Many Dutch and Flemish client-centered psychotherapists believe that the 'interpersonal perspective' as developed by Van Kessel and Van der Linden (1991) is a model for the interpersonal approach in psychotherapy, as notably formulated by Donald Kiesler in his interpersonal communication theory (ICT). In the 1960s, Kiesler and Carl Rogers were indeed prominent associates for some time, but their professional development diverged rapidly and drastically.
This paper discusses five major differences between the 'interpersonal perspective' as formulated by Van Kessel and Van der Linden (1991) on the one hand and the ICT of Kiesler on the other. A theoretical comparison leads to the compelling conclusion that it is unjustified to consider ICT as a variant or off-shoot of client-centered (Rogerian) psychotherapy.
interpersonal perspective, interpersonal communication theory, theoretical comparison, client-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.