The origins of the Person-Centred Theory in Counselling began in the 1950's by Carl Rogers, who founded the approach. He moved away from the establishment at the time, who were focussed on themselves as the expert, onto the person, being their own expert. This became known as non-directive in the relationship with a client, to follow the client's lead. The Person-Centred theory is a way of being with another human being in relation with them in a phenomenological connection, (R., Casemore).
The main assumptions of Person-Centred theory lie with the 'Six Necessary and Sufficient Conditions', which Carl Rogers viewed as essential to building a trusting relationship. These are:
Two people in psychological contact.
The first, (the client) is in a state of incongruence, being anxious and vulnerable.
The Counsellor is congruent, the inner senses being the same as what is conveyed outwardly.
The Counsellor experiences unconditional positive regard for the client.
The Counsellor holds an empathetic understanding of what the client is experiencing and is able to communicate this to the client.
The client perceives this unconditional acceptance and empathetic understanding.
These conditions are best displayed in practical Counselling sessions, as they are experienced and felt, whereas other models are more like tick boxes, however, this approach is difficult to achieve, as the Counsellor needs to have a degree of self-awareness, to be in a state of congruence for each individual client.
In practice, the Counsellor conveys empathy, congruence and acceptance of the client and is fully focussed on their verbal and non-verbal communication. Offering a safe connection for the other person, a regulated calm state of being for the client to feel able to share their experience and establish a trusting relationship.
Being alongside another person, actively listening, showing an empathetic understanding and conveying acceptance to the client that they are valued, and their emotions are validated. The client's frame of reference is shared and both are understanding the client's perspective.
The process of change is a perceived shift in a person's awareness. Moving away from a need to please others, from early conditions of worth which are internalised in childhood, and onto an autonomous way of being, which values the person's worth in their own authenticity. By becoming themselves, they are free to accept themselves for their true self.
It is a journey of self-discovery, to understand yourself and become aware of who you truly are, a unique human being.
Reference
R., Casemore, (2011) Person-Centred Counselling in a nutshell, 2nd ed., London. Sage Publications Ltd.
.
留言