November 13, 2025 FPKS
Fakulti Psikologi dan Kerja Sosial, UMS
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur timezone

FROM SELF-DOUBT TO SELF-ACCEPTANCE: A PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH TO EMOTIONAL HEALING AFTER DRUG REHABILITATION

Not scheduled
20m
Fakulti Psikologi dan Kerja Sosial, UMS

Fakulti Psikologi dan Kerja Sosial, UMS

Faculty of Psychology and Social Work, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Abstract Submission Case Study and Good Practices in Counselling / Kajian Kes dan Amalan Terbaik dalam Kaunseling

Speaker

Kuan Yi Tay

Description

Abstract This case study presents the application of Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) with a female client (pseudonym: Client A) who had completed a drug rehabilitation program. The primary personal issues identified were low self-esteem, emotional instability, and fear of reintegrating into society following a prolonged history of substance abuse. These issues reflected deep struggles with self-identity, acceptance, and adjustment to life after recovery.

The purpose of this case study was to document the counseling process, highlight effective therapeutic interventions, and contribute to evidence-based practices for working with individuals in post-rehabilitation contexts. Six individual counseling sessions were conducted over ten weeks. The three core PCT conditions; empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence were consistently applied throughout the sessions to create a safe and supportive environment that fostered self-exploration and personal growth.

By the end of the counseling process, Client A demonstrated greater emotional stability, improved self-awareness, and enhanced self-worth. She was also able to set realistic personal goals and expressed commitment to sustaining her recovery journey. This case study suggests that Person-Centered Therapy is an effective and culturally adaptable counseling approach for promoting the psychosocial well-being of individuals recovering from drug addiction within the Malaysian context. The findings further imply that counselors working with post-rehabilitation clients should emphasize empathy, acceptance, and authenticity to facilitate clients’ reintegration, self-empowerment, and long-term recovery maintenance.

Keywords: Person-Centered Therapy, Drug Rehabilitation, Self-Esteem, Emotional Stability, Social Reintegration

Primary author

Kuan Yi Tay

Co-author

Dr Tuan Norbalkish Tuan Abdullah (Universiti Malaysia Sabah)

Presentation materials