Maria Kefalopoulou

Speech

Eudaimonia/happiness in ancient Greek culture and core person-centred values ​​and conditions: The person in harmony with the politis/citizen

Description

Through the exploration of the concept of happiness, mainly as it was founded in the Athenian democracy (as an essential human example of development and creativity), in the philosophical work of Plato and Aristotle and in Socrates’ paradigm, and by presenting stories of eudaimones polites/happy citizens in ancient Greece, initially this speech (logos) aims to answer a primary question: Ιs the person-centred approach in harmony with the ancient Greek culture?

In this regard, we consider that Carl Rogers’ position on the fully functioning person is closely related to the essence of the person as politis/citizen and the need to become eudaimon/happy in the process of self-actualization. According to classical values, happiness flourishes in democracy with its humanistic and optimistic principles, where this process finds a more congruent and creative environment.

In closing this critical understanding of ancient eudaimonia, we can simply ask ourselves: How can I become eudaimon/happy today? This is a crucial question for therapists and clients, facilitators and encounter group members, supervisors and supervisees, trainers and trainees to develop by applying a fruitful dialogue based on the core conditions and values ​​of PCT in the context of the writings of person-centred theorists, especially of Schmid’s and Tudor’s fundamental writings.

Short Bio

Dr. Maria Kefalopoulou, (PhD, ECP), Head of the Organizing Committee, has studied Social Psychology in France (Paris-Χ-Νanterre, Paris-VII-Denis Diderot) and she is Academic Lead in Counselling and Psychotherapy at ICPS- College for Humanistic Sciences, Athens, Greece.  She is member of the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP), member of the WAPCEPC, Co-Editor of the PCEP Journal and Vice President of PEEPVIP.