The Person-Centered (or client-centered) approach to therapy was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1950s. It is a humanistic approach with a very heartwarming and natural lens that sees people as having an innate tendency to develop toward their full potential/self-actualize (also a bit like transpersonal psychology, too!) We are all naturally moving in the direction of our full potential according to this theory and sometimes difficult experiences for example can block or distort this ability along with our sense of value. The role of the therapist is genuine, open, and warm providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, congruence, and a safe space where the client feels fully accepted so they can better understand and explore their feelings. This beautiful approach to therapy helps the client to reconnect to their inner values and sense of self-worth while feeling fully seen, heard, and accepted in all aspects of their humanity – which helps the client to find their own way to move forward and find progress in their innate direction in a healthy and secure way. This could also mean that through the Person-Centered approach, the client is able to achieve a healthy sense of change, more awareness and self-understanding, greater ability to trust oneself, develop healthier relationships, and more. I love this quote by Mary-Claire Wilson, a counselor that describes this approach beautifully:
¨The person-centered counselor is not an expert; rather the client is seen as an expert on themselves and the person-centered counselor encourages the client to explore and understand themselves and their troubles. ¨
