Person Centered Therapy
Q1
What is Person Centered Therapy?
Person-centered therapy is a humanistic approach that emphasizes the inherent capacity of individuals to grow and heal.
Developed by Carl Rogers, it operates on the belief that everyone possesses an innate drive towards self-actualization, or reaching their full potential. My role is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment where clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences without fear of criticism.
Key elements include unconditional positive regard (acceptance without judgment), empathy (understanding the client’s perspective), and congruence (genuineness and authenticity from the therapist). The client is considered the expert on their own life, and the therapist acts as a facilitator, helping them access their inner wisdom and move towards greater self-understanding and personal growth. Person-centered therapy is often used to address a wide range of issues, enabling self-discovery and empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Q2
What are Person Centered core principles in counselling?
Empathy: Understanding the client’s perspective deeply and reflecting their feelings.
Congruence: Being genuine, authentic, and transparent with the client.
Unconditional Positive Regard: Accepting the client fully and without judgment.
“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.” – Karl Rogers
Q3
An example of person centered therapy!
Imagine a client, John, struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem due to past criticism from his boss. In person-centered therapy, the therapist, Joan, would create a safe, non-judgmental space for John to explore these feelings. Joan wouldn’t offer direct advice or interpretations. Instead, she’d actively listen, reflecting back John’s emotions and summarizing his experiences to demonstrate understanding. For example, if John says, “I feel like I’m never good enough,” Joan might respond, “It sounds like you’re feeling a lot of pressure to be perfect and that you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy.” This reflection helps John clarify his own feelings and gain deeper self-awareness. Joan’s unconditional positive regard assures him that he’s accepted regardless of his insecurities. This empathetic and genuine approach empowers John to explore the roots of his anxiety at his own pace, ultimately moving toward greater self-acceptance and healing.
You’re not alone. I’M here to help.