What Are The Advantages Of Client-Centered Therapy?
If you’ve heard the term client-centered therapy, you may be wondering how it is unique from other forms of therapy, which also aim to help the client. When this approach to therapy was introduced, it was far different from anything that had ever been done before. What makes client-centered therapy so unique? Below, we’ll look at client-centered therapy, its origins, and its usefulness today.
What is client-centered therapy?
The therapist provides support and empathy to help the person in the process. This type of therapy works off of the assumption that people have a self-actualizing tendency that will lead them toward growth and health. It is in this way that the betterment of the human condition is within client reach.
Other names for client-centered therapy include “Rogerian therapy”,“person-centered therapy.” and “non-directive
Client instead of patient
Carl Rogers, a famous psychologist, pioneered person-centered therapy (Rogerian therapy) and was the first to use the term “client” rather than “patient” to refer to the person receiving treatment. This is an important distinction because it emphasizes health, or potential health, rather than an illness. The term “client” is still used today. In therapy, Rogers revolutionized therapist-patient interaction and helped establish a novel form of talk therapy.
Non-directive instead of directive
Nearly all types of psychotherapeutic approaches tend to involve directive therapy. In person-centered therapy, and most other person-centered approaches, the therapist is active and the client is served. The therapist asks questions, interprets what the client says, gives advice, and provides a diagnosis when necessary.
Rogerian therapy, on the other hand, tends to be non-directive. This means that the therapist does not usually take an active role. Instead, the client can talk about whatever they think is important, make their own decisions about what they would like to change and how they will do it, and express their feelings in a way that makes sense to them. The client’s feelings are mostly analyzed by the client instead of the therapist, which effectively represents the client-centered therapy Carl Rogers developed.
Empathy and understanding
The therapist in client-centered therapy fulfills several functions. Their main responsibility is to demonstrate a “therapeutic personality” by listening to what the client says and trying to understand with genuine empathy. They may restate the client’s words as a way of participating in active listening. Throughout this process, they aim to demonstrate empathetic understanding to their client.
Attitude is crucial
The therapist also aims to show their clients respect and let them know they value them as a person. They desire to see their client’s points of view and help them make changes in their views or behaviors if necessary. This mindset can help to show that the client is indeed the focal point of person-centered therapy. Prioritizing the client’s humanity is now considered a foundational part of most psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
Transparency
The therapist aims to be transparent in regard to their own thoughts. They try to avoid hiding their life experiences but don’t force them on the client. This can enhance the therapeutic relationship and allow the client to feel respected. Person-centered approaches in family therapy often strive to introduce transparency into the family unit as well.
The self-actualizing tendency
The self-actualizing tendency is another significant component of the person-centered therapy that Rogers pioneered. This refers to the tendency people have to grow and develop healthy ways to reach their fullest potential. Client-centered therapy relies on this concept because the client tends to become healthier over time. They tend to move forward through their challenges via self-direction. However, those without sufficient conditions to grow may struggle to enable their self-actualizing tendency, leading to distress. The client and therapist typically work together to help overcome barriers that may prevent growth.
Avoiding diagnosis
Person-centered therapy techniques are also unique because they don’t seek to diagnose the client with a mental illness. Instead, the therapist treats them as a whole person who’s striving toward self-actualization. That isn’t to say that Rogerian therapy can’t be used for people with mental health conditions. However, the focus is usually not on a mental health diagnosis but on striving toward overall health.
Advantages of person-centered therapy
Now that we know what client-centered therapy is, we will look into how it can benefit the client. Below are nine benefits this type of therapy can provide:
The focus is on you
When you’re in Rogerian therapy, your needs and choices matter. You aren’t there to find out what someone else thinks. Instead, your goals are your own, and your way of approaching them is honored.
You get support and understanding
For many people, just having someone listen intently to what they say is enough to make a difference. Such empathetic support may be hard to find in everyday life. The therapist aims to understand the client’s circumstances, which can be beneficial for clients who feel like those around them may not see what they are going through.
You’re the decision-maker
The non-directive approach of client-centered counseling doesn’t usually put you in a position where you’re receiving a confusing diagnosis or a treatment plan that you are not comfortable with. If a client does not believe something they are facing or doing is a problem, they will not change it. Instead, the client gets to decide what to work on and how to go about the process.
You’re treated with respect
No matter what you as the client are facing, the therapist will respect you. They don’t take a higher position or allow you to believe you are lesser of a person. Client-centered counseling works by allowing the client to work as a partner in the treatment, rather than having the therapist control all decision-making.
