Individuals also have experiences of which they are unaware and the phenomenological field contains both conscious and unconscious perceptions. The concept of the self is, according to Rogers, however, primarily conscious. The most important determinants of behavior are the one's that are conscious or are capable of becoming conscious. Roger argues that a definition of the self that includes a reference to the unconscious (as with Freud) can not be studied objectively as it can not be directly known." This perfect description given by Prevos (2005) is precisely what Rogers would have envisioned of his theory. His aims, unlike Freud, were to allow humanity to return, instead of alienating individuals by placing them in categories related solely to desire and sexuality. However, both psychologists aimed to explain human motivation, and this can be seen as a similarity of two very opposite viewpoint.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Both theories have strengths and weaknesses. Many psychologists believe for example, that the timing of these theories suited the growth of the psychological field, as well as the decades in which they were constructed. It is, further, a logical prediction to state that theories will evolve, and that is exactly what happened when Rogers could not agree completely with Freud. However, whereas Rogers theory saw the good in people, there were still good aspects of Freud's theory, such as the fact that "…amidst all of Freud's arrogance he actually wanted to listen...

After discovering the truths in his own personal introspections of his dreams and childhood, he realized that this is where the information was…By listening to the patients he could gain insight into their unconscious and help them overcome their hysteria."
Conclusion

It is, thus very important to recognize not only Freud and Rogers various takes on psychotherapy and personality, but also the similarities and differences between these two people, as well as the strengths and weaknesses within each theory. These paragraphs have touched upon aspects of each of these scopes; however, a much more comprehensive study is surely needed in order to address all fully.

Prevos, P. (2005). Hidden Personalities According to Freud and Rogers. Retrieved September 29, .

Freud Life and Work. 2011. Freud Files. Retrieved September 29, .

Prevos, P. (2005). Hidden Personalities According to Freud and Rogers. Retrieved September 29, .

Prevos, P. (2005). Hidden Personalities According to Freud and Rogers. Retrieved September 29, .

Carl Rogers. (2011). Simply Psychology. Retrieved September 30,

Prevos, P. (2005). Hidden Personalities According to Freud and Rogers. Retrieved September 29, .

Prevos, P. (2005). Hidden Personalities According to Freud and Rogers. Retrieved September 29, .

Ansbacher, Corey, Phillips and Schultz. (2005). Freud's Strengths and Weaknesses. Retrieved September 30, .