Person-centered therapy, also known as client-centered therapy, is a humanistic approach to therapy that emphasizes the importance of the client's experience and perspective. This approach was developed by the American psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1950s and has become one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy.
Person-centered therapy is based on the idea that each individual has an innate drive toward growth and self-actualization. Rogers believed that this drive could be facilitated by a supportive and empathic therapist who provided a non-judgmental and accepting environment. In this way, the therapist acts as a facilitator who helps the client to access and understand their own feelings and experiences.
One of the key principles of person-centered therapy is empathy. The therapist must be able to deeply understand and appreciate the client's experience and perspective, without judgment or criticism. Empathy helps to establish a strong therapeutic relationship, in which the client feels understood and supported.
Another important principle of person-centered therapy is unconditional positive regard. This means that the therapist accepts the client for who they are, without judgment or evaluation. This non-judgmental stance allows the client to feel safe and secure, and to explore their feelings and experiences without fear of rejection.
Person-centered therapy also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and congruence. The therapist must be genuine and authentic in their interactions with the client, and must be willing to share their own experiences and feelings when appropriate. This helps to build a sense of trust and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship.
Research has shown that person-centered therapy can be effective in treating a wide range of psychological disorders and problems. A meta-analysis of 86 studies found that person-centered therapy was more effective than no treatment or placebo in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety (Elliott et al., 2013). Other studies have shown that person-centered therapy can be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Barrera et al., 2013), substance abuse (Truscott et al., 2016), and eating disorders (Goss et al., 2017).
Person-centered therapy is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. In some cases, person-centered therapy may be used as a prelude to other forms of therapy, to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and build trust between the client and therapist.
One of the benefits of person-centered therapy is that it is a non-directive approach, which means that the therapist does not give advice or tell the client what to do. Instead, the therapist helps the client to explore their own feelings and experiences, and to come to their own conclusions and insights. This can be empowering for clients, as they learn to trust their own instincts and develop their own sense of self-worth.
Person-centered therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. It is often used in conjunction with other types of therapy, such as art therapy, music therapy, or dance therapy. Person-centered therapy can also be used in organizational settings, such as in leadership development or team-building programs.
In summary, person-centered therapy is a humanistic approach to therapy that emphasizes the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, authenticity, and congruence. This approach can be effective in treating a wide range of psychological disorders and problems, and can be used in a variety of settings. Person-centered therapy is a non-directive approach, which empowers clients to explore their own feelings and experiences, and to develop their own sense of self-worth.
The reference list below provides a comprehensive understanding of person-centered therapy and its effectiveness in treating various psychological disorders. These references show that person-centered therapy has been studied and found to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and eating disorders. The references also provide insight into the principles and techniques used in person-centered therapy, such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, authenticity, and congruence. Overall, the references demonstrate that person-centered therapy is a valuable and effective approach to psychotherapy that can be used in a variety of settings and in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches.
Person-centered therapy is foundational to the way we approach counselling at Sojourn. Our therapists may draw from a number of other therapeutic models, however all of these are grounded in the principles of empathy, unconditional positive regard, authenticity, and congruence as formulated in the person-centered approach to therapy. If this approach to counselling fits with what you are looking for in a therapy and you are ready to speak to one of our staff, book a session with one of our therapists and experience person-centered therapy for yourself.