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PCT Notes

Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), founded by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the innate potential for growth and self-actualization in individuals, with therapists providing a supportive environment rather than directing or diagnosing. Key concepts include self-concept, congruence vs. incongruence, and the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in therapy. While PCT empowers clients and fosters personal growth, it may be less effective for those needing structured guidance or dealing with severe mental illness.

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16 views3 pages

PCT Notes

Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), founded by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the innate potential for growth and self-actualization in individuals, with therapists providing a supportive environment rather than directing or diagnosing. Key concepts include self-concept, congruence vs. incongruence, and the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in therapy. While PCT empowers clients and fosters personal growth, it may be less effective for those needing structured guidance or dealing with severe mental illness.

Uploaded by

goitseonthatilem
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Person-Centred Therapy (PCT)

Founder: Carl Rogers (1940s–1950s)


Also known as: Client-Centred Therapy or Rogerian Therapy

Core Idea

Person-Centred Therapy is based on the belief that every individual has an innate
tendency toward growth, self-actualisation, and fulfilment.
The therapist’s role is not to direct or diagnose, but to create a supportive,
accepting environment where clients can discover their own solutions.

Key Assumptions

1. Humans are inherently good and capable of growth.

2. People possess the resources for self-understanding and change.

3. Psychological distress arises when there is a disconnect between the real


self and the ideal self (incongruence).

4. Therapeutic change happens through a genuine, empathic relationship—not


through techniques.

Core Concepts
1. Self-Concept

• The organized, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs about oneself.

• Divided into:

o Real Self: Who you actually are.

o Ideal Self: Who you wish to be.

2. Congruence vs. Incongruence

• Congruence: Alignment between the real self and ideal self → healthy
functioning.

• Incongruence: Mismatch between real and ideal self → anxiety, low self-
esteem, distress.

3. Conditions of Worth

• Standards imposed by others (parents, society) about what makes a person


worthy of love or approval.
• Leads to living according to others’ expectations instead of one’s own true
self.

4. Self-Actualising Tendency

• The inherent drive toward personal growth, fulfilment, and reaching one’s
potential.

Core Conditions of Therapy (Rogers’ “Necessary and Sufficient Conditions”)

1. Empathy – Deep understanding of the client’s experiences and feelings.

2. Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) – Complete acceptance and non-


judgment.

3. Congruence (Genuineness) – Therapist’s authenticity and transparency.

These three core conditions build trust and safety, allowing clients to explore
themselves openly.

Therapist’s Role

• Non-directive: the client leads the session.

• Provides a supportive climate rather than giving advice.

• Reflects and clarifies the client’s thoughts and emotions.

• Acts as a facilitator of self-discovery and personal growth.

Techniques (or lack thereof)


• PCT does not rely on structured techniques or interpretation.

• Common practices include:

o Active listening

o Reflecting feelings

o Paraphrasing

o Clarification

o Open-ended questions

Goals of PCT
• Increase self-awareness.

• Achieve greater congruence between self and experience.

• Develop self-acceptance and autonomy.

• Foster personal growth and self-actualisation.

Strengths

• Empowers clients; promotes autonomy.

• Builds a strong therapeutic relationship.

• Can be applied across cultures and settings.

• Encourages personal growth and responsibility.

Limitations
• May be too unstructured for clients needing direction or crisis intervention.

• Some cultures may not value the individualistic focus.

• May be less effective for clients with severe mental illness or low insight.

How to Spot Person-Centred Therapy

Look for:
• A non-directive therapist (lets the client lead).
• Frequent use of empathy and reflections instead of advice.

• Focus on self-awareness and self-acceptance rather than diagnosis or


interpretation.

• Warm, genuine, accepting atmosphere.

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