The client has the potential to become aware of problems and the means to resolve them. Faith is placed in the client's capacity for self-direction.
Mental health is a congruence of ideal self and real self.
Maladjustment is the result of a discrepancy between what one wants to be and what one is. Focus is on the present moment and on experiencing and expressing feelings. It is especially well suited for the initial phases of crisis-intervention work. Its principles have been applied to marital and family therapy, community programs, administration and management, and human-relations training. This approach uses few techniques but stresses the attitudes of the therapist.