You’re treated as a whole person
In client-centered therapy (Rogerian therapy), clients tend to be treated as whole people. Personality change is expected in the therapeutic process, and clients are encouraged to explore their psyche. The lack of diagnosis allows clients not to be treated in a certain way simply because of a label or what their chart says. They tend to be treated in a way they feel comfortable with, and how they feel produces the results they are looking for. With the client viewed positively, the therapist can care for their client and strive to help them make any desired changes.
You aren’t judged or analyzed
Client-centered therapists strive to never judge a client. No matter what life choices are brought up, the therapist strives not to pass judgment. This goes back to respect, as well. If any judgments are made in person-centered therapy, they tend to come from the client, and the therapist will likely help relieve them of the negative thoughts.
You aren’t saddled with a diagnosis
Some clients may appreciate having a diagnosis. It can make them feel that their symptoms are valid and that they are not alone in experiencing them. However, the focus of person-centered therapy, Rogerian therapy especially, is usually not on diagnosing a mental health condition.
The process encourages independence
Client-centered counseling can help the client to become more independent. They get to practice making their own decisions and approaching life’s difficulties in their own way. Because their therapist offers support and a positive attitude, they may even gain confidence and independence throughout their sessions.
You work toward the goals that are important to you
In traditional therapy, some clients may feel they are being pushed toward a goal they do not want or need to pursue. In client-centered therapy, creating their own goals can release this frustration. A client’s feelings are best expressed by the client, not the therapist, which is one of the major aspects of client-centered counseling.
Is client-centered therapy right for me?
Client-centered counseling may not be ideal for everyone in every situation. If the following statements apply to you, a different style of therapy may be a better fit:
- I want someone to tell me what I am experiencing and why.
- I want a specific diagnosis.
- I want someone to tell me how to face my challenges.
- I value the therapist’s advice more than my own opinions.
On the other hand, client-centered counseling might be right for you if these statements are true for you:
- I like to be in the “driver’s seat.”
- It’s important to me to be treated as an equal.
- I have specific goals I want to pursue.
- I don’t want to be pushed to do what someone else thinks I should do.
- I don’t want to be treated exclusively according to the guidelines of my specific mental health condition.
- I want to become more independent in my thinking and decision-making.
You may also wonder what challenges best suit this type of therapy. Client-centered counseling can be a strong tool for any life challenge if you are the type of person explained above. However, studies show that client-centered counseling is especially helpful in addressing adverse childhood events and family relationships.
This is where online counseling services like Regain offer solutions. You can learn to face life’s challenges and grow into the person you desire to be, all while you comfortably lead the discussion with your therapist. Client-centered counseling can help you grow your own way and on your own terms. With Regain, you can participate in therapy completely remotely, which research has demonstrated to be just as effective as in-person therapy. You can talk to your therapist via phone or video chat, and you can contact them in between sessions via in-app messaging.
Below are some reviews of Regain counselors from people who have experienced similar concerns:
Counselor reviews
"Very kind and wise soul. She hears me and suggests tools that I understand and can use. I couldn't have asked for a better guide in my life at the moment than Evelyn."
"Josh is sincerely the nicest human being I have ever encountered. He genuinely listens to our issues and concerns and always offers constructive ideas that could be helpful to us. He is very neutral in that he does not take sides in our issues but asks questions and helps to guide us through them. He is very attentive to our needs and very flexible with our schedule as well. I would recommend Josh to anyone."
Takeaway
If you have wanted to seek therapy in the past but haven't found the right fit due to your desire to take charge and lead the way, client-centered counseling may be just what you are looking for. No matter what you’re experiencing, there are tools for you to move forward in healthy and fulfilling ways. Take the first step and contact Regain today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a client-centered approach mean?
A client-centered approach means that the client is the one who provides direction during a session. In contrast, in other forms of counseling and psychotherapy, mental health professionals generally take the lead. In person-centered therapy, clients usually work to see themselves as fully functioning people, and mental health professionals support the process. Rather than focusing on the concern or diagnosis a client has, a client-centered therapist tends to embrace that individual and observes them as someone with the knowledge and high esteem needed to help themselves. During a therapy session, the therapist aims to be authentic and treat clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard. It can be an empowering form of treatment that emphasizes positive psychology and has unique goals that set it apart from other forms of counseling.
How does client-centered counseling work?
