What Is Person Centred Therapy?

What is Personal- Centred Therapy?

(PCT)-Person centred therapy is also known as person-centred psychotherapy, person-centred counselling, client-centred therapy and Rogerian psychotherapy. PCT was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940`s and 1950`s.  

It is a humanistic approach that deals with the ways in which a perceives themselves consciously rather than how a counsellor can interpret their unconscious thoughts or ideas.

The main goal of PCT is to provide clients with an opportunity to develop a sense of self where they can realize how their attitudes, feelings and behaviour are being negatively affected. It has proven to be an effective and popular treatment. The therapy is based on Carl Rogers belief that every human being strives for and has the capacity to fulfil his or her own potential.

The counsellor/Helper works to understand the clients experience from their point of view. The counsellor must positively value the client as a person in all aspects, whilst aiming to be open and genuine. This helps the client to reconnect with their inner values and sense of self worth. This will help the client to find their own way of moving forward.

There are 6 conditions which are needed to produce personality changes in clients which Carl Rogers identified as:-

1. Relationship- There is psychological contact between the client and counsellor/helper
2. Vulnerability to anxiety-The client is emotionally upset, in a state of incongruence
3. Genuineness - The counsellor/helper is aware of their feelings
4. The clients perception of the therapists genuineness
5. The therapists positive regard for the client
6. Accurate empathy

There are 3 core conditions that are the most important factors in successful therapy:-

1. CONGRUENCE-   The willingness to transparently relate to clients without hiding behind a professional or personal facade. (The counsellor/helper must be genuine)
2. UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD- The counsellor/helper must be...