Person-Centered Therapy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD, Andrea Brant, LMHC, and Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC

Overview

Person-centered therapy stems from humanistic psychology and is founded on principles advocating for human beings' innate goodness and growth potential. This type of therapy was largely influenced by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. Some people use the terms person-centered therapy, Rogerian therapy, and client-centered therapy interchangeably. This form of therapy rests on the idea that individuals can find their own answers and directions in life, a significant departure from other therapy models that place the therapist¹ as the problem-solver or expert.

The core tenets of person-centered therapy are empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. Empathy involves the therapist’s ability to understand the client's feelings. Unconditional positive regard, or unconditional positive love, refers to accepting and respecting the client for who they are without any conditions or judgments. Congruence, or authenticity, means the therapist is genuine and transparent with the client. These elements form the foundation of a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment.

Compared to other therapy types like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)² or psychoanalysis, person-centered therapy stands out for its focus on the client’s experience and self-directed growth. While CBT aims to modify challenging thoughts and behaviors through a structured approach, and psychoanalysis delves deep into unconscious motives, person-centered therapy allows the client to lead the way. The therapist’s role is more that of a facilitator than an authority figure. This empowers person-centered therapy, offering clients the space to explore and better understand themselves.

How it works

The therapist's role differs from traditional approaches in a person-centered therapeutic setting. Rather than acting as an authority figure who diagnoses and treats a patient, the therapist assumes the role of a facilitator. They create a nurturing environment where clients can express themselves. The therapist’s primary responsibilities include providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and unity to help clients explore their feelings and thoughts.

Techniques commonly used in person-centered therapy include:

Active listening: Therapists give full attention to the client, helping them feel heard and valued.
Reflection: Therapists mirror the client’s emotional expressions to facilitate deeper empathetic understanding.
Clarification: Therapists ask open-ended questions to clarify points and encourage exploration.
Summarization: Key points from the session are summarized to review progress and set the stage for future sessions.
Immediacy: Therapists address what is happening at the moment during therapy sessions, such as particular feelings or thoughts the client might be experiencing.

In person-centered therapy, the client actively participates in the healing process. Unlike other therapy forms where the therapist directs the course of treatment,³ this approach considers the client the expert on their own life. They set the pace and direction of the therapy. This self-directed approach empowers clients to explore their emotional landscape and arrive at their own conclusions. By doing so, the client addresses immediate concerns and builds skills in self-awareness and self-acceptance that are beneficial in the long term.

Person-centered therapy is also a collaborative endeavor. The therapist provides a supportive framework, but the client navigates through their emotional and psychological journey. This fosters a deep sense of agency and self-efficacy in the client, making the therapy effective and empowering.

What to expect

In person-centered therapy, a typical session lasts a pre-established amount of time, often around 50 minutes. During this time, the client takes the lead, discussing whatever topics or thoughts they wish to explore. As a facilitator, the therapist encourages the client to delve deeper into their feelings and thought patterns. Unlike other therapeutic methods that may follow a set agenda, person-centered sessions are fluid and evolve based on the client’s needs and desires.

When it comes to a timeline for therapy, person-centered sessions often occur weekly. However, the frequency and overall duration of the therapeutic relationship can vary among individuals. While some clients may find that a few months are sufficient, others may continue therapy for several years. It is often helpful to recognize that each person’s journey through therapy is distinct, and there is no one-size-fits-all timetable. Due to this, the approach is usually tailored to accommodate each client's unique circumstances and needs.

Outside of the formal therapy sessions, person-centered therapy generally doesn’t involve structured “homework” in the way that other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy might. However, clients are encouraged to engage in self-reflection between sessions. The introspective work initiated during the session often naturally extends into daily life. Clients may find it helpful to journal their feelings or to mentally revisit topics discussed during therapy, but this is primarily left to the individual’s discretion.

Finally, those entering person-centered therapy can anticipate a flexible but supportive framework for exploration and self-discovery during and between sessions. The duration and frequency of sessions are adapted to each person’s situation, making the approach versatile and deeply personal.

Who it benefits

Person-centered therapy offers a versatile approach that can benefit diverse individuals. Its client-centered philosophy allows it to be applied to various emotional and psychological challenges, making it suitable for many clients.

Issues that person-centered therapy can address include:

Depression: Helpful for individuals experiencing intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation, providing a space for self-exploration and emotional support.
Anxiety disorders: Suitable for those experiencing excessive worry, stress, or fear, as it fosters a non-judgmental environment where clients can explore underlying issues.
Relationship problems: Helps individuals and couples understand and improve their relationships by encouraging open communication and self-awareness.
Self-esteem issues: Offers a supportive setting for people facing self-doubt or low self-worth, emphasizing self-acceptance and positive regard.
Identity and self-exploration: Beneficial for those questioning aspects of their identity, whether related to gender, sexuality, or life roles and seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.
Grief and loss: Provides emotional support and a safe space for those processing the emotional pain associated with losing a loved one or facing significant life changes.
Substance use: While not a replacement for specialized addiction treatments, it can complement other therapies by addressing substance use's emotional and psychological aspects.

