Self Concept - inc. Conditions of Worth, Introjections, Organismic Self and Psychological Tension

The Self-Concept - An Explanation and Definition. This video outlines what the self-concept is, how it is made (conditions of worth and introjections), how psychological tension and anxiety are created between your self-concept and organismic valuing process and fianlly, how to discover your own self-concept!
We look at the importance of Carl Rogers Theory on Self-concept in Person-Centred Therapy and why it is so important in our work with clients and developing our own self-awareness.
If you have any questions or comments then please leave them below and if you haven't already, then please subscribe to the channel here - tinyurl.com/y5w9aolx
More info at www.christhecounsellor.co.uk
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Facebook - / christhecoun. .

[@nadia2500]

The Elsa (Frozen) example, "conceal dont feel, be the good girl you're supposed to be"😢..... is spot on ❤

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Yes, it can be a really common experience for people and glad it was helpful

[@OurTinyTribe]

I can't tell you how happy I am to have discovered your channel. This is helping so much with my study. Thanks so much.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Delighted to read that, I’m so glad it’s helpful for you. Lots more to come in the New Year!! Good luck with your studies and any particular topics you’d find helpful me covering, just let me know. All the best

[@OurTinyTribe]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor absolutely I will. No doubt I'll be asking some questions in here also. As part of my studies I've been reading lots of introduction PC theory books which all seem to use slightly different terminology that have been confusing me. This video is the first time I've heard most of those key words brought together in one explanation and it's really unlocked things for me. Again, SUPER appreciative of these videos and no doubt you'll hear from me again soon 😂

[@0104Alex]

Studying mental health and counselling, this video has been great for consolidating my knowledge of person-centred therapy! Animations were a great addition

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I'm so glad to read it's been helpful and really appreciate you stopping by and leaving the comment :) Good luck with your training!

[@clairedocteur9027]

Absolutely brilliant! I have spend days with my head in my Uni books trying to understand something that you have just broken down and explained in 10 minutes. Huge thank you! My mind is blown and the animations were brill!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

It is so lovely to read your comment and to know that it has helped you out. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your comment and good luck with the training! Chris

[@HLA-vh5of]

Hi Chris, I'm a Person-Centred counsellor and am building up my practice. I had a baby whilst finishing placement hours, so it stalled my progress a bit. This video reminded me about getting back to basics and not over thinking everything, as well as how effective Person-Centred therapy can be. I'm making an introductory video for my website and wasn't sure how to start. This has given me an idea to just touch on the theory with an emphasis of why the core conditions are so effective. You speak clearly and with conviction. I'm subscribing. Great work.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I am so glad to read this and really lovely to know that it has been of help and also may be of some support in making your own video too. Thank you for stopping by, subscribing and leaving your comment. I really hope that the return to work and development of your website goes well for you

[@ritikaparekh9627]

Understood a whole Chapter from my book in just 10 mins 🙄 ! Thank you so much 🥰

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

That is so lovely to read! I'm so glad that it helped, Ritika and good luck with your learning, Chris

[@user-hh2pk5oh5t]

Such a good explanation!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you for leaving your lovely comment and really glad that it was helpful 🙏🏻

[@lucygathuita4261]

I am a counsellor in training, I must say this is the best explanation of the self concept i have come across. thankyou so much. You have a new subscriber.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Im so glad that it was helpful and thank you for your kind words, comment and subscription. Good luck with the training

[@lucywilsher1480]

This video has really made it all so much clearer - never thought I'd be so grateful for a reminder of Frozen, and yet here we are! Thank you, can't wait to see more videos from you, much appreciated!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks for the lovely comment , Lucy. And I think I realise more and more how much Frozen is a part of everyday life ;)

[@darktrain85]

This, I feel is the absolute truth. 🙏

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Lauren :)

[@yannuni]

Thank you, Chris, this is so clear and easy to take in, and I think the animation works great, nice and simple and easy to digest

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you Yana. Really appreciated and helpful feedback. Glad it was well received :)

[@adrienne5080]

Thank you Chris.. Love your channel.x

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Luna

[@lillyvonice3086]

Thank you Chris! This has really helped me understand my studies!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Delighted to read that it has helped! Thanks for the comment and good luck with your studies

[@garyleem2000]

Great video Chris! Studying psychology and your videos are really helping understand theories and concepts, thank you

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Gary, that’s lovely to read and glad they are helping

[@StepheBrown]

Thanks counselor Chris! Excellent lesson. Double thumbs up for your animation!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much Steph’e!! I’m so glad it was well received, as well as the animation!!! All the best, Chris

[@ambershield5502]

Fantastic video. Really explained it well. Thank you! Animation really helps to visualise it.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much for the comment Amber, I am really glad that it helped and good to hear about the animation too! All the best with your next steps, Chris

[@ArtistandExposure]

great video, so easy to understand and helpful for my studies! Thank you Chris.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks for the comment, Carmela, that’s great to hear :)

[@jonathanhuck9918]

As a therapist in internship this video was sooooo helpful in giving me direction. Subscribe, like, and alert. Thanks!!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Amazing, thanks for the comment Jonathan, great to read!