Client-centered counseling aims to validate a client's insight and experiences. Without validating our feelings and experiences, we can fall into a cycle of guilt or shame for feeling the way we feel, and it can hinder the healing process. In client-centered counseling or even client-centered healthcare, a provider tends to actively listen to what a person has to say about how they feel and lets them guide themselves once they have the sense of affirmation that they need to move forward.
This form of counseling tends to focus on you and your unique experiences. It can help anyone who experiences difficulty validating their thoughts and feelings regardless of where they stem from.
What type of therapy is client-centered counseling?
Client-centered counseling is also referred to as Rogerian therapy or a Rogerian approach. It tends to focus on embracing a client's autonomy as well as their personal abilities. Other forms of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The type of counseling that works can vary from person to person, so if the first mental health treatment you seek does not help you, you can change approaches. Client-centered counseling can be effective for those who want to strengthen their sense of self. It can be beneficial for those with a variety of mental health conditions or life circumstances.
What is the main goal of person-centered counseling?
One of the main goals of person-centered therapy is to increase confidence and establish personal growth. The fact that these are the main goals is part of what sets this counseling approach apart from other forms of mental health treatment. Gestalt therapy, or Gestalt psychology, tends to place a similar emphasis on seeing clients as individuals, but it is not the same thing. Some therapy goals may relate to a particular mental health condition. With client-centered therapy, the goals may vary from person to person, but the emphasis on self-esteem and personal development tends to remain the same for everyone.
Is client-centered counseling effective?
Research indicates that client-centered therapy is effective. The reasons cited for the effectiveness of this form of therapy are that it emphasizes a person's capabilities and helps them believe in themselves. Understanding what we're capable of and having confidence in ourselves can improve our mental health. It can also improve our ability to navigate social relationships and succeed in areas such as work and school.
Client-centered counseling can help people learn to assert their boundaries or needs, experience less anxiety and depression, and stop seeking constant reassurance from others. It may also help people stop engaging in other behaviors that operate from a place of low self-esteem.
What are the seven core values of a person-centered approach?
Here are seven consistent typical aspects of a person-centered approach:
It takes the emphasis off of a diagnosis or the need for a diagnosis.
Your therapist treats you with unconditional positive regard.
You are in control.
Your therapist aims to be congruent with your experience.
Your therapist sees and treats you as an equal.
You are treated with compassion and empathy.
You set your own goals.
What are the weaknesses of person-centered counseling?
One of the weaknesses of person-centered therapy is that it may not be for everyone. Not everyone wants to be in the driver's seat in counseling. For some people, it's the key to healing and unlocking life-changing self-perception and empowerment. For others, a different form of treatment may be more suitable. Some people want a therapist to provide more insight, guidance, and nuance, whereas others may need the empowerment and self-direction that this form of therapy provides.
What are the four principles of person-centered care?
The four principles of person-centered care are personalization, coordination, enablement, and adherence to treating a client with respect, dignity, and compassion. Person-centered care can be an empowering form of medical or mental health treatment that allows a client to take control. A therapist tends to reaffirm the client’s thoughts and feelings, and the client is usually seen as the person who has knowledge and guidance throughout the counseling process. The concept of enablement can enforce that someone’s thoughts and feelings are valid, which can be helpful for people who have experienced gaslighting or those who have been taught that their feelings and thoughts don't matter.
What are the main principles of the person-centered approach?
One of the main principles of this type of approach is to affirm the client. This is where the unconditional positive regard in the Rogerian approach comes in; this form of therapy tends to affirm that the client has a solid sense of perception and can provide insight into their own situation. For those who haven't been empowered to do so in the past, seeing a therapist who practices this type of approach can be life-changing.
Is client-centered counseling still used today?
Client-centered counseling is still used today. If you want to find a therapist who practices client-centered counseling, you will likely have to seek it out, as it may not be as common as other approaches. You can search online for a therapist who has training in this approach, or you can find a therapist who practices client-centered counseling remotely.
What are the advantages of client-centered counseling?
Client-centered counseling may be advantageous over other forms of therapy for those whose main goal is to increase self-confidence and the ability to help oneself. Belief in oneself can impact the therapeutic process positively. Client-centered counseling can help people with various concerns, from anxiety to difficulties with self-esteem.
This form of therapy remains unique because of its focus on self-actualization. Whether you decide to engage in CBT, person-centered counseling, or another form of therapy like acceptance and commitment therapy, a licensed mental health provider can support your healing process from a place of professional knowledge that is aligned with the form of counseling they provide.
