Person centred therapy is a humanistic therapy approach which focuses on the ways in which an individual views themselves consciously. The therapist actively listens and mirrors the client whilst providing sufficient positive feedback to empower the client to further explore their difficulties in a safe, understanding and non-judgemental environment.
Carl Rogers created person-centred therapy in the 1950s. He proposed that humans have an innate tendency to develop towards their full potential. This means that we have a natural ‘want’ to create the best version of ourselves. We want to grow in a positive way and develop towards our own potential. Person-centred therapy encourages us, as individuals, to have a healthy psychological outlook, trust our own feelings and have a true relationship with ourselves and our life experience.
A person centred therapy session is a non-directive therapy approach led by the client which focuses on the here and now. The relationship between the client and therapist plays a big part in person centred therapy. The development of trust and understanding between client and therapist encourages self-awareness and realisation within the client in regards to their own processes and issues. This allows the client to reflect on their problems and think of solutions with gentle encouragement from the therapist. These processes facilitate positive therapeutic growth for the client.
