PYC4809
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
,Therapeutic Psychology
Task 1: Case Study – Dudu: Leaving her husband and child
1. Attitude about Dudu wanting to leave her husband and child
From a person-centred perspective, my attitude would be nonjudgmental and
empathetic. I would respect Dudu’s autonomy, understanding that her decision reflects
her internal experiences and needs. Personally, I value family unity and child welfare,
but as a counsellor, my role is to prioritize Dudu’s self-directed growth and well-being
without imposing my values. My values of empathy, respect, and unconditional positive
regard would influence my work by ensuring that Dudu feels heard, accepted, and
supported to explore her feelings safely (Corey, 2020).
2. Advice regarding her plan and her autonomy
If Dudu asked for my advice, I would avoid giving direct instructions. Instead, I would
encourage her to explore her feelings, fears, and possible consequences. I might say:
“Let’s talk about how you feel about your situation and what options feel right for you.”
This helps her clarify her values and make informed choices. Dudu is capable of
functioning without advice because the person-centred approach emphasizes self-
actualization; she has the internal resources to make decisions if supported in an
empathic environment (Rogers, 1961).
3. How I could be most helpful
I could help Dudu by providing:
Unconditional positive regard: Accepting her without judgment so she can
freely explore her feelings.
Empathic understanding: Reflecting her emotions to facilitate self-awareness.
Congruence: Being genuine and transparent in interactions to model authentic
emotional expression.
, This support helps Dudu understand her desires, fears, and responsibilities,
enabling her to make choices aligned with her true self (Corey, 2020).
4. Feelings currently unwilling to accept
Dudu may be unwilling to accept feelings of guilt, shame, or ambivalence about leaving
her child. She might also suppress feelings about her own dissatisfaction, unmet needs,
and resentment towards her husband’s financial limitations or their marital expectations
(Corey, 2020).
5. Person-centred approach and acceptance of feelings
A person-centred approach helps clients accept feelings through:
Empathic listening: Encourages recognition and exploration of suppressed
emotions.
Reflection: Mirrors feelings, helping clients identify and accept parts of
themselves previously denied.
Non-directive support: Allows clients to integrate emotions without fear of
judgment, fostering congruence and self-acceptance (Rogers, 1961).
6. Advantages of working within a person-centred framework
Provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for self-exploration.
Supports autonomy and self-directed growth.
Encourages emotional awareness and self-acceptance.
Flexible across diverse cultural and social backgrounds, respecting Dudu’s
personal and cultural values (Corey, 2020).
References for Task 1
Corey, G. (2020). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy.
Houghton Mifflin.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 25 SEPTEMBER 2025
,Therapeutic Psychology
Task 1: Case Study – Dudu: Leaving her husband and child
1. Attitude about Dudu wanting to leave her husband and child
From a person-centred perspective, my attitude would be nonjudgmental and
empathetic. I would respect Dudu’s autonomy, understanding that her decision reflects
her internal experiences and needs. Personally, I value family unity and child welfare,
but as a counsellor, my role is to prioritize Dudu’s self-directed growth and well-being
without imposing my values. My values of empathy, respect, and unconditional positive
regard would influence my work by ensuring that Dudu feels heard, accepted, and
supported to explore her feelings safely (Corey, 2020).
2. Advice regarding her plan and her autonomy
If Dudu asked for my advice, I would avoid giving direct instructions. Instead, I would
encourage her to explore her feelings, fears, and possible consequences. I might say:
“Let’s talk about how you feel about your situation and what options feel right for you.”
This helps her clarify her values and make informed choices. Dudu is capable of
functioning without advice because the person-centred approach emphasizes self-
actualization; she has the internal resources to make decisions if supported in an
empathic environment (Rogers, 1961).
3. How I could be most helpful
I could help Dudu by providing:
Unconditional positive regard: Accepting her without judgment so she can
freely explore her feelings.
Empathic understanding: Reflecting her emotions to facilitate self-awareness.
Congruence: Being genuine and transparent in interactions to model authentic
emotional expression.
, This support helps Dudu understand her desires, fears, and responsibilities,
enabling her to make choices aligned with her true self (Corey, 2020).
4. Feelings currently unwilling to accept
Dudu may be unwilling to accept feelings of guilt, shame, or ambivalence about leaving
her child. She might also suppress feelings about her own dissatisfaction, unmet needs,
and resentment towards her husband’s financial limitations or their marital expectations
(Corey, 2020).
5. Person-centred approach and acceptance of feelings
A person-centred approach helps clients accept feelings through:
Empathic listening: Encourages recognition and exploration of suppressed
emotions.
Reflection: Mirrors feelings, helping clients identify and accept parts of
themselves previously denied.
Non-directive support: Allows clients to integrate emotions without fear of
judgment, fostering congruence and self-acceptance (Rogers, 1961).
6. Advantages of working within a person-centred framework
Provides a safe, nonjudgmental space for self-exploration.
Supports autonomy and self-directed growth.
Encourages emotional awareness and self-acceptance.
Flexible across diverse cultural and social backgrounds, respecting Dudu’s
personal and cultural values (Corey, 2020).
References for Task 1
Corey, G. (2020). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy.
Houghton Mifflin.
