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The Person-Centered Approach: A Humanistic Framework for Therapeutic Growth

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In contemporary psychotherapy, the therapeutic relationship is increasingly recognized not only as a means of delivering interventions but also as a fundamental tool for psychological change in its own right (Norcross & Wampold, 2011). Among the approaches that place the therapeutic relationship at the center of the healing process, the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) developed by Carl Rogers stands out as both a philosophical orientation and a practical framework for interacting with clients. Based on the principles of Humanistic Psychology, the person-centered approach asserts that the client is the primary agent of change, and that the therapist’s role is not to direct, interpret, or control, but rather to provide a consistent relational environment characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (Rogers, 1957). The person-centered approach is based on the idea that individuals have a fundamental motivation to grow, heal, and realize their full potential when appropriate psychological conditions are present (Rogers, 1961). In this framework, the therapeutic process is less about ‘’treatment’’ and more about establishing a deeply harmonious and non-judgmental relational space where clients can reconnect with their true selves, explore their inner experiences, and move toward greater self-integration. The emphasis is not on diagnosis or symptom reduction, but on facilitating the process of personal meaning-making, autonomy, and psychological integration (Cooper, 2019). The fundamental principles of the person-centered approach, which aims to empower individuals to take control of their own lives and maintain that control, are as follows:

  • Supporting individuals at the center of the service to be involved in decision-making processes related to their lives.
  • Moving forward by taking into account each individual’s life experience, age, gender, culture, heritage, language, beliefs, and identity.
  • Providing flexible services and support tailored to individuals’ desires, expectations, and priorities.
  • Focusing first on what each individual can do and second on the help they need, accepting each individual as an expert on their own life.
  • Including the individual’s support networks.

The current therapy sketch will examine the role of the person-centered approach in therapeutic processes. The theoretical foundations, relational principles, mode of operation, and empirical support of person-centered approach in the therapeutic setting will be evaluated. The article will demonstrate that the person-centered approach continues to be a powerful and ethically grounded method for promoting psychological change in a wide variety of therapeutic contexts.

What is the Person-Centered Approach?

The person-centered approach, which increases the effectiveness of the therapeutic process and facilitates the process, involves approaching each client with respect and understanding, and progressing while taking into account their unique perspectives and goals. This approach encourages a collaborative partnership between the client and therapist, ensuring that the individual actively participates in decisions regarding their own care. In the person-centered approach, the therapist’s role is to create a space conducive to uncensored self-discovery. As the client explores their feelings, they will gain a clearer understanding of themselves, which will facilitate psychological growth (Yao & Kabir, 2023).

On the other hand, the person-centered approach is thought to challenge traditional hierarchies within the therapeutic relationship. Rather than positioning the therapist as a passive recipient who facilitates change, this approach conceptualizes the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative, reciprocal, and dialogical encounter in which the client is seen as inherently trustworthy and capable (Kirschenbaum & Henderson, 1990). In this context, the therapist’s role is to be fully present and responsive to the client’s phenomenological world, creating a climate in which defensiveness can be reduced and experiential awareness can emerge (Bozarth, 2001).

Rogers (1986) mentioned three basic attitudes regarding the person-centered approach for creating the aforementioned therapeutic environment, benefiting the client, and ensuring an effective process (Bozarth and Brodley, 1986):

  1. Genuineness, Realness, or Congruence: The more the therapist is themselves in the relationship, without adopting a professional or personal facade, the greater the likelihood of the client experiencing constructive change and growth.
  1. Unconditional Positive Regard: The second attitude that plays a role in creating a climate conducive to change is acceptance, caring, or prizing – unconditional positive regard. This emphasizes that when the therapist demonstrates a positive, nonjudgmental, accepting attitude toward the client’s current situation, change in the therapeutic context becomes more possible.
  1. Empathic Understanding: The third facilitating aspect of the relationship is empathic understanding. Empathic understanding means that the therapist accurately perceives the emotions and personal meanings experienced by the client and communicates this accepting understanding to the client.

These basic attitudinal conditions -genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding- not only define the essence of the therapeutic relationship in the person-centered approach; they also provide the basis for broader theoretical and practical implications. Rooted in Rogers’s humanistic philosophy, these conditions reflect a deep respect for the client’s autonomy and potential for self-directed growth. Building on this relational foundation, the person-centered approach encompasses several fundamental aspects that shape the therapist’s stance, the structure of the therapeutic process, and the way in which psychological change is understood and facilitated. The following section will examine these essential components in more detail:

Empowerment: The client plays a significant role in deciding how the problem will be reported and is included in the decision-making process on how this problem will be addressed. It is essential to empower the client regarding how the issue will be addressed and to be attentive to the client’s expectations throughout the process (Elker & Elker, 2023).

