British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
The Key Features of the Person-Centered Approach Empathy (the counsellor trying to understand the client’s point of view) Congruence (the counsellor being a genuine person) Unconditional positive regard (the counsellor being non-judgemental)
Goals of Client-Centered Therapy These general goals are to: Facilitate personal growth and development. Eliminate or mitigate feelings of distress. Increase self-esteem and openness to experience.
The Core Conditions These conditions can be expressed in plain English as follows: The counsellor is congruent (genuine). The counsellor experiences unconditional positive regard (UPR) – non-judgmental warmth and acceptance – towards the client. The counsellor feels empathy towards the client.
Person-centred values These are the guiding principles that help to put the interests of the individual receiving care or support at the centre of everything we do. Examples include: individuality, independence, privacy, partnership, choice, dignity, respect and rights.
A person – centred approach is where the person is placed at the centre of the service and treated as a person first. The focus is on the person and what they can do, not their condition or disability. Support should focus on achieving the person’s aspirations and be tailored to their needs and unique circumstances.
Client, or person centred counselling is commonly used to treat a number of issues which include relationship problems, depression , anxiety , bereavement, addictions, sexuality, anger and transitions in life.
The results indicate that person – centred counselling is effective for clients with common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Effectiveness is not limited to individuals with mild to moderate symptoms of recent onset, but extends to people with moderate to severe symptoms of longer duration.
Disadvantages and Limitations of Client – Centered Therapy It’s more beneficial for clients who are educated. The approach relies on an overly optimistic view of people. The belief in people’s ability to change – especially within the context of a non-directive approach – is overly generous.
The first three conditions are empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. These first three conditions are called the core conditions , sometimes referred to as the ‘facilitative conditions ‘ or the ‘client’s conditions ‘. In other words, they are the conditions that the client needs for the therapy to work.
Humanistic / Person – Centred therapy focuses on the present moment, rather than past issues to help the person tap into their innate abilities, creativity and wisdom to fulfil their own potential as a human being. This therapy is less directive or prescriptive than some other therapies, such as CBT, ACT and MBCT.
How does Person – Centred Counselling work ? Counsellors , psychotherapists and psychologists using the person – centred approach work to offer clients an understanding approach that is non -judgemental and honest/friendly. The main focus of the counselling is decided by the client , who is able to discuss what might help.
taking into account people’s preferences and chosen needs. ensuring people are physically comfortable and safe. emotional support involving family and friends. making sure people have access to appropriate care that they need, when and where they need it.
Patient – centred care is about respecting your individual preferences and diversity. Patient – centred care involves recognising your needs and respects your right to make health decisions and choices. Patient – centred care includes your right to comment, ask questions and make complaints about your healthcare.
Person – centred practice is a natural part of our day-to-day work smile and introduce ourselves. wear a name tag that people can see and read. explain your role to the patient . ask the patient how they are feeling today – both physically and emotionally. see the patient as a person who has a life outside hospital.