Terminator 2. Judgement They!

Judgement and being non-judgemental.

When it comes to therapy, the words "judging" and "judgment" can have different meanings and implications. Let's take a closer look.

"Judging" refers to the process of forming an opinion or evaluation about a person, behavior, or situation.

As a therapist, it's important to make judgments about a client's behaviour, thoughts, and feelings to help them gain insight and make progress.

However, it's essential to avoid making harsh or critical judgments that could damage the therapeutic relationship or make the client feel ashamed or defensive.

In contrast, "judgment" refers to the process of making a decision or conclusion based on evidence or information.

In therapy, clients may be encouraged to engage in self-reflection and self-assessment to reach their own judgments about their behavior and experiences.

Although the therapist may provide guidance and support in this process, the client is ultimately responsible for making their own judgments about their lives and their choices.

The focus of Humanistic therapy is on promoting self-awareness, understanding, and growth, rather than making harsh or critical judgments about oneself or others.

Therefore, it's crucial for therapists to create a non-judgmental and empathic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.

It's important to note the distinction between evaluative judgment and judgmental attitude in therapy. Evaluative judgment involves forming an opinion or making an assessment about a person's behavior, thoughts, or feelings. On the other hand, judgmental attitude involves imposing one's own values or beliefs on a person, which can be harmful in therapy.

In therapy, a therapist can use evaluative judgment in a non-judgmental way. For example, a therapist may observe positive changes in a client's behavior or attitudes and provide positive feedback to reinforce and validate those changes. This is also conducive  to self-esteem. This type of evaluative judgment can be useful in therapy as it can help the client feel seen, heard, and valued.

However, it's crucial for the therapist to maintain a non-judgmental attitude towards the client as a whole. This means that they should avoid imposing their own values or beliefs on the client and strive to understand the client's perspective and experiences without imposing their own agenda or judgments on the client.

In summary, a therapist can use evaluative judgment in a non-judgmental way by making assessments or observations about the client's behavior, thoughts, or feelings in a supportive and non-imposing manner. The therapist should always maintain a non-judgmental attitude towards the client as a whole and avoid imposing their own values or beliefs on the client.

Harley Street Counselling and Training 2023. 

Bibliography.

• Cooper, M. (2019). Essential research findings in counselling and psychotherapy: The facts are friendly. Sage.
• Gelso, C. J., & Hayes, J. A. (1998). The psychotherapy relationship: Theory, research, and practice. Wiley.
• Norcross, J. C. (2011). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Evidence-based responsiveness. Oxford University Press.
• Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95-103.
• Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update. World Psychiatry, 14(3), 270-277.

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