Novice Counselor's blog

The person-centered approach to therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, relies on several “core conditions” on the part of the therapist. These include unconditional positive regard of the client, empathic understanding, and congruence. When the client perceives these core conditions at least to a minimal degree, then positive therapeutic personality change occurs, no matter what therapeutic theoretical approach is being used. REF

According to a podcast interview of Dr. Hannon, a staunch supporter of the person-centered approach, this approach is viewed less favorably these days due to its being non-directive, the length of treatment, and eschewing diagnosis, which is frowned upon by insurance companies and managed care. As far as the length of treatment, Dr. Hannon points out that he has been successful in treating clients in as little as two to six sessions. Dr. Hannon further states that although many therapists favor a more directive approach, it is dangerous for the therapist to assume that he or she knows more than the client.

To follow the tenets of the person-centered approach is to let the client be the expert since it is the client who knows the most about their inner life. It is the goal of the therapist to try to enter the world of the client.

According to Kirschenbaum & Jourdan, (2005), the person-centered approach is alive and well in many parts of the world. The influence of Rogerian views is far-reaching even to this day, as can be seen by the number of studies and articles published on the subject and cannot be underestimated. Many therapists, especially those who are ecclectically oriented, cite the person-centered approach as their biggest influence.

References:

Hannon, W. (Speaker). (2006). The Person-Centered Approach in Counseling [Podcast Recording No. CAS048]. Kent, OH: CounselorAudioSource.net. Retrieved from http://www.counseloraudiosource.net/feeds/cas048.mp3

Kirschenbaum, H. & Jourdan, A. (2005). The Current Status of Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Approach. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(1), 37-51.

Pervin, L., Cervone, D., Oliver, J. (2005). HS5214: Theories of personality [Custom]. New York: Wiley.

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