Abstract

There are various different models and approaches to therapy and counselling each with differing
concepts and features. Regardless of which model is being used it can be argued that one of the most
important tools a therapist has is themselves and a key factor in who they are, is their personality
type. This study aims at describing the client/person centred therapy treatment of perceived failure
and big five personality types. The theoretical framework of the study was hinged on the humanistic
approach developed by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. The humanistic approach emphasizes the
personal worth of the individual, the centrality of human values, and the creative, active nature of
human beings. The approach is optimistic and focuses on noble human capacity to overcome
hardship, pain and despair of failure. People are motivated to self-actualize and succeed. From the
study, it is quite evident that all the big five traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness,
neuroticism, and openness to experience) are correlated with therapy treatment. The theory of
client/person-centred therapy suggests any client, no matter what the problem, can improve without
being taught anything specific by the therapist, once he/she accepts and respects themselves.