Respect for Timing: It is essential to acknowledge that individuals may require time to process and resolve events, and to create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences when they are ready. Setting strict time limits for reporting the problem can discourage the client from disclosing themselves (Elker & Elker, 2023).

Tailored Responses Over Blanket Solutions: Existing traditional methods tend to focus on broad solutions designed to fit within institutional structures. In contrast, person-centered care seeks the most appropriate solution for the individual; it provides care by considering the individual’s specific context and needs (Elker & Elker, 2023).

Prioritizing Wellbeing: An approach that focuses on the well-being of individuals encourages greater trust and participation. In addition, it facilitates the individual’s recovery process, prevents more victims from coming forward, and offers more satisfactory solutions (Elker & Elker, 2023).

Distinguishing Between System and Individual: To demonstrate the difference,

  • Converses with the individual rather than discussing without their participation.
  • Prioritizes listening rather than directing or instructing.
  • Collaborates in planning rather than imposing plans on the individual.
  • Understands and respects the unique context of individuals.
  • Respects each individual’s current position, ignoring hierarchical differences.

At this point, it is thought useful to use an example to illustrate further how the basic attitudes of the person-centered approach are embodied in real therapeutic practice. This example of the person-centered approach in action in a therapeutic context will provide a glimpse into a therapy process in which the therapist’s stance is shaped by genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding. This short story illustrates how these fundamental elements cultivate a safe and respectful environment that enables the client to engage in self-discovery, tap into inner resources, and progress toward meaningful psychological development. Here is a brief example of the person-centered approach in the therapy room:

Oliver has recently applied to therapy due to a lack of motivation, increased anxiety, and self-confidence issues. In the first sessions, Oliver explains the difficulties that they are experiencing to the extent that they feel ready to see a therapist. Instead of directing Oliver to diagnose or solve their problems, the therapist accompanies them sincerely and openly in their experiences. During the sessions, the therapist listens to Oliver’s words with empathic attention, exhibits a sincere and non-judgmental attitude, and tries to understand Oliver’s feelings.

In this accepting and safe environment, Oliver gradually begins to gain self-awareness. Oliver, who previously described themself as ‘’inadequate,’’ discovers how their past experiences have shaped this perception. Instead of approaching Oliver as ‘’someone who needs to change,’’ the therapist supports them in realizing their inner resources and strengths.

Throughout the session, Oliver’s therapist encourages them to make their own decisions and progress at their own pace. At one point, Oliver realizes that the pressures they are experiencing are negatively affecting their mood and begins to think of alternative solutions in therapy. Instead of directing this process, the therapist supports Oliver in finding their own solutions based on their inner wisdom and values. Over time, Oliver learns to draw boundaries, ask for help, and primarily protect their self-worth.

In addition, the therapist tries to understand Oliver’s cultural background and the expectations of their environment, ensuring that the therapy process is sensitive to Oliver’s life context. In this way, space is opened for Oliver to explore their identity conflicts.

As the above example suggests, when clients are met with genuine understanding and given the space to explore their experiences without judgment or pressure, they are more likely to access their inner resources and move toward personal growth. Building on this foundation, the following section will discuss the benefits of implementing a person-centered approach in therapeutic settings, both in terms of client outcomes and the overall therapeutic process.

What are the Benefits of the Person-Centered Approach in a Therapeutic Setting?

Person-centered therapy has been used in various therapeutic settings, including individual, group, and family therapy, as well as in play therapy with children (Yao & Kabir, 2023). In addition to the broad scope of person-centered therapy, one of the most widely recognized benefits of the approach is its ability to create a therapeutic environment in which clients feel psychologically safe, respected, and empowered to explore their inner experiences without fear of judgment. Research consistently supports this benefit, showing that when therapists provide key conditions such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and rapport, clients experience higher levels of engagement, self-acceptance, and emotional insight (Elliot, Greenberg, & Lietaer, 2004). Similarly, a 2020 study found that a person-centered approach was associated with increased client openness, emotional processing, and engagement (Murphy et al., 2020). In addition, a person-centered approach not only reduces symptoms but also promotes deeper personal growth and long-term change because it respects the client’s autonomy and innate tendency toward self-actualization (Rogers, 1951). Furthermore, this approach is known to benefit a variety of populations across a range of problems, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties (Murphy et al., 2012). 