The approach may benefit clients who value self-exploration and wish to participate actively in their treatment. It often resonates with those seeking a non-directive therapy form focusing on holistic well-being rather than symptom⁴ management. This makes it ideal for individuals seeking to improve their self-awareness, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.

However, person-centered therapy may not be the best fit for everyone. Those who prefer a more structured approach with clear guidelines and assignments may not find this method as fulfilling. Similarly, individuals with severe mental disorders⁵ that require more directive and specialized treatment might not benefit as much from this approach.

The applicability of person-centered therapy can only be fully determined in consultation with a qualified therapist. While the approach is broadly beneficial, therapy is a highly individualized process. No guidelines can definitively dictate what form of therapy will be most effective for any individual.

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Goals for therapy

In person-centered therapy, the goals for treatment are often more holistic and client-defined than other therapeutic approaches. Some general objectives that clients may aim to achieve include:

Self-acceptance: One of the primary goals is fostering a greater level of self-acceptance. Unconditional positive regard may help clients learn to embrace their true selves, including strengths and weaknesses.
Improved interpersonal relationships: Clients may work toward enhancing the quality of their relationships through better communication skills and increased empathy for others.
Increased self-awareness: The therapy aims to heighten awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, enabling better decision-making and life choices.
Emotional resilience: Clients can build a stronger emotional foundation by learning to manage stress, face challenges, and cope with adversity.
Enhanced problem-solving skills: Through self-reflection, clients can develop more effective ways of addressing life’s challenges and obstacles.

Given its non-directive nature, measuring progress in person-centered therapy can be subjective. Traditional metrics like symptom reduction might not always be applicable. Instead, progress is often gauged through qualitative changes in the client’s life. This can include observable relationship improvements, greater emotional stability, or a more positive outlook. Additionally, clients themselves may experience a higher level of self-understanding and acceptance, which serves as another indicator of progress.

Goals in person-centered therapy are often co-created and revisited during the therapeutic process. This reinforces the idea that therapy is a dynamic and evolving journey. The client’s changing needs and insights can lead to reevaluating and adjusting therapeutic objectives.

The goals of person-centered therapy focus on broad aspects of personal development and well-being. The flexible nature of this approach allows for a individualized set of objectives, and progress is most commonly evaluated through observable life changes and the client’s sense of improved well-being.

Research

The efficacy of person-centered therapy is supported not only by anecdotal evidence but also through academic research. Studies have explored its applicability in various contexts and populations, from mental health to social support.

The Journal of Humanistic Psychology discusses the potential of person-centered therapy for transgender clients, emphasizing the need for research-informed treatment approaches that are both affirming and comprehensive. However, the current literature provides broad guidelines without actionable interventions for therapists. Person-centered therapy, which often naturally aligns with the needs of transgender individuals, has been identified as a beneficial approach. Therapists with person-centered tools may need further training to apply these skills to transgender clients. The call for more research aims to establish the efficacy of person-centered therapy for this particular group, potentially offering therapists more guidance.

A pilot randomized trial published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine studied the impact of Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Improve Social Support (ACT-SS) on veterans with PTSD. The study found that both ACT-SS and PCT impacted various aspects, with PCT offering merit in patient satisfaction. Veterans undergoing PCT reported high levels of satisfaction with the treatment, suggesting that the approach is well-received by this patient population. Although PCT didn't show improvements in targeted social metrics and PTSD symptoms that could be measured, it was appreciated by participants, with its acceptability and feasibility being noted as a valid therapeutic option.

Finding therapy

Several routes can be taken to find a qualified person-centered therapist to ensure that the professional you choose is well-suited to your needs. Credentials, training in person-centered approaches, and an overall fit with your personality and challenges are factors to consider. Resources for finding a therapist may include:

American Psychological Association (APA) Therapist Directory
Local mental health clinics and referrals from healthcare providers
Online platforms like BetterHelp that allow you to connect with therapists for various needs

BetterHelp offers a wide range of therapists, including those experienced in person-centered therapy. The platform provides the flexibility of online sessions, making it easier for individuals to fit therapy into their schedules.

Finding a qualified person-centered therapist may take some time and research, but the benefits of this personalized approach are worth the effort. You can start your therapeutic journey by using the resources available and finding the support you need.

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Updated on July 1, 2024.

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