Person-centered therapy, which is also called client-centered, non-directive, or Rogerian (Carl Rogers) therapy, is a different methodology that lays emphasis on the person for the treatment procedure, rather than on the therapist. The therapist does not take any directive role in the process.

The Person-Centered Theory

Carl Roger, the originator of person-centered theory, termed it as nondirective and It presented a separate methodology, other than behavioral and psychoanalytic procedures, that enhanced the helping possibilities to people. Initially, it was advanced as a particularized procedure, but it evolved into a significant group therapy. This group-based approach has extended its reach into educational concepts. It even was extended to conflict resolution and peace promotion in the world.

Person-centered theory stresses the importance of a person’s capability to proceed in optimistic ways. The therapists have faith on the dependability of people and in their inborn capability to move forward in the direction of self-assessment and well-being when the appropriate circumstances are in position. It is assumed that people display fortitude and inclination to move in such correct path. The main principle in person-centered theory is that individual persons see the world in their exclusive way from the phenomenological standpoint. And different persons possess different viewpoints about the world they live in. No two people think and perceive in the same manner.

The theory does not need the requirement that the person has to be tested and analyzed for imparting this therapy. The therapists adapt a non-directive attitude and posture, emphasizing that the therapy seeking person is responsible for his or her own direction and goals. It is no denying the fact that the relationship between therapist and patient is paramount and critical in many ways, but the decisive function of the person-centered therapist is that of passivity. It will help people to chalk out their own course that will lead them to life fulfillment and realization of self-worth.

The Person-Centered Therapy

Person-centered therapy model endeavors to extend a greater amount of self-determination and assimilation for persons in their immediate environment and the people in their lives. Patients should mentally get ready for counseling, learn to trust themselves, get to assess themselves from within, and practice favorable disposition to enrich themselves. If any of the above issues remains unclear with a patient, the therapist should address them first before getting on with current issues, as these unclear perceptions will hamper self-realization in future.

Past observations and future probabilities will have different therapeutic effects on patients seeking therapy. Helping patients with self-exploration of their widest range of convictions, emotions, and feelings will alleviate the effects.

The therapist’s role basically consists of encouragement of change of state of affairs and situations, rather than perform to get pre-determined effects. A counselor is assumed to sustain and continue an authentic and real human association in which patients are treated with absolutely constructive approach. It will show a therapist’s trust in patients and backing for the procedure.

The Methodology of Person-Centered Therapy

The key aspects of person-centered approach are authenticity, similarity, total helpful nature, and benevolent appreciation. The requirement of authenticity is provided through an example by the therapist to the patient to explain the nature of true reality and genuineness of a situation or perception or behavior. The feeling of similarity that emerges is the key element for the patient who is overwhelmed with absence of authenticity, causing anxiety. This authentic ambience and perception similarities will emerge with the assistance of total and absolute constructive disposition that a therapist presents to the patient.

Finally, benevolent appreciation is the most important mission in person-centered therapy. It is the job of the therapist to clearly understand the patient’s feelings and reactions and to explain genuinely to encourage him or her to actually come nearer to their own reality, and in the process, helping them to sort out incongruence that is prevalent. The therapist’s sympathetic identification with the patient’s situation and feelings and understanding them the way patient does, will give the patient the necessary confidence for self-assessment. While doping so, care should be taken that the therapist does not get influenced by the feelings and emotions that develop during counseling.

The possible advantages of person-centered therapy include:

• Better understanding to have belief in oneself
• Reduction in anxiety condition and feelings of panic
• Improved associations
• Amenable to new concepts and feelings
• Decreased depression
• Enhancement of self-worth
• Increased capability of self-expression
• Diminished guilty feelings
• Enhanced stress relief
• Overwhelming sense of transformation