Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Person-centered therapy, also sometimes called Rogerian therapy or client-centered therapy, was first developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. Person-centered therapy borrows from humanistic approaches and is based on Rogers’ belief that all people are fundamentally good and have the ability to fulfill their potential. In person-centered therapy, clients will typically take more of a lead in sessions, with the therapist acting as a compassionate, non-judgmental facilitator. The idea is that, in the process, the client will steer their own journey of self-discovery and will find their own solutions. Think this approach might work for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s person-centered therapy experts today.

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The therpeuctic alliance is the heart of the therapy process. A deep connection between the therapist and client provides a fertile ground for real change and progress.

— Jennifer Driscoll, Counselor in Mamaroneck, NY

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."

— Barton Shulman, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Francisco, CA
 

Congruent. Non-Judgmental. Empathetic. These three person-centered therapy tenets are the foundation for all the therapy we provide, regardless of what specific modality or intervention your clinician integrates into this theoretical framework. We see you, and we hope to earn the privilege of sitting with you in the midst of whatever you're going through. You bring your right for self-determination and your power for choice and action -- we'll bring the map and the supports to get you through.

— Alive Counseling Clinic, Mental Health Counselor in Eugene, OR

With this approach I will help you understand that you as the individual have the power to make the changes necessary. We will process different issues that come up in your life that affect you and walk you through how you can manage some of these difficulties you have.

— Kemi Alemoh, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Dimas, CA
 

As the client, you are in the drivers seat for each session! You will not be alone on this journey. We will work together on creating your your goals and your plan to achieve your goals. You are the expert on yourself, and there is no one else like you. So cookie cutter treatment isn't available here!

— Michele Kitney, Professional Counselor Associate

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.

— Joshua Bogart, Professional Counselor Associate in Beaverton, OR
 

Client-focused: You are the expert on your own life Non-directive: Focus is on support, not judgement or advice Empathetic: I act as an emotional mirror to make it safe for you to explore Active listening: I engage actively, but you do most of the talking Positive tone: I set a positive tone to encourage openness Self-discovery: I will guide you to your own solutions through self acceptance and healing

— Christina Helm, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Evanston, IL

I utilize this style because the focus is on you, not just the problems. You are an expert of yourself and my goal it to work with you to overcome and cope with any current and future problems you may face. I value you as an individual and we will work together to grow, learn and inspire change.

— (Sky) Karissa Roy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX
 

Before i was a therapist, I was an actor and then a barista. First and foremost I believe in the healing power of the connecting of relationships between people. During my time at Northwestern I did extensive research on the working relationship, my approach is based on that research. We are humans first, and client/counselors second!

— Daniel Westheimer, Counselor in Chicago, IL

My doctoral studies and training focused on classical, Client-Centered theory and therapies in the tradition founded by Carl Rogers. I teach Person-Centered therapy at the graduate level, contributing to clinical research and international conferences.

— Travis Musich, Clinical Psychologist in Chicago, IL
 

I am client-focused in my therapeutic approach, and work to provide a genuine, warm, and affirming environment to assist my clients in exploring their issues, develop alternative coping styles, and work to resolve problems in their life. I am enthusiastic about my work, and privileged to experience an individual's ability to rediscover their authentic self.

— Avi Vieira, Psychologist in Mesa, AZ

As a person-centered therapist, I seek to reveal to my clients their knowledge of themselves. They are the true experts on their own happiness, and the point of therapy is to help them tap into that expertise and make use of it every day, not only within the therapy hour.

— Brent Armour, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in HOUSTON, TX
 

If we do not feel heard, seen and understood, no progress can be made. You are not a problem to be fixed but a person to walk alongside as you navigate life struggles.

— Jessica Reynolds, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Folsom, CA

I am deeply passionate about the principles of Person-Centered Therapy and have extensive training and experience in its application. I believe in fostering a genuine and empathetic therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and unconditional positive regard. By creating a safe space for you to express yourself authentically, I empower you to tap into your own inner resources and find solutions that resonate with your values and beliefs.

— Dr. Lindsay Howard, Clinical Psychologist in Parkland, FL
 

I believe people are inherently motivated toward achieving positive psychological functioning. You are the expert in your life and my role is to use my expertise to support and guide you.

— Alison Solomon, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The baseline for person-centered therapy is this: I don't know what's best for you. I don't put my ego into your life. I don't judge you. Instead, I am a safe space of understanding, that helps you find your goals for therapy, your desires for healing, your hopes for change in your life, and then I help you gently navigate through challenges to reach your goals and bring hope to your life.

— Crystalyn Jass Kirkpatrick, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX