The Phenomenon of Self-trust in the Practice of a Person-centered Approach

We made an attempt to theoretically and empirically study the psychological phenomenon of self trust, to identify its possible relationship with intuition and intuitive response. Based on theoretical analysis, the author’s model of the phenomenon of self trust was formulated, based on the distinction between organismic and cognitive types of self trust. Based on the theoretical analysis and the author’s model, a hypothesis about the relationship between self-trust and intuitive response in a person-centered approach was formulated and visualized. The hypothesis boils down to the fact that the therapist’s organismic trust in himself is an important condition for intuitive response. In the process of empirical research using qualitative methodology (in-depth semi-structured interview and descriptive phenomenological analysis), the meanings of self trust and intuition among practicing psychologists in a person-centered approach were identified and analyzed, and the main categories describing these phenomena from the respondents point of view were identified. Based on the data obtained, the relationship between self trust and intuitive response in the work of psychologists-consultants of the person-centered approach was investigated, and the hypothesis that the therapist’s organismic trust in himself is a condition for intuitive response was confirmed.