Person centred therapy was introduced by Carl Rogers. It is similar to existential therapy as it emphasizing taking personal responsibility for ones own life. Humanism is the basic principle of people centred therapy. Humanism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the worth of the individual and the centrality of human values. It considers ethics and personal worth. Emphasis is placed on the creative, spontaneous and active nature of humans, and the human capacity to overcome hardship and despair.
This form of therapy takes in to account self-actualization – the process by which a person grows spiritually and realizes their potential. Through self-exploration, a person can live in harmony and become a “whole” person.
Person-centred therapy feels that people are essentially trustworthy and have a vast potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems without direct intervention by a therapist, and are capable of self-directed growth if involved in therapeutic relationship. Therefore, the client is guided by the therapist, and the relationship is a mutual one.
Related Links
Counselling Psychology
Adlerian Therapy
Existential Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Reality Therapy
Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Feminist Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Clinical Psychology