Person Centered Counselling
So, what is Person Centred Counselling???
It comes under the umbrella of Humanistic Therapies. Developed in the 1950’s by Carl Rogers an American Psychologist. He believed that the client, through their own experiences, knew themselves better than anyone else. The counsellor wasn’t there to be the “expert” or tell them what to do, they were there to support the client through difficult times.
Person centred counselling doesn’t aim to solve the problems, it harnesses the client’s ability to self-heal. It is a non-directive talking therapy allowing the client to lead a session in whichever direction they need to go & the counsellor to be by their side for support when needed. This can lead to developing a deeper understanding of what is going on for them, seeing things more clearly and a chance for them to make different choices.
The key factor is the relationship between client and counsellor. You need to feel safe while with me to talk openly and explore certain feelings or situations that sometimes is not possible to do with family or friends. This relationship will hopefully become stronger over time as you learn to trust me through my acceptance and respect for you. This is why the initial half hour session can be helpful for you to determine if you feel a connection with me to develop that relationship.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be.
When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying,
“Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.”
I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”
Carl Rogers