Person Centered Counseling
carl rojer
Table of Contents
1 Counseling
2 Person Centered Counseling
Key Principles of Person-Centered
3 Counseling
Techniques of Person-Centered
4 Counseling
Goals of person-Centered
5 Counseling
6 Strengths of Counseling
1
Counseling
Counseling
Counseling is a professional relationship that
provides a safe and confidential space for
individuals to explore and resolve personal,
emotional, and psychological challenges. It is a
collaborative process in which a trained
counselor assists the client in understanding
their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, with the
goal of promoting personal growth, self-
awareness, and improved coping strategies
(Corey, 2017).
2
Person
centered
Counseling
Person Centered
Counseling
Person-centered counseling, also known as client-centered
therapy, is a therapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers that
emphasizes creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment
where clients can explore their feelings and experiences (Rogers,
1951).
Main role client, to explore client itself
3
Key Principles of
Person-Centered
Counseling
Key Principles of Person-Centered Counseling
1. Humanistic Philosophy:
Belief in the potential of every individual to find their own solutions.
Focus on the client's subjective experience and perspective.
Therapy is centered around the client's ability to make positive changes.
2. Core Conditions for Growth: Rogers identified three conditions that are
essential for creating an effective therapeutic environment.
Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist accepts the client without
judgment or conditions, fostering a sense of worth and trust.
Empathy: The therapist demonstrates a deep understanding of the client's
feelings and experiences, showing sensitivity and care.
Congruence: The therapist is authentic and transparent, creating a professional
relationship based on honesty.
3. Non-directive Approach:
The therapist does not direct or impose solutions but acts as a facilitator for
the client’s self-exploration.
The client is seen as the expert on their own life. They are encouraged to find
their own solutions
4. Focus on the Present:
Emphasis is placed on current feelings and experiences rather than dwelling
extensively on the past.
The goal is to empower clients to deal with their current issues and move
forward.
4
Techniques in
Person-
Centered
Counseling
Techniques in Person-Centered
Counseling
Active Listening: Therapists attentively listen and reflect back to ensure clients feel heard and
understood
Open-Ended Questions: Encouraging clients to elaborate and explore their feelings
Paraphrasing and Summarizing: Therapists restate what the client has shared to clarify
understanding and validate emotions
Silence: Allowing clients the space to process their thoughts without pressure.
5
Goals of
Person-
Centered
Counseling
Goals of Person-Centered
Counseling
Self-Understanding: Clients gain deeper insight into their emotions, thoughts, and
behaviors.
Self-Acceptance: Therapy fosters acceptance of one's own strengths and limitations.
Personal Growth: Clients are encouraged to move toward self-actualization,
achieving their fullest potential.
Improved Relationships: Clients learn to communicate more openly and authentically
with others.
Empowerment: Clients take control of their own lives and make decisions aligned
with their values.
6
Strengths of
Person-Centered
Counseling
Strengths of Person-Centered Counseling
• Nonjudgmental and respectful approach creates a safe space
for clients.
• Empowers clients to take responsibility for their own growth.
• Builds a strong therapeutic alliance between client and
therapist.
• Flexible and adaptable to various populations and issues.
7
Limitations of
Person-Centered
Counseling
Limitations of Person-Centered
Counseling
Lack of Structure: The non-directive approach may not suit clients who prefer
clear guidance or solutions. Like dependent personality
Not Suitable for Severe Cases: Individuals with severe mental health
disorders may require more directive or structured interventions. Like
schizo they are disconnect from reality
Therapist Skill Dependence: The success of the therapy heavily relies on the
therapist's ability to embody the core conditions.
Overemphasis on Self: The approach might not sufficiently address external
factors influencing the client’s issues.
8
Applications of
Person-Centered
Counseling
Applications of Person-Centered Counseling
Person-Centered Therapy is effective for:
Addressing self-esteem issues
Navigating life transitions eg, marriage, job , job transfer, school change
Managing grief and loss
Resolving interpersonal conflicts
Supporting personal growth and self-exploration
Person-centered counseling is effective in a wide range of settings, including:
• Individual and group therapy
• School counseling
• Relationship and family counseling
• Career counseling
• Substance abuse treatment
Case Study
Emma is a 25-year-old university student. Emma seeks counseling due to
feelings of low self-worth, social anxiety, and difficulty making decisions about
her future. She often says, "I feel like I’m not good enough, no matter what I
do.”
Background Info: Emma grew up in a household where academic
achievement was heavily emphasized. Her parents often compared her to her
siblings, who excelled in their respective fields. Despite her achievements,
Emma feels inadequate and struggles with self-doubt, especially in social
situations and academic settings.
She describes feeling "paralyzed" when making choices, fearing that any
decision she makes will disappoint others or result in failure.
References
Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.).
Cengage Learning.
Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications, and theory.
Houghton Mifflin.
