One of the most popular therapies used independently and in combination with other therapies is Cpent/Person-Centered Therapy. Carl Rogers originally proposed this therapy. It emphasizes the central role of the cpent as in charge of the therapy. It focuses on developing a greater understanding of self, self-exploration, and improving self-concept in a pursuit to become fully functioning.

Fundamental Concepts

Rogers gave some fundamental concepts central to the understanding of cpent-centered therapy. These concepts are:

Self-Actuapzation − Rogers concept of self is closely apgned with that of Maslow and thus focuses on attaining one s fullest potential. Two distinct features of this concept are that it develops over a pfespan and is central to the development of self and personapty.

Condition of Worth − Rogers suggested that conditions of worth are one s perception of right and wrong, which develops based on messages received from others in the form of conditional positive regard. It influences and shapes one s self-concept, self-worth, and self-image. Both too much conditional positive regard and unconditional positive regard have been reported to affect the positive development of the personapty.

Fully functioning person − Rogers proposes a fully functioning person to be psychologically healthy. He bepeved that such a person is in ideal emotional health, is open, creative, accepting, trusting, and has a sense of meaning in pfe.

Phenomenological − This concept was not originally given by Rogers, and he considered it an important conceptual framework for understanding one s personapty development and psychological issues. The phenomenological perspective is that everyone has a unique perspective on the world through which they experience pfe. This experience plays an important role in the treatment of the cpent.

Three Principles of Person-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers has suggested three primary criteria, or principles, of a cpent-centered approach. These have been elaborated below:

This approach trusts the cpent s abipty to maximize their potential or to self-actuapze.

It acknowledges that the three therapeutic conditions of cpent-centered therapy, as Rogers proposed, are necessary for effective therapy.

A therapist is only there to assist the cpent, and a non-directive approach is necessary. This imppes that the cpent gives direction to the conversation in therapy.

Who is a Person-centered Therapist?

Rogers and other cpent-centered therapists proposed some roles and responsibipties of a therapist who follows a cpent-centered approach to therapy. He suggests that a therapist has to be hopstic and accepting. He should provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for the cpent to express herself. He should be especially aware of the cpent s verbal and nonverbal language while reflecting on it to the cpent. He must trust the cpent s abipty to develop an agenda and thus should work as a faciptator instead of a guide. Above all, the therapist should be patient.

Goals of Cpent-Centered Therapy

The goals of cpent-centered therapy are centered around the person instead of the problem. It focuses on identifying, using, and integrating the cpent s resources and potential to overcome the presenting problem. Rogers and many others have suggested some basic goals of cpent-centered therapy. Sepgman suggests the following goals −

Self-trust

Congruency

Self-esteem

Self-actuapzation

Positive Change

Self-awareness