Person-centred therapy, also called Rogerian therapy, was developed by an American psychologist Carl Rogers. He took a then different approach to therapy from a classic authoritative model to a more emphatic and encouraging therapeutic process.
It meant recognising that every individual is different and a master of their own views and worlds. Therefore, it is you who can best understand and manage your world. In person-centred therapy, a therapist is there to guide you to solutions and answers to questions that block your emotional recovery.
What to Expect From Person-Centred Therapy?
Person-centred therapy views in everyone a desire to change and grow. It is a talk therapy where you will do most of the talking and the therapist will guide you, sometimes repeating back to you what you said.
When you hear your words from a therapist, you might restate them, looking to express exactly how you are feeling. This process is important because it is you who reaches how you really feel deep inside, and why. It will also be you who reaches a solution or an answer to your question.
Through this process, the therapist provides unconditional empathy and understanding. Your thoughts and feelings are not judged but understood and accepted. The point is to create a safe environment where you can express your true feelings and grow through understanding yourself better after each session.
Is Person-Centred Therapy for You?
Generally, anyone looking to improve their self-confidence and a stronger sense of identity can benefit from person-centred therapy. However, this approach where you are allowed to reach questions and answers by yourself is also effective if you are suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, stress, abuse and other mental health conditions.
If you are looking to grow and change in a way to become able to tackle daily problems in life and live free of other people’s expectations or judgments, then person-centred therapy is for you. It will help you find the strength to take life into your own hands and realize you are not only perfectly capable of living your own life but the only person whose opinion even matters.
Is Every Therapist Good for Person-Centred Therapy?
If you think person-centred therapy is something for you, you should look for a therapist with experience in the Rogerian approach. But besides the obvious need for education and experience, you need a therapist with whom you will feel comfortable sharing every one of your thoughts.
It is always a good idea to read some of the testimonials other patients leave about the therapist, simply to get a feel of whether this person would be the right one for you. However, in the end, it is you who has to decide if you feel comfortable or not.
If you think I could help you in your journey to self-growth or you would like to come in for a “get-to-know-one-another” session, feel free to call me on 086 3835910 or contact me here.