What is Person-Centered Therapy?

Person-centered therapy was founded by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. It is also known as person-centered psychotherapy, person-centered counseling, client-centered therapy, and Rogerian psychotherapy.

Person-Centered therapists believe that each individual can grow and change within them, but they need a safe, therapeutic relationship to realize their potential. Rogers introduced the idea of unconditional positive regard, meaning Person-Centered counselors view the people they counsel in a positive light, no matter what problems they have. Rogers also states counselors must be authentic and transparent, meaning they don’t act as blank slates or try to hide sadness.

Your therapist will make a great effort to make the therapeutic alliance safe. This effort means they will listen to you without judgment. They will respond with warmth and kindness. They also will help you identify strengths and times that you showed yourself capable of problem-solving. They will use these examples to help show you that you can grow and change.