Person Centred Counselling
Concentrating on the here and now
The person-centred counselling approach, also known as humanistic, is usually “non directive”, with the therapist believing that by creating a safe environment, the client has the ability to heal themselves. The therapist works to create a space of trust and understanding by being non–judgmental, congruent and empathic.
The person-centred relationship concentrates on the here and now (present day) which is in contrast to the more traditional analytical approach which is often associated with the patient lying on a couch, focusing on their early experiences.
How does it work?
The person-centred counsellor believes that you have the capacity to reach your full potential. They will concentrate on your current perceptions (beliefs and opinions) of how you live your day-to-day life. Within this non-judgmental environment you are then able to learn new ways of relating to people and alternative ways of behaving and relating to events in your life, which previously you were unable to resolve.
The origins of the person-centred counselling approach
Carl Rogers split from the more traditional therapies of the analytical movements of Freud, Klein and psychodynamic theories and developed person-centred Counselling in the 1940s and 50s. He believed in the client’s ability to heal themselves which he termed ‘self-actualization’, and within this therapeutic relationship both client and counsellor sat side by side as equals and with the therapist deemed ‘not to be the expert’.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” ― Carl R. Rogers
He believed that in creating a relationship within the three core conditions:
- Genuineness or congruence
- Empathy or emotional understanding of another person’s problems
- Unconditional positive regard or non–judgmental acceptance
With these in place, Rogers believed that the client would naturally begin to feel better.
Person-centred counselling is often viewed as a positive therapy and with the basic interests of human progression as one of its primary goals.