RUNNING HEAD: PERSON-CENTERED THERAPY Lee
Person Centered Therapy
Grand Canyon University
, Person-Centered Therapy Lee 2
Carl Rogers began his careeras a Staff Psychologist in New York of 1931.After finding
the favored traditional psychanalytic methodsknownas the Freudianapproach to connect the
conscious and unconscious mind of the client to be unsuccessful, Rogers began to develop a new
theory of counseling. Over a span of 40 yearsthe approach to what we know today as “Person-
Centered Therapy” (PCT) was created. This approach challenges the counselor to“experience an
empathetic understanding of the client’s inner frame” and share positive regard for the client
(Rogers, 1989, p. 57). PCT is commonly used in therapeutic settings across the world. This
approach can be presented to a diverse population of clients and can be beneficial for clients of
all ages. For PCT to be most effective, the client should be in communication with the therapist
from level of empathetic understanding to achieve accountability with certain issues (Murdock,
2016).
There are two key elements in applying PCT to a comfortable therapeutic environment.
Initially, the counselor will allow the client to lead the discussion to build counselor-clients
interrelationship. It is important of the counselor not to attempt to steer the client in any direction
during this stage of rapport building. The design is to be non-directive and allow the client to set
the tone for the first session(s). Secondly, the counselor is committed to showing complete
acceptance and support for the client without scattering judgement. Placing an emphasis on
unconditional positive regard in the counselor-client relationship creates an open and non-
judgmental therapeutic environment(3 Key Qualities to Look for in a Client-Centered Therapist,
2020). Effective PCT is a process of developmental healing through the relationships of the
client, and the presentation of the client’s behavior and role in the pressing situation. Clients who
are accompanied with a wide range of issues can organize their thinking and take one situation at
Person Centered Therapy
Grand Canyon University
, Person-Centered Therapy Lee 2
Carl Rogers began his careeras a Staff Psychologist in New York of 1931.After finding
the favored traditional psychanalytic methodsknownas the Freudianapproach to connect the
conscious and unconscious mind of the client to be unsuccessful, Rogers began to develop a new
theory of counseling. Over a span of 40 yearsthe approach to what we know today as “Person-
Centered Therapy” (PCT) was created. This approach challenges the counselor to“experience an
empathetic understanding of the client’s inner frame” and share positive regard for the client
(Rogers, 1989, p. 57). PCT is commonly used in therapeutic settings across the world. This
approach can be presented to a diverse population of clients and can be beneficial for clients of
all ages. For PCT to be most effective, the client should be in communication with the therapist
from level of empathetic understanding to achieve accountability with certain issues (Murdock,
2016).
There are two key elements in applying PCT to a comfortable therapeutic environment.
Initially, the counselor will allow the client to lead the discussion to build counselor-clients
interrelationship. It is important of the counselor not to attempt to steer the client in any direction
during this stage of rapport building. The design is to be non-directive and allow the client to set
the tone for the first session(s). Secondly, the counselor is committed to showing complete
acceptance and support for the client without scattering judgement. Placing an emphasis on
unconditional positive regard in the counselor-client relationship creates an open and non-
judgmental therapeutic environment(3 Key Qualities to Look for in a Client-Centered Therapist,
2020). Effective PCT is a process of developmental healing through the relationships of the
client, and the presentation of the client’s behavior and role in the pressing situation. Clients who
are accompanied with a wide range of issues can organize their thinking and take one situation at