[@TheAbacusClub]

Chris, thanks for your videos. You explained so clearly PCT concepts. Much appreciated!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Delighted it’s helped

[@louisephillips9541]

Brilliant video, love the diagrams! Much appreciated!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Great! Thanks for the comment Louise and glad you liked it

[@kazfisher5254]

Awesome presentation, so clear with relatable examples - Thanks Chris.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

So glad to read that, Kaz. Thanks for the comment!

[@Creativevolutionary]

Thanks, Chris, I love your style and clarity.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

That’s lovely to read - thank you

[@nataliekendall8194]

chris your so brilliant in your explanation of Rodgers have helped thanks dude x

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you so much Natalie, that’s lovely to read and so glad they are helpful

[@susanmoore1138]

love the animations! Incredibly helpful way of illustrating and reinforcing learning.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Great to read, Susan. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@annalyon276]

thank you for this video ! the exercise you recommended at the end was very useful and enlightening. This has really helped me understand self concept and introjected values well.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I’m so glad to read that Anna and really glad it helped. Thanks for the comment :)

[@ohrats9940]

Really helpful for my assignment on self concept. Thank you :) You're very clear and make it make sense

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Glad to read it! Thank you

[@zaidhilfi9804]

Thank you, can i say that your video clip is very clear, informative and enjoyable to watch. The information presented in a very friendly and clear voice, your delivery speed absolutely spot on

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Zaid, thank you so much for your lovely comment. It is really great to receive and I really appreciate your time and words. All the best, Chris

[@cherchelafemme8814]

Just started my level 2 counselling and honestly your videos are sooo helpful. Very concise and still rich with information and easy to understand. Thank you

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you so much Cherche, I am so glad that they are helpful. I really appreciate your comment and it means a lot, thank you

[@avfitness5686]

Hi Chris Thank you for making this video and explaining this so clearly. I really engaged with this video about Self Concept, the example about Elsa was really good. This is really helpful to my Counselling training. I hope you are keeping safe and healthy at this time. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your comment and glad it was well received. Hopefully more coming soon. Thanks again and take care

[@milliefelstead2309]

Really well explained. Watched this before and just revisiting it because it’s put across in such easy to understand way.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much, Millie, really appreciate the kind words and thanks for leaving a comment

[@ninae-b5218]

Thank you so much for this. I'm currently studying counselling also working through my own issues around self. I found the the little video really useful as I learn better with visuals. 😊

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I am so glad to read that and thank you for leaving the comment. Good luck on the training and personal journey :)

[@ewawozniak8492]

Wonderful explanation, love to see animation... Thank you Chris just subscribed your chanel to learn more from you 💜

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Glad to have you on board! Thanks for the comment

[@martinwright8108]

Hello again Chris. I've dusted off my Client-Centered Therapy (and corrected my spelling) and have done some mildly dispiriting trawling through other KZbin vids to find an equally dispiriting pattern - the more accurate the representation of these circles, the less hits the vid gets and the less accurate, especially those that suggest that we can somehow find our pure, unadulterated 'authentic' self in them get more, proportional to the amount of certainty and, I suspect comfort, they can project. Watching your video has prompted me to revisit places that I haven't been in 20 years and man have they changed, both internally and externally. You have my gratitude.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I’m so glad to read of the impact for you Martin and yes, it is interesting to see which videos get more hits and engagements depending on how they are presented!! Thanks for your comment and good luck with reading the newly dusted books!!

[@oritse55]

Love the animation 👌

[@Laido63]

Thanks Chris, this is a very informative video..really helpful :)

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Really glad to read it, thanks Andy :)

[@DarrenFMagee]

Very well explained 👍

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you very much :) best of luck with your channel too - looks like some good content!

[@Mzd-yo7ux]

Fantastic video and using frozen to explain made it easier to understand

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

So glad to read that. Thank you!

