About the Person-Centred Approach in Therapy
‘A person is a fluid process, not a fixed and static entity; a flowing river of change, not a block of solid material; a continually changing constellation of potentialities, not a fixed quantity of traits.’
― Carl R. Rogers, On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy
Person-centred therapy (also referred to as client-centred therapy or Rogerian therapy) is based on the humanistic philosophy that every individual has the inherent ability to create a more positive and enjoyable way of living for themselves. It provides a non-judgmental and accepting space for free thinking and self-discovery.
American psychologist Carl Rogers developed the process of person-centred therapy, a form of Humanistic therapy, from the 1940s through the 1980s. Rogers believed that people are capable of self-healing and personal growth, which leads to self-actualisation and reaching one's potential. These beliefs contrasted with more clinical approaches that were popular at the time.
Three key elements (also referred to as core conditions) of person-centred therapy are:
Unconditional positive regard: The therapist does not make judgements and offers the client full acceptance.
Congruence: There is genuineness on the part of the therapist.
Empathetic understanding: The therapist communicates their desire to understand and appreciate the client’s experience and perspective.
By creating a therapeutic environment grounded in these three core conditions, person-centred therapy aims to provide clients with a safe, non-judgmental space for self-exploration and personal growth. This approach empowers individuals to tap into their innate capacity for positive change, self-awareness, and self-acceptance, ultimately fostering greater psychological well-being and fulfilment.
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References
Cherry, K. (2020). Carl Rogers Psychologist Biography. [online] Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/carl-rogers-biography-1902-1987-2795542.
Mearns, D., Thorne, B. and McLeod, J. (2013). Person-centred Counselling in Action. 4th ed. London : Sage.
Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a Person: a Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. London: Constable.
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