Justin Appler

In Becoming a Person, Carl Rogers explains that mental health symptoms arise from a disconnect between an individual's conscious experiences and their inner values. To achieve well-being, one must align with their authentic Self, which may differ from societal or familial expectations. Rogers describes therapy as a journey of uncovering the true Self by removing masks shaped by external pressures, allowing individuals to experience themselves more deeply. With empathy and unconditional positive regard from the therapist, clients begin to embrace change, recognizing their symptoms as part of their evolving self, not a static condition. As clients integrate denied experiences, they shift from external validation to internal self-acceptance, resulting in a healthier sense of self and decreased symptoms.

Psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach rooted in the belief that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences significantly influence current behavior and emotional functioning. Developed from Freudian theory, it focuses on exploring unresolved conflicts, childhood experiences, and internalized patterns that shape one's psychological state. Psychodynamic therapy views the therapeutic relationship as a mirror for understanding patterns in relationships outside therapy. During treatment, clients are encouraged to explore repressed memories, dreams, and feelings, often uncovering unresolved conflicts. The therapist's role is to guide the individual through this process. Through self-awareness and reflection, psychodynamic therapy aims to resolve internal conflicts, enhance emotional regulation, and foster healthier coping mechanisms. It can be especially helpful for those struggling with long-standing issues like depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

Mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy are increasingly being integrated as effective approaches to mental health treatment. Mindfulness meditation focuses on cultivating awareness and acceptance of the present moment and observing one's thoughts and emotions without judgment. This practice helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting emotional regulation and fostering a calm, focused mind. In therapy sessions, mindfulness encourages openness and, improves self-awareness and emotional resilience.

In Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Self is defined by eight qualities: confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. It is a compassionate, wise core within all individuals, unaffected by trauma. IFS identifies two types of internal protectors: managers and firefighters. Managers help maintain function by keeping exiled parts (vulnerable, child-like aspects of the self) hidden from conscious awareness and often suppress emotions. Firefighters respond to emotional pain by numbing it, often through addictive behaviors. IFS views "pathological" symptoms as protective measures, with the goal of therapy to help individuals reconnect with their Self. The therapist guides the client in “unblending,” allowing the Self to lead and enabling the exiled parts to heal through compassion and acceptance. The concept of Self is universally accessible, aligning with spiritual concepts across different traditions, such as chi, prana, or Christ consciousness, offering a flexible framework for healing.