This week I have been writing about empathy and, once again, I am immensely grateful to my colleague in the world of NVC, Jeroen Lichtenauer, for highlighting the availability on YouTube of a recorded session in which the highly influential American psychologist, Carl Rogers, seeks to demonstrate his client-centred approach to therapy with a woman called Gloria.  This is, essentially, a practical demonstration of empathy.

This session is part of a programme or programmes which sought to compare three different types of therapy which were popular at the time (by my guess, in the late 1950s or early 1960s).  In the series, the same woman – Gloria – visits three different psychologists who demonstrate the approaches they are using.

Gloria, a woman divorced at a time when divorce was still uncommon, comes to Rogers hoping he will answer the dilemma she faces as she remembers that she lied to her daughter when asked if she had had sex with another man since divorcing her father.  Gloria wants to be honest with her daughter and at the same time she yearns for her daughter’s acceptance and fears that her daughter will not accept her if she is honest about her post-marital sexual experiences.

Rogers’ approach gradually uncovers the extent to which Gloria is able to give herself empathy and self-acceptance.  At the same time, Rogers’ willingness to support Gloria in exploring her own experience and his lack of judgement makes it increasingly likely that Gloria will take steps towards greater self acceptance.

The programme is posted as a series of clips and the links are below:

Carl Rogers and Gloria:  Part One
Carl Rogers and Gloria:  Part Two
Carl Rogers and Gloria:  Part Three
Carl Rogers and Gloria:  Part Four
Carl Rogers and Gloria:  Part Five