[@butterflyblessbless5836]

This is an awesome breakdown

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you so much - that's lovely to read and so glad it was helpful :)

[@zaidhilfi9804]

Thank you Chris fascinating insight, and very good demonstration. As a visual learner, I thought the animation was very good, I will be subscribing and following your channel

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you very much. That’s lovely to read and glad the animation helped too. Thanks for the sub!

[@sherrellesmith5046]

Thanks so much for this great explanation. I was struggling with how everything interlinks but it is all much clearer from your video and love the frozen analogy lol I will be watching the film again from a whole different perspective lol

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Sherrelle! So glad it helped and always good to have another reasons to watch Frozen, right?! Thanks for the comment

[@alinaczajka5079]

Thank you Chris, your video is very helpful in my journey to find who am I 😊

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I’m so glad to read that and good luck on your journey!

[@georginabarre4720]

Thank you, just revising for external case study exam and found this video very helpful

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

So glad to read that, Georgina and hope it went well

[@shilpanarayan6076]

The video was helpful to understand Person centre therapy

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I am so glad to read that. I’m really glad you found it helpful and thank you for the comment :)

[@rukshifabian9771]

Thank you. Easy to understand. I am going to hit it..The subscribe button😊👍👌

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Glad to have you on board Rukshi! 🙌🏻

[@jlggaynor7272]

Thank you Chris.Your video filled a gap in my knowledge.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

So glad to read that, thank you for the comment

[@llamo02]

Wow, thanks for explaining this Chris. Being gay I can totally understand my behaviour, and my self concept coupled with incongruence. It’s a learning curve and will help me in my journey to become a counsellor. Great work, and thanks again.👍

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much and so glad to read it was helpful and relatable! Good luck on your journey and thanks for stopping by :)

[@justynaisobelmatejekbodymi6870]

brilliant, very helpful x

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

So glad to read :)

[@anthonymills3174]

A great summary of some key concepts - but something i will need to watch and re-watch as so much to fully absorb ( thank goodness for KZbin) . You have a real gift at explaining things though and i really enjoy the way you present things in such a simplified way. Dawn

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks a lot Dawn, it’s really appreciated and your words mean a lot, I’m glad it’s helpful :)

[@sarahafreenmalik2679]

So helpful thank you!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Glad to read it, Sarah. Thanks for the comment

[@OurTinyTribe]

Hey Chris! I have a question I've been struggling with. I'm hoping I can articulate it clearly enough. In your video the diagram shows psychological tension being created between the self concept and the organismic self. This is how I've come to understand it and read about in various books. However in other books they split the self concept into three (self image, self worth, ideal self) and then have the psychological tension coming from the incongruence between self image and ideal self. Now I'm confused as to whether the tension comes from within the self concept, or between the self concept and organismic self. Or both. Or alternatively whether I've got myself confused haha I'm still in the process of qualification so it's early days. Thanks again for creating such a useful channel

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Yes, I have noticed this in a lot of my students writing. I may be wrong on this, but my understanding is that these separations came after Rogers. I prefer to get it from the source and as far as I'm aware, he refers to Psychological Tension coming from an incongruence created by the difference between our experience in the world and our self-concept. I'm not sure he would even use a term like "ideal" self because, through his theory, this is always changing and, ideally, fluid and flexible (see Fully Functioning Person). Hope this helps and is just my personal understanding

[@OurTinyTribe]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor Hey Chris. Thank you. Yes it does. It really does. Appreciate it. Have a fantastic Christmas. Can't wait for more videos.

[@paulpage9367]

Amazing content...............

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks so much Paul :)

[@adamflood5870]

thanks..a good explanation 🤓😀

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Adam

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 6 months ago about self development. Now I have 569 subs and > 100 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Amazing to read of your success and touched that this channel was part of that too! Good luck and keep up the good work - bit by bit!!

[@nathananderson8720]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor I sincerely appreciate such kind words! When I was a kid, all I wanted was to have a career that pays well so I can buy whatever I want but now that I’m grown up and went through tons of setbacks from losing tons of people in my life, getting lost in the world with full of life traps, being ridiculed for pursuing my dreams, having so many people tell me that I’m merely wasting my time creating a meaningful content online, and so on, I can say that long-lasting happiness can’t be bought or earned because it comes from within us. Continue to grow as a person and I’m so glad that you’re part of this journey! I’m hoping to upload my next one this month, which is more than an hr long. I’ve been working hard for many months now to present it in the best way I can. I hope that you’ll enjoy it! Thanks so much again for your support! ❤

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I can really hear the passion and it's lovely to read! Best of luck!!

