Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Person-centered therapy, also referred to as Rogerian therapy, was developed and cultivated by psychologist Carl Rogers from the 1940s through the 1980s. The aim of person-centered therapy is to facilitate a client's innate drive toward personal growth and "self-actualization." This is done by providing the conditions now generally recognized by other therapeutic methods as necessary for change, including unconditional positive regard, therapist congruence (genuineness), and empathic understanding. Rogers is quoted as having said "I can't make corn grow, but I can provide the right soil and plant it in the right area and see that it gets enough water; I can nurture it so that exciting things happen. I think that's the nature of therapy."

Person-Centered Therapy focuses on the therapeutic relationship. People are not flawed and are not their mental diagnosis. Everyone has the capacity to change and are on a path to self-actualization. The therapist provides the client with empathy and unconditional positive regard to create change in therapy. The client may have had "conditional" positive regard with many people in their life. This therapy creates a safe environment for the client to explore thoughts and feelings in the moment.

Carl Rogers, the founder of Person Centered psychotherapy believed that the most important aspect of the therapeutic process was the relationship between the client and the therapist. I hold this belief as well and have found that the best outcomes are arrived when a person feels heard, understood and supported in their process for working on difficult problems and finding meaning. Without this, other therapy models are just tasks.

Person-Centered therapy ultimately names the client (you) as the expert on self. As your therapist, I only act as a guide. My ultimate function as your therapist is to do my best to understand your perspective, show up authentically as myself so you trust I have no agenda, and offer you unconditional positive regard- meaning no judgement! Most therapists identify with

My primary foundation of psychotherapy is within the realm of person centered, or Rogerian style therapy. With person centered therapy, the therapist offers a safe, trusting, and comfortable environment for the client to explore their challenges. The therapist acknowledges that the client knows themselves the best, and the therapist is there to help the client through validation and support.

I hold a counseling space that is accepting, receptive, and one that offers unconditional positive regard of others. I strive to "be" with my clients and demonstrate an empathetic understanding to my clients. I want to understand my clients' point of view and remain genuine with them at all times.

I am interested in helping clients develop creative coping skills designed specifically for them. I am majorly influenced by the work of Virginia Satir and her principles of congruence, as well as John Bowlby and his workings in attachment theory.

Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes that the individual is in the driver’s seat in their own treatment. The therapist, in this type of therapy, is seen as a facilitator rather than an authority figure. The role of the therapist is to support the client through their journey of self-discovery.

Accepting yourself as you are and embracing your inherent worthiness are foundational to sustainable change. I will model this welcoming stance during our sessions. I will also be putting you in the driver's seat of your own treatment. While I can offer perspective and information, this is ultimately a collaborative process. You choose how treatment is structured.

Person-Centered Theory fits my world view so I have been practicing it for most of my life but it did not know it until graduate school. As a therapist, I am genuine, authentic, empathic, encouraging, and have unconditional positive regard for my clients within session and our therapeutic relationship.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” - Carl Rogers. I will assist you in gaining self-compassion and support through person-centered therapy techniques.

This all begins (for my clients) in-session with Person-Centered (Rogerian) therapy, because arguably no other modality is better at establishing the beginning (and cultivating) what we refer to as the therapeutic alliance (relationship). Most in this field will agree that without the therapeutic rapport there is no real counseling taking place, and without it the client would basically be wasting their time on that couch.

I believe every person knows on some level what they need and the steps they need to take to find healing or create change. Each person also knows what they are ready to address past traumas or current struggles. I respect each person's process and knowledge of themselves and experiences. Sometimes simply having a place to process our emotions, explore our inner workings, and affirm our experiences lead to breakthroughs.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” - Carl Rogers. I will assist you in gaining self-compassion and support through person-centered therapy techniques.

I'm all about you! I let you talk and tell me what you need and what's going on. I'm here to reflect some things back to you, but I have faith that if you are encouraged and supported, you will figure out what you need without too much help from me. But just because you do most of the talking doesn't mean that I'm not working really hard to help you get to your personal conclusion. I listen and sometimes remind you of what you've already said so you can find your own way.

I see clients as the experts of their lives, not me. I offer evidence-based tools and techniques tailored to fits clients' needs and lifestyles. My role is to offer resources and support until folx are able to use their tools effectively on their own. I prioritize encouraging self-reflection over telling people what to do.