Person-centered therapy: principles and applications

Person centered therapy was founded by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s (Rogers, 1957). It was developed during that decade and continued to be further adjusted and developed throughout the 1950s, as well (Rogers, 1959). According to the theory, the goal is to help the person find his or her own solutions for problems by providing a rich, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment in which that person can explore his or her issues and difficulties (Rogers, 1959). Clients can develop a stronger sense of self this way, allowing them to realize how their feelings, behaviors, and attitudes are being affected. According to Rogers, there are several conditions that are part of the patient-client dynamic and that are required in order to see change (Rogers, 1959). Everyone has the innate capacity for change and growth, but it is often overlooked in people who are struggling with their own issues from a mental health standpoint. Bringing these capacities and capabilities to the forefront is a good way to show the person what he or she is really capable of doing and how he or she can begin to heal (Rogers, 1959).

People develop mental illness from different sources. It can come from trauma and abuse, or from issues with brain chemistry that does not work correctly. Some people are born with mental and emotional sensitivities and illnesses, while other people seem to develop problems later in life. Often, genetics play a big role in a person's mental health, as people with family members who have mental health issues may find that they also struggle with these same kinds of concerns. While some people become maladjusted from a societal standpoint or from a personal standpoint, others are able to function even though they deal with mental health issues. When person centered therapy is used, these clients are able to explore the ideas and beliefs they hold in a safe and secure environment (Rogers, 1957). Doing that allows them to come to terms with patterns that may be mentally unhealthy, and look for ways those patterns can be adjusted or even reversed.

The main goal of person centered therapy is to teach clients how they can solve their own problems (Rogers, 1957). This is not to say that the therapist will not offer any solutions, but mostly the therapist reinforces a safe space for the client instead of judging them or attempting to get them to see something a specific way (Rogers, 1957). By doing that, the client is able to work through his or her own problems, which will allow that client to move forward into a healthier situation. Additionally, the client can learn to handle future problems and concerns more easily, which means that he or she may be able to address issues that take place in life at a later date without the need for a therapist to help with those difficulties (Rogers, 1959). Once clients have learned to create that "safe space" on their own, they can do so in the future and can work through their mental and emotional health issues in ways that provide them with healthy answers.