Person-Centred Therapy, also known as Rogerian therapy, involves the therapist using a non-directive, non-authoritative approach, allowing the client to take a lead in their sessions and discover their own solutions in the process.
Devised by Carl Rogers, who believed in, and appreciated, the uniqueness of individuals, strongly emphasised people’s natural tendency towards personal growth (self-actualising tendency), so long as a positive and encouraging psychological climate is facilitated.
In Person-Centred Therapy, compassionate, active listening is provided by the therapist, where they listen to the client without judgement or any authoritative stance. The therapist acknowledges that the client is the expert of their own life and will support them in their process of self-discovery as they uncover what they need to grow as a person. Therapists aim to convey what Rogers called the ‘three core conditions’ in therapy, which are unconditional positive regard (non-judgement), empathy, and congruence (genuineness). Through exploring and reflecting on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with their therapist, the client may gradually achieve greater clarity, self-acceptance, and self-discovery, which ultimately play a pivotal role in their personal growth.
References & Resources
Psychology Today. (2022). Person-Centred Therapy.
Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/therapy-types/person-centered-therapy
Rogers, C. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.