Question

what are the key proprites of person centered therapy? explain each one

Answer 1

Person-centred or client-centred therapy is a kind of therapy proposed by Carl Rogers under the Humanistic approach. It rejects the deterministic nature of psychoanalytic and behavioural therapy and considers that people behave the way they do due to their current perception.
Properties of person-centred therapy:
1. Unconditional Positive Regard: This is described as something that is important for every individual to grow and develop positive perceptions. It means that the therapist shows unconditional warmth and acceptance to everything the client says or does, and does not judge, evaluate or advice the person. It means developing a relationship where the client feels valued and regarded irrespective of their thoughts or actions.
2. Congruence and authenticity: This refers to the idea of always matching what the therapist shows (outer self) with what they feel inside (inner self) in order to be genuine and ensure trustworthiness. In doing so, the client is encouraged to do the same and be real and true to themselves and to others.
Apart from this, the Humanistic approach believes that we have a self-concept of our actual self (the way we currently perceive our ‘real selves’) and an ideal self (the way we would like to perceive ourselves). People strive to become their ideal selves, but they can only do this themselves, and therapists work as facilitators and assist them in the process.
3. Empathy and warmth: The therapist shows genuine understanding and empathy for what the client is saying. The therapist also displays warmth and accurately tries to help the client reflect on their feelings. The client must feel understood and feel that the therapist is able to empathize with their unique experience.
4. Optimism and sense of agency: This approach, unlike the psychoanalytical approach, is optimistic. This refers to the idea that Rogers believed that humans were inherently capable of growth and self-actualizing (reaching their full potential) and that they continually strive to do it. In doing this, he also believed that the clients were responsible for their own growth, and the therapist simply facilitated the process, rather than leading it or diagnosing/labelling the client. The client is seen as an equal with a sense of agency and capability to bring about change in their life.
Apart from these main properties, there are many minute things, such as active listening, maintaining boundaries, reflection by the therapists and what they bring to the table etc. that are important to the therapeutic relationship.