Because people have the basic need for a high self-regard, they attempt to organize
their internal and external experiences into an integrated self. During this process of selfactualizing,
unhealthy psychological or social influences could hinder an individual from
realizing his or her potential as an integrated, productive self. In other words, conflicts
develop when individuals' basic needs and their needs to obtain approval from others are
inconsistent. Terry, for example, is experiencing conflict between her basic needs for selfactualization and her need for approval from her parents. The professional counselor working
with Terry must be present and congruent to assist her in moving toward the discovery
of her true self.