Person-Centered Therapy approach is a therapy that puts most of the responsibility of the progress on the client and where the therapist has a non-directive but supportive role to increase the client's self awareness. The client and therapist are in a more personal and equal setting so trust and acceptance can develop.




Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy in the 1930's. Person Centered Therapy' or PCT is one of the most popular types of psychotherapy used all over the world. He felt that there should be a closer relationship between the client and the therapist. Rogers believes that a person's human nature is to want to be good and successful, but ideas and negative feelings and thoughts cloud their view of themselves otherwise. The therapist in return helps guide the client to see more of a positive look on their life and helps them build on the insight that comes from this progress so they can move forward.







Key concepts

• Client-Therapist relationship is a must for trust to develop and a client's guard is lowered so progress can be made. There should be a proper bond between the two. 

• Client Incongruence or Vulnerability: The client's vulnerability and anxiety help him to continue his relationship with his therapist.

• Therapist Congruence or Genuineness: The therapist is also deeply involved with his client. He shares his own experiences with the client.  Therapist need to be open and honest.

• Therapist Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist accepts the client unconditionally without passing any judgement on a client's actions, feelings or attitudes.  Therapist need to be aware of their attitudes. This is more important than skills and training.

•   Therapist Empathic Understanding: The therapist feels intense sympathy for his client. He/she genuinely feels or experiences the same feelings and emotions of his/her client.

• Client Perception: The client feels as though the therapist genuinely accepts him unconditionally and understands his feelings. 
  
  
  
  
  

Goals of Person-Centered Therapy

Person centered therapy aims to have client's find themselves and attain clarity within by giving them a opportunity without a therapist giving opinions or speaking up to help them find their goals. This gives the client a chance to grow and have a better understanding of their inner core.




Techniques

The techniques employed in person-centered therapy are different from those employed in other therapies. Congruence, Unconditional positive regard, and empathy are just three of the techniques used in PCT.

Congruence: Person-centered techniques that are used rely on the therapist being open and genuine and provide an atmosphere that the client can develop their self-awareness.

Unconditional Positive Regard: Not judging the client in any way and know that the client is trying the best that they can. To let the client know and feel that the therapists truly cares about their progress.

Empathy: Not the same as sympathy, which is feeling sorry for someone, but to show the client understanding about their emotions so they can open up and further their progress. An example of empathy is set below.....

Client: I feel as though no one cares about me and that I am all alone

Empathy Response: So you are feeling alone at the moment and as if no one cares.

          Sympathy Response: I’m sorry that you feel that way.


Source: Person Centered Therapy CE Course

Links and Resources

http://www.minddisorders.com/Ob-Ps/Person-centered-therapy.html

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0neRQzudzw

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