[@nathananderson8720]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor Whoever you are, I don't know you personally but I can say based on what you said that you’re one of the non-judgmental and open-minded people who is not fixated on tangible or external factors in order to learn from someone like me. Just because someone doesn't have a piece of paper as a credential, doesn't mean that person is not entitled to share personal experiences with the hope & intention to inspire others. Being brutally honest to myself and others is one of my top values in life because seeking the truth leads me to paths I was once blinded from. Keep up with whatever it is that you're doing to improve mankind or improving your life even to a slight degree each day. This is just one part of a bigger puzzle for creating my KZbin channel about holistic health. I literally could have died back when I was 14 years old due to major depression but here I am right now replying to you, a KZbinr, who's full of fulfillment and dedication to help others to be a better version of themselves. I ain't better than anyone else but my old self. That's all that really makes this KZbin thing more meaningful and enjoyable. Thanks so much for your support and joining me with this endless personal development journey! :)

[@faithwhite4345]

i liked the reference to frozen!

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Have to get it in where I can 😉❄️

[@user-jo5px5ox3e]

great video

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you for the comment - I'm glad it was well received :)

[@Rosel63]

This is soo true 😢

[@russellbyrne376]

Excellent

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks Russell

[@jamesreacts111]

you're quality mate, keep it up and get me my degree

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

A real pleasure to read this comment, James. Thank you

[@jamesreacts111]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor can I ask a question chris can u recommend I'm not sure of this is a thing but a social hierarchy framework of why self-reflection is needed. I.e. social power regarding race class gender etc

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

I would like to try and help, James but I’m unsure I fully understand the request. If you are able to say a bit more about what you’d like and I’ll do what I can :)

[@ahmeddaganeakafikowfikow4548]

Really good and very clear

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you Ahmed

[@ahmeddaganeakafikowfikow4548]

But could have being much better if you can upload in your Twitter in note form plz

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

@@ahmeddaganeakafikowfikow4548 Ah do you mean a full written transcript of the video?

[@ahmeddaganeakafikowfikow4548]

Yes and like notes

[@creativelydreaming9926]

Hi Chris, thank you for this video. It was really interesting and useful. I liked the examples and the the animation was really helpful. I am coming to the end of my level 3 in counselling and I’ve watched your videos before. Then I saw your training in Hove. I’m investigating various level 4 courses in the area to start in September and I’m very interested in person centred counselling. On my level 3 we were given a diagram of the self-concept where in one circle there is the organismic self (our true authentic self- what we are born with), then another circle with the ideal self (the self/person we truly want to be)within it. The two circles overlap slightly in the middle. We then had introjected values and conditions of worth as arrows impacting on the two selves. You have described the organismic self and self concept within two separate circles and have not mentioned the ‘ideal self’. I am interested to know your view of what I’ve been given on my course as a description of the self-concept. I’ve done reading around this and also was interested in how this all works with self-actualisation. When a person becomes ‘fully functioning’ or ‘self-actualised’ does the organismic self and ideal self become fully integrated? Or in your version, the self concept and organismic self become fully integrated? I’d be very grateful to hear your view or explanation of the above. Thank you, Helen 😊

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Hi Helen, great question and sorry for my delay in replying to you. For myself, I don't tend to use the term 'ideal self' as I think this can get a bit complicated and is also changeable and complex. To try and keep things simpler (and I think Rogers did the same), it seems easier to talk of the OVP (Our congruent responses to experience) and the self-concept (how we see ourselves). In what you are describing, I think the alignment of both of these is what we might call a fully functioning person or congruence (although this is never possible to achieve fully). Self-actualisation is also a confusing term, because it is often used in the way that Maslow meant it (someone reaching their full potential), whereas in PC Theory, this term usual mean actualisation of the self-concept - which can be a whole host of things and is not necessarily "our full potential." You may find my video on the Actualising Tendency or an article on my website about self-actualisation helpful in understanding this further, but if there are any further questions or clarifications that would be helpful in what I have said here, please feel free to let me know. Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by :)

[@martinwright8108]

Hello Chris, I enjoyed watching your vid. Your animation was fine in my opinion. I've noticed a little confusion in the comments about these circles and I admit to some myself. I thought that there were two, self-structure (your self-concept) and the second being experience denied to awareness. Where these overlapped sat an area of what I'm guessing is your organismic self, a kind of undistorted awareness or congruence. It may be that I've either got different circles or that he altered this scematic during his life. Certainly this was one of his earlier diagrams and showed the dynamic nature of his approach - that as therapy progressed, the client would allow more experience into awareness, challenge their condition laden self-structure and increase their congruence thus also increasing the overlap. I can't be sure but I think I'm referring to 'Client Centred Therapy' (spelled in the American way of course).

