Person-centred therapy has been known to treat various problems such as anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, eating disorders and marital issues. This versatile therapeutic approach allows clients to take control of their sessions, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident while discussing their concerns.Through my many years of experience in counselling, I chose to specialise in person-centred therapy. Why? Not because it gives me a back seat but because it allows my clients to tap into their full potential. Every individual has the strength and resilience to acknowledge their issues and find a solution to them; it’s just about having the confidence, support and desire to do so.Person-centred therapy gives them that much-needed push but without a push. It proves to a client that they are more than capable of recognising their emotions, which is invaluable for their recovery. In this article, we will explore person-centred counselling, what it is used to treat, and whether person-centred therapy’s values and insights are the right choice for you.

What is person-centred counselling?

Person-centred therapy, also known as client-centred or Rogerian therapy, is a form of counselling developed by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. As previously mentioned, this therapeutic approach was designed to offer an individual the innate capacity for personal growth and self-healing.In counselling sessions, the therapist often directs the conversation to gradually and gently push boundaries. However, the key concept of person-centred therapy is that it is a non-directive form of therapy. This means that the therapist does not provide advice or a solution but rather acts as a supportive and empathetic listener.It requires a nurturing environment where the client feels safe to openly explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences. This is while the therapist offers empathy, positive regard and congruence unconditionally. Thus, helping the client to develop their self-worth, self-acceptance and self-awareness, leaving them feeling empowered to make a change.

What is person-centred therapy used to treat?

Person-centred theory has been known to treat a wide range of mental health concerns with extreme effectiveness. These include:

1. Anxiety: As one of the most common mental health issues in the world, it’s important to note that person-centred therapy is fantastic for treating anxiety. It allows the client to uncover the root causes of their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and build on their self-confidence.
2. Depression: Person-centred therapy can also help you to establish the underlying issues causing your depressive state. This enables the client to gain a new perspective on past and present situations.
3. Bereavement: During one of the most significant hardships a person will experience, person-centred therapy can offer an in-depth understanding of the grief process and a level of support that cannot be attained elsewhere.
4. PTSD: If you’re dealing with trauma, you can benefit greatly from person-centred therapy, often in conjunction with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy). This therapeutic approach allows you to face your experiences and develop strategies to alleviate the symptoms caused by them.
5. Eating disorders: For those suffering from an eating disorder, person-centred therapy can encourage a healthier relationship with food and body image. This addresses the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to their eating disorder.
6. Marriage issues: Person-centred therapy is also fantastic for couples that require a third-party presence and outlook. You’ll both be given a safe space to explore your relationship challenges and work towards better communication and understanding.

The Benefits of Person-Centred Therapy

While we’ve touched upon the benefits of person-centred therapy, it’s essential that you’re given a true representation of its power. Below are a few of the benefits:

Feeling Empowered

Empowerment is a key taking point of this therapy concept. Through self-awareness and the new confidence built, you’ll have a better knowledge of what changes need to be made in your life, and you’ll have the determination to make them. Of course, this refers to your relationships too; as you’ll have a better understanding of yourself, you can improve your communication, thus nurturing the bond with others.

Reduced Symptoms, For Longer

By enabling enhanced clarity about your adverse experiences, you’ll soon see a shift in your symptoms. Feelings of anxiety and depression, for instance, are hugely reduced, especially as you’ve gained new insight into your thoughts and emotions. And this isn’t just for one day. You can expect these benefits to live long past the conclusion of your therapy. After that, the strategies and fresh mindset will become a way of life, a much brighter one at that.

Is person-centred therapy right for you?

The million-pound question. But really, I cannot answer this until we have our initial chat. This therapeutic approach can treat a wealth of issues, as noted in this article. But it is never a one-size-fits-all solution either; instead, my therapy sessions are carefully developed so that you gain the most out of each one.However, one thing to note is that this type of therapy requires you to actively participate in your sessions, relying on your engagement and openness throughout. Although this is fantastic for confidence building, it may not suit certain personality types. Therefore, I must get an idea of what you want to achieve from your sessions and gauge your person before recommending treatment.If you’d like to begin your therapy journey but have no idea where to start, visit my website to learn more or get in touch with me today for a no-obligation chat via 07914 952723. I offer a calm and supportive environment for my clients to embark on self-discovery and personal growth. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and begin your path to healing today.