Methods
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Person-centered, or Rogerian, therapy, much like positive psychology, views the individual as being capable of effecting meaningful change in his/her life, once provided with the right tools and resources. This is in contrast to therapeutic models that view a client’s plight as purely pathological in nature, with the “patient” being sick, helpless, and needing constant guidance. Even the Rogerian shift from using “client” rather than “patient” alludes to this line of thinking.
In Rogerian Therapy, the client and therapist work as a team, with the client being the expert on his/her life, and the therapist being the expert on the human mind and human behavior. Using unconditional positive regard, the therapist allows the client to talk through his/her experience, which often allows helpful insights to flow naturally. The therapist will also offer genuine, thoughtful reflections, and invite the client to follow his example and do the same. By refraining from using judgment or directive commands, the therapist creates a safe space where the client can feel free to better explore and understand his/her experience.
The benefits of Person-Centered Therapy can include the following:
Person-centered Rogerian therapy, also known as client-centered therapy, is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy developed by Carl Rogers. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and the belief in the client’s innate capacity for growth and self-actualization. The therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The focus is on the client’s subjective experience, self-awareness, and self-directed change.
Person-centered Rogerian therapy works by establishing a supportive therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The therapist creates an atmosphere of trust and acceptance, enabling the client to feel safe and free to explore their thoughts and emotions. The therapist actively listens and reflects the client’s feelings and experiences, helping the client gain self-awareness and insight. Through this process, the client can develop a stronger sense of self, make choices aligned with their values, and move toward personal growth and self-actualization.
Person-centered Rogerian therapy is guided by several key principles:
Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist offers acceptance, non-judgment, and respect for the client, regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. This unconditional positive regard creates a safe and supportive environment for the client’s self-exploration and growth.
Empathy: The therapist strives to understand the client’s experience from their perspective and communicates this understanding back to the client. Empathy helps the client feel heard, validated, and understood, fostering a deeper level of self-awareness and personal growth.
Genuineness: The therapist is authentic, congruent, and transparent in their interactions with the client. This genuineness builds trust and allows the client to be more open and honest in their exploration of themselves.
Focus on the Client: The therapy sessions prioritize the client’s agenda, concerns, and goals. The therapist encourages the client to take the lead in the therapeutic process, facilitating their self-discovery, and empowering them to make choices consistent with their values and aspirations.
Person-centered Rogerian therapy offers several benefits:
Enhanced self-awareness: Through the therapeutic relationship and the therapist’s empathetic reflections, clients gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to increased self-awareness.
Personal growth and self-actualization: The therapy facilitates the client’s exploration of their authentic self and empowers them to make choices aligned with their values, facilitating personal growth and self-actualization.
Improved well-being: Person-centered therapy can lead to improved emotional well-being, self-esteem, and self-acceptance as clients develop a stronger sense of self and a more positive self-image.
Strengthened coping skills: Clients often develop more effective coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills as they gain insight into their experiences and develop greater self-trust and self-reliance.
Yes. Our therapists use what is referred to as an “eclectic” style, meaning they draw from multiple therapeutic models simultaneously and employ the one(s) which fit any given presentation in the therapeutic process. This includes giving a bit more guidance if a situation calls for it.
