Counceling Methods

Person Centered Therapy – This approach was developed during the 1940s as a non-directive reaction against psychoanalysis. Based on a subjective view of human experiencing, it places faith in and gives responsibility to the client in dealing with problems and concerns (Corey, 2009).

Key Figures                   
Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987)                                                      

    







     

Carl Rogers, the founder of Person Centered Therapy was very influential in 20th-century psychology. He was the father of the humanistic movement. Being a humanist type of thinker, Rogers believed that good could be found in all people. In the beginning he called his technique non-directive therapy. Eventually through, the name changed and became known as client-centered therapy (Cherry, 2012).   

Rogers was determined to create a working relationship between the person being counseled and himself. His deliberate use of the word client rather than patient was a direct indication of this. By using the term client, he helped tear down the implications that the person or persons seeking assistance was in some way sick, or seeking some form of cure. 

Rogers believed one should not pass judgment on the client. His goal was to offer an unconditional positive regard. By staying neutral and remaining positive towards the client, the atmosphere created in the sessions was one of a healthy nature. It was his belief that the therapist should not direct the client in anyway. Rogers even believed that one should refrain from making suggestions or offering solutions. He believed the client should be the one in control of the session at all times (Cherry, 2012).

Natalie Rogers
 

Natalie Rogers, the daughter of Carl Rogers, founded the Person-Centered Expressive Therapy Institute in Santa Rosa, CA. She is a pioneer in expressive arts therapy. An author to a multitude of books, Natalie has became a key figure in Person Centered Therapy (Practitioners of Person, 2008).

A video of Carl Rogers explaining his theory.

Key concepts

·         Therapist is non-directive.

·         Therapist has unconditional positive regard.

·         Therapist should be genuine.

·         Therapist should have an empathetic understanding.

·         The individual can direct their own life.

·         The individual has control over the session.

Goals

To encourage the client in getting closer to themselves; feeling more deeply and intensely; recognize and resolve incongruities within themselves.

 

  Cherry, K, (2012).  Client-Centered Therapy, Retrieved on May 19^th 2012 from http://psychology.about.com

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.
 
Practitioners of Person-Centered Expressive Arts, (2008).  Natalie Rogers, Retrieved on May 18^th from http://www.personcenteredexpressivearts.com

 

Primary Goals & OD Resources, (2012).  Humanistic Psychology, Person-Centered Psychotherapy (Rogers), Retrieved on May 18^th 2012 from http://www.primarygoals.org