Person-Centered Therapy

Person-Centered Therapy

Key Figures:  Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

Person-Centered therapy created by Carl Rogers, this form of humanistic therapy deals with the ways in which people perceive themselves consciously rather than having a therapist try to interpret unconscious thoughts or ideas. Basically this particular type of therapy is a type of talking therapy.  There are many different components and tools used in person-centered therapy including active listening, genuineness, paraphrasing, and more. But the real point is that the client already has the answers to the problems and the job of the therapist is to listen without making any judgments, without giving advice, and simply help the client feel accepted and understand their own feelings.

"The Person-Centered Therapy, his own unique approach to understanding personality and human relationships, found wide application in various domains such as psychotherapy and counseling (Client-Centered Therapy), education (student centered learning), organizations, and other group settings" according to a recent website (http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Carl_Rogers).

Key Concepts: According to a recent article (Corey, 2012, p. 178) "When therapists are able to experience and communicate their realness, support, caring, and nonjudgmental understanding, significant changes in the client are most likely to occur."  Also three key points were also created by Carl Rogers to help clients move forward in their therapy: realness, caring, and ability for clients to develop an understanding of empathy.

Goals of the theory: The aim of person-centered psychotherapy is to create a comfortable environment and to provide the client with unconditional positive regard. The theory is that this environment will aid the client in finding solutions to his or her problems. According to a recent article (Corey, 2012, p.10) "This approach was developed during the 1940s as a non directive reaction against psychoanalysis. Based on a subjective view of human experiencing, it places faith in and gives responsibility to the client in dealing with problems and concerns."  The major key element of person-centered therapy is the ability for clients to develop increased self-esteem. 

Techniques: A person-centered therapy session is often delivered in a one-to-one setting, but person-centered (group therapy) is also possible. In group therapy of this kind, the leader of the group is responsible for creating an atmosphere of trust. Another variation on the person-centered therapy approach includes certain styles of (play therapy), often employed with young children. Person-centered therapy places much of the responsibility for the treatment process on the client, with the therapist taking a non directive role to help the client gain self-esteem and growth.

Suggested links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP2FPJlf9ck

References:

Corey, G. (2012). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (9th edition). Belmont,

         CA:  Brooks/Cole. 

MeGotTheBeat1. (2011, October). Person Centered Approach. Retrieved May 19, 2012, from

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP2FPJlf9ck

Psychology Wiki. (No date found). Carl Rogers. Retrieved May 19, 2012, from

           http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/Carl_Rogers