The benefits experienced by the client who goes through the therapeutic process with a person-centered approach are as follows (Bottaro, 2024):

  • It improves the client’s self-awareness.
  • It strengthens the client’s self-confidence.
  • It enables the client to have healthier communication skills.
  • It enhances the client’s ability to express opinions and feelings.
  • It allows the client to establish healthier and stronger relationships with others.
  • It makes it easier to leave behind past pain or mistakes.
  • It gives the client the ability to strive for healthy changes that will improve their life.

The person-centered approach, which prioritizes the therapeutic relationship over specific techniques or interventions, is also consistent with meta-analytic findings that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes in psychotherapy (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). Thus, the person-centered approach offers not only a humanistic philosophical stance but also an empirically grounded framework for effective clinical practice. On the other hand, the approach’s emphasis on nonpathological, respectful, and client-centered inquiry has made it particularly resonant with multicultural, trauma-informed, and rights-based approaches to mental health care (Moodley et. al., 2004). It is precisely this adaptability and ethical foundation that has allowed the person-centered approach to maintain its relevance in an increasingly diverse and pluralistic clinical environment.

Takeaways: 

  • The person-centered approach provides a humane and flexible therapeutic framework that empowers individuals to have a say in their own lives and to realize their inner potential.
  • The therapy process that progresses with the person-centered approach is not just about intervention techniques; a unique, empathic, and unconditionally accepting relationship with the person is accepted as a healing tool in itself.
  • The person-centered approach adopts an egalitarian therapy approach, viewing the client as an active and valuable partner in the process, rather than a passive recipient.
  • According to the person-centered approach, the basis of therapeutic change is a secure relationship established through the therapist’s genuineness, unconditional acceptance, and empathic understanding.
  • The assumption that each individual is internally reliable and competent in their own lives enables the person to discover themselves and grow psychologically.
  • The person-centered approach sees the individual as the subject of their own lives, not as the object of a hierarchical system, and carries out therapeutic processes accordingly.
  • The focus on establishing a strong therapeutic relationship makes this approach sensitive to both individual and cultural diversity and compatible with rights-based mental health practices.

References

  1. What is a person-led approach? (n.d.). https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/psychosocial/principles/Pages/person-centred.aspx 
  2. Elker, & Elker. (2023, October 7). What is Person-Centred and Trauma-Informed? Elker. https://elker.com/articles/person-centred-and-trauma-informed-approach 
  3. Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). Evidence-based therapy relationships: Research conclusions and clinical practices. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 98–102. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022161 
  4. Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045357 
  5. Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin.
  6. Cooper, M. (2019). Integrating counselling and psychotherapy: Directionality, synergy, and social change. SAGE Publications.
  7. Yao, L., & Kabir, R. (2023, February 9). Person-Centered therapy (Rogerian therapy). StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/ 
  8. Bozarth, J. D. (2001). Nondirectivity in the person-centered approach: Critique of a contextual myth. Person-Centered Review, 6(2), 125–132.
  9. Kirschenbaum, H., & Henderson, V. L. (Eds.). (1990). The Carl Rogers reader. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
  10. Webmaster. (2024, January 20). The history of the PCA-ADPCA. ADPCA. https://adpca.org/the-history-of-the-pca/ 
  11. Rogers, C.R. (1986, Summer). The Rust workshop. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 26, 3, 23-45.
  12. Elliott, R., Greenberg, L. S., & Lietaer, G. (2004). Research on experiential psychotherapies. In M. J. Lambert (Ed.), Bergin and Garfield’s Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change (5th ed., pp. 493–539). New York: Wiley.
  13. Murphy, D., Cramer, D., & Joseph, S. (2012). Mutuality in person-centered therapy: A new agenda for research and practice. Person-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies, 11(2), 109–123.
  14. Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work III. Psychotherapy, 56(4), 423–428.
  15. Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications and Theory. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
  16. Murphy, D., Cramer, D., & Joseph, S. (2020). Relationship Conditions and Therapist Effect: Implications for Person-Centred Practice. Person-Centred & Experiential Psychotherapies, 19(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/14779757.2019.1708780 
  17. Moodley, R., Lago, C., & Talahite, A. (2004). Carl Rogers counsels a Black client: Race and culture in person-centred therapy. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 17(4), 399–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070412331331257
  18. Bottaro, A. (2024, February 3). Everything to know about Person-Centered Therapy. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/person-centered-therapy-5218356 
  19. Bozarth, J. D. & Brodley, B. T. (1986). The Core Values of the Person-Centered Approach. APDCA. https://adpca.org/the-core-values-of-the-person-centered-approach/ 

While our physical offices are located in South Loop and Lakeview neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois for in-person sessions, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.  

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At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy. 

Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.

First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.

This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.

While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.