Counselling as a Process

Counselling has been described as a journey whereby the client and

counsellor undergo a joint process of exploration and reflection
(Thorne, 2007). The idea of a process, however, requires at least
some notion of beginning and end. While many schools of thought
and psychotherapeutic approaches use formulations based on
theory in order to explain behaviours and situations, the person-
centred approach tends not to use such formulations (Cooper and
McLeod, 2011). However, when presenting a client in supervision,
there is a need for common terms and a shared language in order to
best communicate information. This common language can be
found in Rogers’ 7 stage process.
Rogers (1957) noted that, “Individuals move, I began to see, not
from fixity or homeostasis through change to a new fixity,
though such a process is indeed possible. But much the more
significant continuum is from fixity to changingness, from rigid
structure to flow, from stasis to process” (p. 100). He expanded
on this concept of moving from a rigid experience to one of fluidity by
introducing 7 stages he believed clients progressed through as part
of therapeutic change:
Stage 1: Clients are defensive and resistant to change. According to
Rogers (1958), clients in this stage refer to feelings and emotions as
things of the past rather than the present, as they react to past
experiences rather than to present ones. Only when a person feels
fully accepted, can he or she progress to the next stage.
Stage 2: Clients become slightly less rigid and begin to discuss
external events or other people. In this stage, feelings tend to be
described as “unowned” or even as past objects.
Stage 3: Clients begin to discuss themselves, but as an object rather
than a person. This is because they are avoiding a discussion of the
present.
Stage 4: Clients progress to discussing deeper feelings as they
develop a relationship with the counsellor.
Stage 5: Clients can express present emotions and begin to rely on
their own decision-making abilities. Subsequently, they begin to
accept more responsibility for their actions. They have a growing
acceptance of contradictions and understanding of incongruence.
Stage 6: Clients show rapid growth towards congruence and often
begin to develop unconditional positive regard (UPR) for others. This
stage indicates the client no longer needs formal counselling
(Wilkins, 2000).
Stage 7: Clients are fully functioning, self-actualised and empathic,
and can show UPR towards others. The last and ultimate stage of
person-centred therapy can be construed as achieving movement
from heteronomy (control by external forces) to autonomy (control of
inner forces) (Kensit, 2000).

Rogers’ model should not be considered as a linear process, but

rather a general trend over time. In addition, the stages are not
discrete in the sense that a client would be objectively categorised
into one stage only and not another. Instead, a client may well
display thoughts, emotions and behaviours suitable for several
stages.