In this article we start off with a short description of the concept of responsibility from an existential perspective, and explain why for some clients it is difficult to take that responsibility. Next we offer a short description of a case history. Thirdly, we examine how this responsibility-avoiding behavior becomes visible in a specific session of the case at hand. Following this, we look at different methods that could be used to stimulate the client to take responsibility. And finally we let the client herself speak: what did she experience as the most helpful factor in this session?
client-centered psychotherapy, existential responsibility, freedom
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.