Person-centered therapy (PCT), also known as client-centered therapy or Rogerian therapy, is a non-directive humanistic approach to treatment. Carl Rogers developed person-centered therapy in the 1940s and 1950s. The term non-directive refers to the therapist’s role in this approach and means that they do not direct the course of sessions but rather participate as active listeners. In PCT, the client takes an active role in leading the discussion. Before PCT, therapy was behavioral or psychodynamic, focusing on clients’ subconscious or unconscious experiences. PCT focuses more on what is on the surface and foremost in the clients’ consciousness. Our team uses PCT in personality disorder treatment and a range of other mental health disorders.
At Rose Hill Center, PCT is one of the many holistic and evidence-based therapies available for mental health treatment in Michigan. To learn more about how this approach can help you, contact us at 866.367.0220.
How Does Person-Centered Therapy Work?
PCT is a humanistic approach to mental health treatment that focuses on the whole person. It recognizes the uniqueness of each individual and that each person strives to become the best version of themself. The ability to self-actualize comes from our capacity for self-understanding and the ability to change attitudes, behaviors, and self-concepts. From this perspective, the client has expert knowledge of themselves, making them uniquely qualified to determine their goals. The success of PCT is highly dependent upon the relationship between client and therapist, which must contain three essential qualities:
- Unconditional positive regard – This is the most critical component. Unconditional positive regard means that the therapist must fully accept the client for who they are. The therapist provides consistent support and active listening while refraining from judgment, showing any disapproval, or offering advice.
- Empathetic understanding – The therapist must extend empathy to encourage the therapeutic relationship and mirror the client’s thoughts and feelings. Empathy helps guard against judgment and helps the client develop insight.
- Genuineness and congruence – The therapist needs to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. This transparency fosters the therapeutic relationship, provides clients with a model of good communication skills, and lets the client know that it is okay to be vulnerable.
Through these techniques, therapists help clients grow, develop self-awareness, and implement changes through self-direction. Also crucial in PCT is the use of the term client instead of patient. Therapists who practice person-centered therapy in Michigan see themselves and the client as equal partners in the therapeutic relationship. The terms expert and patient foster the notion that the client has control of their destiny.
The Benefits of Person-Centered Therapy
Person-centered therapy has a broad range of applications for mental health counseling in Michigan. Since most of the effort and direction come from the client, PCT works best with individuals who are self-motivated for change. PCT is highly individualized, and each client will set their own goals based on their needs.
There are several benefits of PCT that all clients experience, such as:
- Increased ability to trust oneself
- Healthier relationships
- Improved communication and self-expression
- Decreased guilt over past mistakes
- Increased self-esteem
Through PCT, clients can connect with their inner selves. They can then develop the ability to transcend the limitations of mental health disorders and dual diagnoses that have held them back.
Find Mental Health Counseling at Rose Hill Center
Person-centered therapy is a holistic approach to mental health treatment in Michigan that puts the client in charge of setting their treatment goals. PCT is highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders. To learn more about the benefits of PCT, contact Rose Hill Center today. Reach out by using our secure online form or call 866.367.0220.
