis and presentation of mental disorders.

2. What would "mental health" and psychopathology mean for Rivka?
During the initial stages of the therapy, it was clear that Rivka was resentful and had no
significant connection with her new child, Zvi. Her definition of mental health at this time
would mean her ability to connect, have a motherly bond with her new child and worry less
about other different stressors, learning to cope with them. From a professional point of view,
mental health in this case when dealing with Rizvka would involve her ability to cope with
the different stressors in her environment (Yehuda`s responsibilities, overworking, lack of
enough money) and able to work and maintain healthy social relations. Psychopathology in
this case is the representation of the underlying condition which in this case was Rivka`s hate,
resentment and lack of connection with her new child, Zvi. Psychopathology in this case will
also mean the analysis in determining the origin of the resentment and the disconnection.
3. What are the therapeutic goals in person-centred therapy?
A greater degree of independence. The therapy aims at providing an ample
environment and motivates the person to self-explore their feeling and emotions. The person
is allowed to develop his actualised self and compare it with his current self. The role of the
therapist in this case is non-directive and supportive.
Focus on the person, not the problem. Most therapists usually make the mistake of
centring all their efforts and attention to the problem that the person has instead of the
opposite. Focusing on the person and not the problem makes it easier to institute
collaborative care that involves working with the patient in eliminating the problem (Miller &
Moyers, 2017).
Create the conditions necessary for positive growth. Once the person realizes his or
her feelings and solutions to his or her problem, person-centred therapy should provide a
conducive environment that will ensure that the patient continues improving, towards his or
her actualised self.
The therapy also aims in empowering persons towards change. The therapy should
encourage and motivate the person to work towards change. Also opens them to new
experiences (Rogers, 1959).
The therapy also instrumentally aids the persons in believing in themselves and the
decisions they make. It also encourages them to own up to their decisions and actions.

Patient-Centred Therapy 3

4. What goals would be appropriate for Rivka's situation?
Focusing on the person, not the problem. The therapist should not focus on Rivka`s
inability to connect with her child and the general resentment, rather, the focus should be on
Rivka, establishing why she feels this way (Tudor & Rodgers, 2021).
Greater degree of independence. The role of the therapist in Rivka`s case is to enable
her to explore her feelings and fears on her own. Only she could point out the reasons as to
why she felt the way she did. The middle way through the therapy, this proves successful
when Rivka comes to the self-realization that her anger, resentment and disconnect heavily
arise from her frustrations with Yehuda who is not making that much progress as expected,
depending on maternal care (care from Rivka) heavily.
Creating conditions leading to positive growth. The therapy process aims at ultimately
better the patient`s ability to manage their emotions, cope with stressors and lead normal
lives. Throughout the 18 weeks, Rivka becomes more accepting of her feelings and emotions
and doesn't hesitate to air them, which also helps her feel better (Miller & Moyers, 2017).
Self-evaluation. Self-evaluation is essentially important since it enables Rivka to track
her progress. This helps her in appreciating her achievements and not areas that still need
improvement. Helps her to determine how far from her she is from her actualised self.

5. What are the therapeutic interventions in person-centred therapy?
Establish both a therapeutic and collaborative relationship between the client and the
therapist. This will the