Analytic Psychotherapy VS. Person-Centered Therapy

According to Nystul (2006), the classic psychological theories of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, and Carl Jung laid the foundation for modern clinical practice, as their influence transcended psychology and had a significant impact on numerous aspects of daily living. Nystul suggested that because the Freudian, Adlerian, and Jungian schools of psychology each developed its own theory of personality and approach to psychotherapy, each of these theories can be effectively used as the core theory from which to develop an integrative counseling approach.

Nystul (2006) reported that the fundamental strength of Carl Jung's analytic psychotherapy lies in a comprehensive view of the human condition. Nystul observed that in this regard, the originality and audacity of Jung's thinking have few parallels in recent scientific history. Nystul also suggested that no other person, aside from Freud, has opened more conceptual windows into what Jung referred to as the soul of man.

Nystul (2006) reported that the experiential theories, including Carl Roger's person-centered therapy, Fritz Perl's Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy, focus on what the client is experiencing during the counseling process. Nystul reported that because the experiential theories are easily absorbed into other psychotherapies, these theories are particularly attractive as add-on material to counselors who share an optimistic point of view.

Nystul (2006) contended that the fundamental strength of Carl Roger's person-centered therapy lies in its effortless implementation into other psychotherapies. Nystul added that several studies have provided support for Roger's therapy and that its application to a wide range of counseling procedures directly contributed to Roger's success in the humanistic movement in counseling.

History of Analytic Psychotherapy