Person-Centered Therapy

Person-Centred Therapy is all about you. It’s a humanistic approach that focuses on your unique needs, preferences, and strengths. In a supportive and nurturing environment, you’re encouraged to grow, heal, and reach your full potential.

Dr. Nicole Nasr

Therapist

Table of Contents

What is Person Centred Therapy?

The Five Principles of PCT

The Key Focus of PCT

The PCT Session

Who Is PCT Suitable For?

The Therapeutic Relationship

The Seven Core Values of PCT

The Main Technique

Differrence Between PCT and CBT

PCT in Simple Terms

Blog

Ways-to-heal

Person-Centered Therapy

Contents

What is Person Centred Therapy?

Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) is like having a guide who truly believes in your ability to find your own way. Developed by psychologist Carl Rogers, this approach is all about focusing on your unique experiences and strengths. Rogers believed that each person has the inner resources to make positive changes and that you are the best expert on your own life.

Think of PCT as a partnership where you’re in the driver’s seat. You bring your personal insights and life stories to the table, and together with your therapist, you explore and create your own solutions. In PCT, your personal growth and experiences are at the heart of the process. It’s about understanding your individuality, fostering self-awareness, and building on your own qualities to drive meaningful change. This approach values your perspective and supports you in making the adjustments that will help you thrive.

The Five Principles of PCT:

The five principles of PCT on the therapeutic process and the therapist's approach:

Empathy, the therapist does their best to understand your emotions and experiences and emphasise them.
Unconditional positive regard involves the therapist accepting and valuing you for who you are, by creating a warm and non-judgemental space.
Congruence: The therapist aims to be true to themself and is genuine and authentic as they interact with you.
Non-directiveness means the therapist refrains from asking leading questions or offering guidance, empowering you to explore and evaluate your feelings and thoughts.
The client's perspective, therapy centres around their unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.

The Key Focus of PCT:

Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) focuses on bringing your self-concept into harmony with your ideal self and life experiences. It’s about how you see yourself and your abilities, shaped by your interactions and self-perceptions. PCT helps you create a clearer, more positive view of yourself and the world around you, empowering you to align your self-image with your true potential.

The PCT session:

Duration and Setup:

Each session typically lasts 45-60 minutes. The therapist will begin by discussing the resources and tools available to help you build confidence and address your challenges independently.

Active Listening and Exploration:

During the session, the therapist will actively listen to your perspective, ensuring they fully understand your thoughts and feelings. You will be encouraged to take the lead and explore your experiences.

Empathetic and Supportive Environment:

The session will focus on your personal experiences, with the therapist providing a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental space to foster your growth and self-discovery.

Who Is PCT Suitable For?

Many individuals may benefit from PCT. For example:

Dementia
Psychosis
Mood disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Negative thoughts associated with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
Those who experience relationship problems or low self-esteem.

PCT may also be beneficial for individuals who want to improve their self-awareness or personal growth and gain an in-depth understanding of themselves and their world. This can help empower them to value their unique own life experiences.

The Significance of The Therapeutic Relationship:

To get the most out of therapy, it’s crucial to build a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist. When you feel safe and valued, it’s easier to share your thoughts and feelings openly. A good therapist creates this trust by being non-judgmental and empathetic, helping you feel comfortable and understood. This genuine connection not only makes it easier for you to open up but also boosts your confidence and supports your personal growth. So, choosing a therapist who focuses on creating a positive and supportive relationship can make all the difference in your therapy journey.

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The Seven Core Values of PCT:

Respect for Autonomy: You should be treated with respect and valued for your uniqueness.
Empathy: The therapist aims to understand your feelings and experiences and emphasise them.
Authenticity: The therapist should strive to be authentic and honest while they interact with you.
Confidentiality: The therapist must ensure that your personal information and experiences are kept confidential and not shared with anyone.
Non-directiveness: The therapist must not attempt to lead therapy sessions so that you are proactive, helping you to analyse your thoughts and feelings independently.
Non-judgemental attitude: The therapist must ensure they employ a non-judgemental approach and create a safe space for their client to express their emotions.
Empowerment: You have the right to make decisions based on your experiences, and the therapist must respect these decisions.

The Main Technique in PCT:

In Person-Centred Therapy, active listening is at the heart of the process. Your therapist listens attentively and empathetically, aiming to understand your experiences from your perspective without judgment. Instead of a big wave of questions, they reflect back what you share and paraphrase your thoughts and feelings, showing that they truly get where you’re coming from. This approach not only demonstrates their understanding but also encourages you to delve deeper into your own thoughts and emotions. By feeling truly heard, you’re empowered to explore and gain clarity on your own experiences, promoting greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Differrence Between PCT and CBT:

PCT is a non-directive approach, focusing on the client’s intrinsic ability to heal themselves.

CBT is a form of psychological therapy that focuses on amending unhelpful thoughts and behaviours associated with mental health disorders. The goal is to help individuals manage their symptoms and create healthy coping strategies

One similarity is that CBT and PCT are both person-centred.

In CBT, the client and therapist work collaboratively to address their issues. In PCT the therapist demonstrates unconditional positive regard to support their client’s growth.

PCT focuses on experiences from the past, which can be affecting you at the current moment.

CBT specifically focuses on current problems and how they can be controlled.

PCT in Simple Terms:

Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), offers you a safe and supportive space where you can truly be yourself. PCT listens with genuine empathy and respect, allowing you to explore your thoughts, goals, and feelings at your own pace. This approach is all about trusting in your own ability to grow and make positive changes, honoring your unique experiences along the way. Remember, this journey is about you finding your own path to your fullest potential. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

With Love, Journey

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