Client-centred therapy is a type of therapy that falls under the humanistic approach. It requires the client to explore his/her own feelings while the therapist provides a warm and non-judgemental environment for him/her to do so. Carl Rogers is the humanistic psychologist that developed client-centred therapy and for that reason it is also known as Rogerian therapy.
The nature of the relationship between therapist and client in client-centred therapy is quite different from the therapist-client relationship in other therapies. It is unique. In the discussed therapy, both therapist and client are considered to be equal. This is a contrast to the usual therapist helping client arrangement. In client-centred therapy, the therapist must possess the following qualities:
- Empathy
- Warmth
- Unconditional positive regard
- Genuineness
There are no specific techniques that client-centred therapists use.
The concept of self or self-concept is the core of Rogerian therapy. It can be defined as the idea one has about themselves. References to it are made whenever we use the words “I” or “me”.
The present is what matters according to this therapy and trying to resolve past experiences is not beneficial to the client. For this reason, the therapist focuses on assisting the client with personal growth instead of identifying anxiety-inducing past experiences as a psychoanalyst would. When a positive, healthy attitude is inculcated in the client, then he/she can move forward. This is brought about by reflection of the client’s feelings. This means that what he/she says is paraphrased by the therapist and clarified to enhance the meaning of the statement.
This approach is frequently deemed as unscientific by critics.
References:
McLeod, S. (2008). Person centred therapy. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/client-centred-therapy.html
Carl Rogers’ Client Centered Therapy: Definition, Techniques and Goals. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/client-centered-therapy/
The History and Systems of Psychology 