Person Centered Therapy

Person Centered Therapy: Key figures include Carl Rogers, Angelo Boy & Gerald Pine. This theory focuses on the person as being basically good, positive and trustworthy. It asserts that under the right conditions the client can grow. The therapist is key to creating this condition. The therapist concentrates on the uniqueness of the client and creates a model of personal warmth, empathy, acceptance and genuineness. Goals include self-exploration, openness, and acceptance of oneself and others.  Self-direction is strongly encouraged. Techniques are acceptance, reflection, active listening, open ended questions and unconditional positive regard. Strengths of Person Centered Therapy include openness, it can be applied to a wide range of human problems, it is effective with specific disorders such as adjustment disorders, it is a short tem treatment, and holds a positive view of human nature. Limitations include the lack of concreteness, it ignores the unconscious and innate drives, and it works best with verbal intelligent clients. Person Centered Therapy addresses only surface issues.

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