[1][2] According to this theory, all behavior is determined by the conscious self, described as "the phenomenal field" of the behaving organism, and can only be understood if the researcher sees the world through the individual's eyes and mind.

According to the authors, motivation is "the basic need of everyone to preserve and enhance the phenomenal self, and the characteristics of all parts of the field are governed by this need".

Learning(L) takes place through differentiation, being a matter of improving the quality of one's experiences by extracting some meaningful detail from the confusion that surrounds us.

If not, the threat leads to defenses, neurotic and psychotic symptoms, and even criminal behavior.

Consequently, psychotherapy consists of freeing clients from inappropriate perceptions, behaviors, cognitions, and emotions they have set up to protect themselves from threat.