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Humanistic Therapy

Person-Centred Approach

The Person Centred approach to counselling was developed by Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987), an American psychologist who helped developed the humanistic approach, also known as the ‘third force’.

Rogers was one of the leading figures in psychotherapy research from the 1940’s and conducted pioneering research into the way individuals related to one another. This work formed the basis of his own unique approach to working therapeutically by focusing on the depth of understanding and acceptance between himself and his clients.

Once a non-judgmental and understanding relationship had developed between himself and his client, Rogers found that clients were able to develop solutions to their issues by using their own resources and reaching their desired potential.

Rogers discovered that three conditions were necessary for this understanding to take place which he termed as the ‘core conditions’. These core conditions were the qualities of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence.

Person centred therapy appeals to those individuals who are interested in how they relate to others and what influence feelings of isolation and loneliness may have in their lives, however, for those clients who have repressed unconscious traumas, psychodynamic approaches may be more effective.