person centered counselling

Describe person centred counselling.

Carl Rogers was an influential American psychologist and among the

founders of the humanistic approach to psychology. Carl Rogers was

found to be the sixth most eminent psychologist of the 20th century

and second amoung clinicians, only to Sigmund Freud.

The person centred approach was his own unique approach to

understanding personality and human relatinships. This found wide

application in various domains such as psychotherapy and counselling

(client centred therapy, person centred therapy), education (student

centred learning), organizations and other group settings.

Rogers strongly believed that theory should come out of practice

rather than the other way round, 70% should be based on

relationship between the client and the therapist and 30% on

knowlege (theory). This theory he based on working with emotionally

troubled people claiming that we have a remarkable capacity for self

healing and personal growth, placing a huge emphasis on a persons

current perception and how we live in the here and now.

Client centred therapy uses three basic core conditionsthat reflect

the therapist and the client. If you believe in the client then this

will work. The core conditions are showing the client an empathetic

understanding, showing genuiness/congruence with the client and

providing the client with unconditional possitive regard.

It is very importantfor the client to feel comfortable and safe, so

seating and personal space are vital. It is also about trust so a

contract specifying confidentiality is important and being able to

own the situation.

Allowing your client to be responsible for themselves and educating

them to make their own decisions.