This article discusses the concept of psychological or mental health, and how this informs the process and outcomes of person-centered psychotherapy. Health is discussed with reference to philosophical ideas about health and the good life, concepts of mental health and positive psychology, and person-centered psychology. Drawing on the work of the Hungarian psychologist, Andras Angyal, whose ideas influenced Carl Rogers, the trend towards homonomy or belonging is viewed as just as much a part of human existence as the trend towards autonomy - and as an integral, if overlooked part of the concept of the fully functioning, authentic human being. The article considers the importance of viewing the client as both healthy and ill, or of having or holding healthy processes alongside neurotic or psychotic ones, and that the process of psychotherapy is - or should be - as much concerned with acknowledging healthy processes as defensive ones. The personal and social reality of a homonomic trend is central for an understanding of the fully functioning person and engaged citizen of today in an increasingly conflictual world in which dominant 'Western' societies and psychologies overemphasize autonomy.
autonomy, homonomy, mental health, person-centered psychotherapy
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.