What are the benefits of client-centered counseling?
Client-centered counseling can be an effective option for people who experience difficulty listening to their intuition, trusting themselves, or appreciating their abilities. It can be beneficial for those who have challenges with self-confidence due to the unconditional positive regard provided by the therapist. It can also help people express themselves more, which can be beneficial to a person's mental health for various reasons.
When someone is equipped to express themselves, they may be more likely to tell people how they feel in interpersonal relationships, which can allow them to create stronger bonds. Person-centered counseling often helps people with personal growth because it shows them that they can establish solutions in their lives and achieve the goals they establish for themselves.
How do you become client-centered?
First, you might read up on what it means to be client-centered and make sure that it aligns with your practice and the population you work with. Then, consider going through some training courses for those in your profession who wish to provide client-centered or person-centered care. In training courses created to help you provide client-centered care, you will likely learn about how to implement elements such as unconditional positive regard. You'll also likely learn about positive psychology and how to have an empathetic understanding of your clients.
Is person-centered therapy short or long term?
This type of counseling can be short-term, long-term, or something in between. The length of time you will be in therapy can depend on your goals, whether you see a provider in a treatment center or outpatient setting, where you're at when you start therapy, and your personal needs and wants.
What are Carl Rogers's three core conditions?
The three core conditions of client-centered therapy are the following:
Empathy
Unconditional positive regard
Congruency
A therapist aims to remain consistent with these conditions as they work with their client in client-centered counseling. Empathy relates to the ability to empathize with a client no matter what they are experiencing.
Unconditional positive regard refers to a positive attitude that the therapist holds toward their client throughout the therapeutic process. With unconditional positive regard for a client, a mental health provider allow their client to come as they are and be met with acceptance.
Congruency relates to the genuineness of a therapist who uses a person-centered approach.
What are the techniques of client-centered therapy?
The primary technique of client-centered therapy tends to involve the use of non-directive methods to achieve self-actualization. Using this method, the client-centered approach encourages the client to discuss whatever is on their mind. Client-centered therapy works for many because it allows the therapist to listen rather than produce solutions, giving the client a space to vent and grow. In addition to active listening, a client-centered therapist practices empathy and respect in a nonjudgemental way. With this humanistic type of therapy, clients have the opportunity to speak openly.
When you choose to seek out a therapist, you have the opportunity to create a therapeutic alliance with your therapist. This collaborative notion can be beneficial for those looking for a client-centered approach.
What is the main goal of person-centered therapy?
Client-centered therapists tend to focus on the betterment of the client rather than what might be wrong. Using the term client focuses on a person seeking growth, as opposed to the term patient, which focuses on a person in need of so-called fixing. The goal of this-centered therapist is often to provide humanistic therapy and cultivate a therapeutic alliance in each therapy session.
Unlike other counseling and psychotherapy methods, client-centered therapy does not usually seek diagnoses or solutions or try to push you toward one particular topic. If you’re more accustomed to methods like behavioral therapy, this therapeutic process might seem unique. For example, in behavior therapy, the counselor is typically responsible for identifying unhealthy behaviors and trying to help the client correct course. It is often considered a more direct approach to therapy, but it may not be ideal for everyone.
What are the four elements of client-centered therapy?
Client-centered therapists tend to subscribe to these four pillars of the client-centered therapy method:
Positive Regard
Empathy
Respect
Active Listening
With positive regard, the therapist aims to be unconditionally nonjudgmental. Creating a safe space for the client can help with the success of the therapeutic alliance.
Likewise, displaying genuine empathy and respect toward the client during every therapy session is often at the core of client-centered therapy. These components things can be carried out with the practice of active listening.
What is an example of client-centered therapy?
An example of client-centered therapy is when a therapist does not necessarily guide the client toward any diagnosis or solution.
Specific examples might be found from the works of the originator of the client-centered therapy: Carl Rogers. Instead of calling it client-centered therapy, some people might refer to this method as Rogerian therapy.
Is client-centered therapy effective?
Client-centered therapy can be effective for many people, especially for people who like to be in charge, prefer being treated as an equal, know the goals they are trying to reach, don’t want to be forced into a path or idea that they do not align with, and are not seeking treatment for a specific condition.
For these reasons, client-centered therapy can be an effective choice for those looking to try online therapy. Whether you are new to therapy or would like the opportunity to speak about your thoughts and experiences to a professional who is trained to listen, you may benefit from this or other types of therapy.
- Previous Article
- Next Article