Page 26 - Here and Now June 2022

Book Review

On Becoming a Person: a therapist’s view
of psychotherapy
by Carl Rogers ((1902 - 1987)

Robinson UK - Original 1961, 2016 (Reprint)

Poonam Prakash and Ila Sharma

Context of Book
First written in 1961, the book is a fascinating read. It is a book which we would like to read again and
again. Considered a classic for anyone on the journey of personal growth as well as becoming a facilitator,
the book is a compilation of lectures and manuscripts between 1951 and 1961 written in a simple and
engaging style. Reading this book will not transform you into a perfect version of yourself but will set you
on a path of creating a more accepting and honest self.
Embedded in the Humanistic Psychology Tradition, the theme of this book was in opposition to
psychoanalysis of Freud and the theory of Operant Conditioning of Skinner. Humanistic psychology
supports the belief that humans, as individuals, are unique beings and should be recognized as such.
Humanists are concerned with the fullest growth of individuals in the area of love, fulfillment, self-worth
and autonomy.
The book is divided into seven parts with 21 chapters. Part 1 and II describe the personal position of the
author and the central exploration in the book. Reading the chapter, I can give one an insight into the
techniques of writing a biographical sketch that all of us interested in entering the PDP journey are
required to do. Part III and IV form the main body of the book. Part V explains the validity of the research.
Part VI explores implications of the research in other facets of life like education, family, group relations
etc., Part VII sets the limits of behavioral sciences and its responsible use.

The key inquiry in the book revolves around the hypothesis “If I can provide a certain type of relationship,
the other person will discover within himself the capacity to use that relationship for growth and change
and personal development will occur”. This statement can be broken into three parts which form the
central questions in the book. These are:

● What is the nature of a helping relationship and how do I create it?
● What would be the process of discovering one’s potential?
● What does change or psychological growth or maturity mean? Or what kind of person emerges
from the above process?

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