[@oritse55]

Hi Chris, I love the animation. Can one's conditions of worth be seen as a growing edge?

[@user-eh8kl3wg8j]

Hello Chris I've enjoyed watching your video. How does self concept work in CBT?

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks for the comment and question. Self-concept is not a concept as such in CBT, as it is mainly a person-centred term. But I suppose in CBT there is an equivalent of our own image (thoughts, feeling and behaviours) or schemas that may be part of making up an equivalent of a self-concept, but ultimately, it would just be how we see ourselves, which can be applied to any therapy in some way. Hope that helps.

[@Ross-hr9oj]

You are really great where did you study to become a counsellor?

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thank you for the kind words. I studied in my hometown of Preston at the University of Central Lancashire

[@syedbukhari2689]

Hi chris I have to writer process report any recommendations

[@raheenairshad9291]

thanks for explaining it so well..i am often criticized for being strong and i believe this is the REAL ME, cant it be the case or our real selves are only vulnerable ? pls enlighten

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Hi Raheena, thanks for your comment and question. I suppose each person "real" self are often quite varied but I would say that they will often have a spectrum of presentations in them. For example, there are probably strong parts and vulnerable parts in there. Often we can feel or know when we are acting congruently and in line with our real self but it is also good to stay open to peoples feedback and experience to give us a fuller picture. Johari's window is a good illustration of this. I hope that helps and if there is anything else, please don't hesitate to ask, Chris

[@raheenairshad9291]

@@ChrisTheCounsellor thanks for your time and reply. i would need to learn waht spectrum of presentation is. cheers

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Ah, sorry, that was just my own phrasing rather than an official term. I suppose what I mean is that there is a great variety in how people present themselves and we are naturally very varied as individuals ie we won’t be just vulnerable or just strong but usually times of both in varying degrees and at different times. Hope that helps :)

[@lwright1554]

Hi Chris, I loved your explanation and the way I which self concept is formed. Brilliant for beginners and a concise summary of introjection. I really cannot stand that jangly music accompanying your animation. It's everywhere these days and the "hack" association cheapens it. It's a no for me though I like the animation itself.

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated and noted :)

[@TrishaWotton]

I noticed when I made my list of aspects of myself that I felt one or two were both true to me and likely conditions of worth. I found it really hard to separate, can they be both? Or does the fact that they were formed originally as conditions of worth (being fun in company) preclude them being a real part of my organismic self?

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Hi Trisha. Yes, absolutely, there can be crossover. In the video, when there is overlap in the circle, this would represent parts of us that are both our OVP (true to me, as you describe it) and self-concept (which is made up of conditions of worth). So yes, there can certainly be conditions of worth, that are also in line with congruence in us, but it also can be very nuanced and even more layers to these behaviours which might make some aspects of, for example, being fun in company, congruent, and some aspects, incongruent conditions of worth. As I write this, I think of something like how we feel about ourselves if we are congruently not fun in company and what this might tell us about the OVP/Congruent aspects of it. I hope that helps and is clear, but if you need any further explanation or clarification, please feel free to ask

[@ShazWag]

What about if you're experiencing acute depression or anxiety and don't actually know how you feel, or you can't think straight because the depression is clouding your thoughts? Is it still possible to be helped by person centred therapy when you're so overwhelmed?

[@louisehowes8345]

👍

[@agnesnatasha6032]

I want to ask, what is the example of organismic self ?

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Organismic self is often to referred to as the "real" self or the part of self which feels most authentic. Often we are not fully in this place due to conditions of worth, expectations, self-concept, introjections etc. I hope that answers the questions and if I have missed anything, please let me know.

[@agnesnatasha6032]

If someone is defend himself when there is a physical assault can it be called organismic self ?

[@ChrisTheCounsellor]

Good question and could get quite technical but for the most part I would describe defending yourself as congruent and natural? It may be easier to think ‘is defending self from physical assault incongruent?’ and I would be inclined to say no but it is a bit of a trickier example as it is a one off event rather than a persons Self as a whole

[@agnesnatasha6032]

Okayy thank you