The person centred approach to counselling focuses on the way individuals perceive themselves, rather than a counsellor interpreting their thoughts. Emphasis is on the person, in the here and now, rather than the problem. The aim is to empower individuals to direct their own destiny with increased self-esteem and greater openness to experience. It views the client as their own authority on their own experiences and being capable of reaching their own potential. (Mulhauser, 2014)
American psychologist Carl Rogers introduced the theory of Person Centred Therapy in the 1940’s believing that all human beings had, at their core, a drive to develop their full potential. When this drive becomes subdued due to experiences that affect people’s sense …show more content…
This reinstated connection with their core resources helps people to find their own way to move forward. (counselling-directory, 2015) These core conditions of Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence, provide an environment conducive to therapeutic change and growth. Which starkly contrast with those conditions understood to be responsible for psychological disturbance. (Mulhauser, 2014) They can help the person develop a better understanding of their actual self, compared to their ideal self and can help lower their defensiveness, guilt, and insecurity. Which can lead them to a more positive existence were they can express feelings as they occur. (Friedrich, …show more content…
Unconditional positive regard is when the counsellor accepts and values the client unconditionally and without judgement. Clients should feel that they do not need to earn the counsellors acceptance, but that it is offered unconditionally from the begining. Leaving clients free to explore thoughts and feelings, negative or positive, without any fear of rejection. Empathic understanding is when the counsellor can fully understand the client’s feelings and thoughts from the client’s own point of view. When the counsellor can see what it is like from the client’s perception, it shows that their view is valued, and also that the client is being accepted.
Congruence is when the counsellor is genuine and authentic. The counsellor does not appear to be aloof or sitting behind a professional facade, but is fully present to the client. When there is no hidden knowledge or air of authority, the client does not have to guess about what the counsellor is really like. (Rogers
American psychologist Carl Rogers introduced the theory of Person Centred Therapy in the 1940’s believing that all human beings had, at their core, a drive to develop their full potential. When this drive becomes subdued due to experiences that affect people’s sense …show more content…
This reinstated connection with their core resources helps people to find their own way to move forward. (counselling-directory, 2015) These core conditions of Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence, provide an environment conducive to therapeutic change and growth. Which starkly contrast with those conditions understood to be responsible for psychological disturbance. (Mulhauser, 2014) They can help the person develop a better understanding of their actual self, compared to their ideal self and can help lower their defensiveness, guilt, and insecurity. Which can lead them to a more positive existence were they can express feelings as they occur. (Friedrich, …show more content…
Unconditional positive regard is when the counsellor accepts and values the client unconditionally and without judgement. Clients should feel that they do not need to earn the counsellors acceptance, but that it is offered unconditionally from the begining. Leaving clients free to explore thoughts and feelings, negative or positive, without any fear of rejection. Empathic understanding is when the counsellor can fully understand the client’s feelings and thoughts from the client’s own point of view. When the counsellor can see what it is like from the client’s perception, it shows that their view is valued, and also that the client is being accepted.
Congruence is when the counsellor is genuine and authentic. The counsellor does not appear to be aloof or sitting behind a professional facade, but is fully present to the client. When there is no hidden knowledge or air of authority, the client does not have to guess about what the counsellor is really like. (Rogers