Person-Centred Counselling.

Person-centred counselling, also known as client-centred counselling, is a

humanistic approach to therapy that was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. This
approach is based on the belief that individuals have an innate tendency to reach their
full potential and become their true selves, a process known as self-actualisation. The
person-centred therapist aims to facilitate this process by providing a supportive and
non-judgmental environment.
One of the key principles of person-centred counselling is unconditional positive
regard (UPR). This means that the therapist accepts and values the client without
judgment, regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. By offering UPR, the
therapist creates a safe space for the client to explore their issues and emotions
without fear of rejection or criticism.
Another important principle of person-centred counselling is congruence. The
therapist strives to be genuine and transparent in their interactions with the client,
expressing their own thoughts and feelings honestly. This authenticity helps to build
trust and allows the client to feel understood and accepted.
Empathic understanding is also a fundamental aspect of person-centred
counselling. The therapist tries to see the world from the client's perspective and
understand their experiences and emotions. This empathic understanding helps the
client feel heard and validated, which can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth
and self-acceptance.
In person-centred counselling, the client is encouraged to take an active role in
their therapy. The sessions are led by the client, and the therapist acts as a facilitator,
providing support and guidance as needed. The therapist helps the client explore their
own issues, feelings, beliefs, behavior, and worldview, fostering self-awareness and
independence.
Person-centred counselling is not limited to formal therapy settings. It can be
applied in various contexts where building strong relationships is important, such as
teaching, childcare, and patient care. The principles of UPR, congruence, and
empathic understanding can be utilized by anyone to enhance their day-to-day
interactions and relationships.
The person-centred approach is based on the belief that individuals have an innate
tendency to self-actualize and reach their full potential. This approach recognizes that

11
certain life experiences can block or distort this natural growth process, particularly
experiences that affect an individual's sense of value. The therapist in person-centred
counselling works to understand the client's experience from their perspective and
helps them reconnect with their inner values and senses.

Person-Centered Therapy.

Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) is a humanistic approach to therapy that

emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client's subjective
experience. There are several fundamental principles that underpin PCT, including
unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence.
Unconditional positive regard refers to the therapist's acceptance and non-
judgmental attitude towards the client. The therapist provides a safe and supportive
environment where the client feels valued and accepted for who they are, regardless
of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. This unconditional acceptance helps the
client develop a sense of self-worth and promotes their personal growth.
For example, in the therapeutic process, unconditional positive regard is
demonstrated by the therapist creating a safe and supportive environment where the
client feels accepted and valued. The therapist listens attentively, shows genuine
interest, and refrains from criticizing or judging the client. For example, the therapist
may say, "I appreciate your honesty and courage in sharing your experiences. I want
you to know that I accept you just as you are." Research has shown that the therapist's
ability to provide unconditional positive regard is associated with positive therapeutic
outcomes.
The principle of unconditional positive regard was first introduced by Carl
Rogers, the founder of PCT. Research has shown that the therapist's ability to provide
unconditional positive regard is associated with positive therapeutic outcomes. For
example, a study by Hill et al. (1988) found that therapist responses characterized by
acceptance and support were associated with greater client satisfaction and
improvement.
Empathy is another key principle of PCT. It involves the therapist's ability to
understand and share the client's subjective experience. Empathy is essential for
building a strong therapeutic alliance and facilitating the client's self-exploration and
growth. Research has consistently shown that therapist empathy is associated with

12
positive therapeutic outcomes. For instance, a study by Hill (2007) found that
therapist empathy was a significant predictor of therapeutic personality change.
For example, a client may share their struggles with anxiety and describe the
overwhelming fear they experience in certain situations. The therapist responds with
empathy, reflecting the client's emotions and demonstrating understanding. This
empathic response helps the client feel understood and supported, fostering a deeper
level of self-awareness and personal growth. The therapist may say, "It sounds like
you're feeling really overwhelmed and anxious about the situation. I can imagine how
difficult that must be for you." Research has consistently shown that therapist
empathy is associated with positive therapeutic outcomes.
Congruence, also known as genuineness, refers to the therapist's ability to be
authentic and transparent in the therapeutic relationship. The therapist openly shares
their thoughts, feelings, and reactions with the client, creating an atmosphere of
honesty and trust. Congruence allows the client to feel safe and encourages them to
explore their own experiences more deeply. Research has shown that therapist
congruence is associated with positive therapeutic outcomes. For example, a study by
Hill et al. (1988) found that therapist congruence was related to greater client
satisfaction and improvement.
For example, a client may express anger towards the therapist during a session.
Instead of becoming defensive or dismissive, the therapist responds with congruence,
acknowledging their own feelings and reactions to the client's anger. This genuine
response helps to build trust and allows for open and honest communication between
the client and therapist. The therapist may say, "I want to be honest with you. When
you shared that, it brought up some strong emotions for me. I think it's important for
us to explore that together." Research has shown that therapist congruence is
associated with positive therapeutic outcomes.
These principles are supported by research and literature. For example, a study by
Elliott et al. (2013) found that therapists who demonstrated high levels of empathy
and unconditional positive regard were more effective in promoting positive outcomes
for their clients. The study also highlighted the importance of congruence in building
a strong therapeutic alliance.
Another study by Bohart and Greenberg (1997) reviewed the literature on Person-
Centered Therapy and found consistent evidence supporting the effectiveness of the
approach in various therapeutic contexts. The study highlighted that Person-Centered

13
Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health
issues, including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. The researchers also
noted that clients who received Person-Centered Therapy reported higher levels of
satisfaction and perceived improvement compared to those who received other forms
of therapy. These findings suggest that the principles of unconditional positive regard,
empathy, congruence, and belief in the client's capacity for growth are essential in
creating a therapeutic environment that promotes positive outcomes for clients.
These fundamental principles of PCT work together to create a therapeutic
environment that promotes self-exploration, growth, and healing. The therapist's
unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence provide the necessary
conditions for the client to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their
experiences.
In summary, Person-Centered Therapy is grounded in the principles of
unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence. These principles, as
supported by research, contribute to the creation of a therapeutic environment that
fosters self-exploration and growth. By embodying these principles, therapists can
facilitate positive therapeutic outcomes for their clients.
(1233 words)

14