An article by Anna Keyter | Photo by Anna Shvets

Introduction

In this article, we are going to explore how our online therapists can use Online Person-Centred therapy. First, we’ll look at it’s history.

In psychological theories and therapeutic practices, few approaches have been as influential or enduring as Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach (PCA). Developed in the mid-20th century, this humanistic framework revolutionised the way mental health professionals conceptualise therapy. Psychologists shifted the focus from directive interventions to fostering an individual’s innate capacity for growth and self-actualisation.

PCA is rooted in the belief that every person possesses the resources for personal development. It prioritises empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance in the therapeutic relationship.

This article explores the origins, core principles, therapeutic techniques, applications, criticisms, and lasting impact of Rogers’ approach. Providing a comprehensive overview of its significance in modern psychology. We will also look at the application in Online Therapy.

Origins of the Person-Centred Approach

Carl Rogers (1902–1987), an American psychologist, developed the Person-Centred Approach during a period when psychoanalysis and behaviourism dominated psychological thought.

Psychoanalysis, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, emphasised unconscious drives and early childhood experiences, often positioning the therapist as an expert interpreter of the client’s psyche.

Behaviourism, led by figures like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, focused on observable behaviours and external stimuli, largely dismissing internal experiences. Rogers, however, found these approaches limiting, as they overlooked the subjective, lived experiences of individuals.

Rogers’ early career as a clinical psychologist exposed him to diverse therapeutic practices. This included his work at the Rochester Guidance Center in the 1930s. Influenced by the humanistic philosophy of thinkers like Abraham Maslow, Rogers began to formulate a new perspective. He prioritised the individual’s subjective experience and inherent potential for growth.

By the 1940s, he articulated the foundations of what he initially termed “non-directive therapy.” Later, it evolved into “client-centred therapy” and, eventually, the “Person-Centred Approach” to reflect its broader applicability beyond therapy.

PCA, the Third Force

The PCA emerged as part of the broader humanistic psychology movement. This was often referred to as the “third force” in psychology. It offered an alternative to the deterministic views of psychoanalysis and behaviourism.

Rogers’ approach was grounded in optimism about human nature. He asserted that individuals are inherently motivated towards self-actualisation. This is a process of becoming their fullest, most authentic selves—when provided with the right conditions. Online counsellors use the Person-Centred Approach as part of the integrative psychotherapeutic approach.

Core Principles of the Person-Centred Approach

At the heart of the Person-Centred Approach are three core conditions that Rogers believed were necessary and sufficient for therapeutic change.

These conditions, often referred to as the “therapeutic triad,” are:

1. Empathy: The therapist must experience an accurate understanding of the client’s internal frame of reference. The therapist will communicate this understanding to the client. Empathy involves stepping into the client’s world without judgment, allowing them to feel truly heard and understood. Rogers described empathy as “seeing the world as the client sees it” while maintaining a separate sense of self. Online therapists use empathy to build rapport with clients.
2. Unconditional Positive Regard: This condition involves accepting and valuing the client as a unique individual. Regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. Unconditional positive regard creates a non-judgmental space. There, the clients can explore all aspects of themselves without fear of rejection or criticism. As an online therapist, it is important to have a non-judgmental approach.
3. Congruence (or Genuineness): The online therapist must be authentic, presenting themselves as a real person rather than a detached professional. Congruence requires the online therapist to be transparent about their own feelings and experiences, fostering an honest and open therapeutic relationship.

Rogers posited that when these conditions are present, clients are empowered to tap into their self-actualising tendency. This will enable personal growth and psychological healing. Unlike directive approaches, the PCA does not rely on techniques or interventions imposed by the therapist. Instead, it trusts the client’s capacity to find their own solutions within a supportive environment.

Rogers introduced several key concepts that underpin the PCA:

• Self-Concept: The way individuals perceive themselves, which may include their beliefs, values, and sense of identity. A healthy self-concept aligns closely with one’s actual experience. Incongruence between the self-concept and reality can lead to psychological distress.
• Self-Actualisation: The innate drive to realise one’s full potential and live authentically. Rogers believed this tendency is present in all individuals but can be hindered by external pressures or negative self-perceptions.
• Conditions of Worth: External expectations or judgments are often from parents or society. That leads individuals to feel valued only when they meet certain conditions. These can distort the self-concept and inhibit self-actualisation.
• Fully Functioning Person: Rogers’ vision of a psychologically healthy individual, characterised by openness to experience, creativity, and living in harmony with their true self.

These concepts form the theoretical backbone of the PCA, emphasising the importance of self-discovery and personal growth within a supportive therapeutic relationship. A trained online therapist will be aware of this theoretical framework and make it part of the therapeutic process.

The Therapeutic Process

The Person-Centred Approach is often described as non-directive, as it avoids prescriptive techniques or structured interventions. Instead, the online therapist’s role is to create an environment where the client feels safe to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

The process is inherently client-led. The online psychologist acts as a facilitator rather than an expert. In practice, online person-centred therapy sessions may begin with the client sharing whatever is on their mind, without a predetermined agenda. The online therapist listens attentively, reflecting back the client’s feelings and experiences to demonstrate understanding and empathy.

For example, if a client says, “I feel so lost in my career,” the psychotherapist may respond, “It sounds like you’re feeling really uncertain and perhaps overwhelmed by where you’re at right now.”

This reflective listening helps the client feel validated and encourages deeper exploration. The online counsellor also maintains an attitude of unconditional positive regard, refraining from judgment even if the client expresses thoughts or behaviours that could be considered socially unacceptable.

By modelling congruence, the online therapist may share their own genuine reactions (when appropriate) to foster authenticity in the relationship. For instance, if a client’s story evokes sadness, the online therapist might say, “I’m really moved hearing about what you’ve been through.”Over time, this therapeutic environment enables clients to gain greater self-awareness, challenge conditions of worth, and move towards a more congruent self-concept. The goal is not to “fix” the client but to support their journey towards self-actualisation.

Applications of the Person-Centred Approach

While the PCA was initially developed as a therapeutic approach, its principles have been applied across diverse contexts, demonstrating its versatility and enduring relevance.

Some key applications include:

1. Counselling and Psychotherapy

The PCA remains a cornerstone of counselling and psychotherapy, particularly in the UK, where it is widely taught and practised. It is used to address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem. Its non-directive nature makes it suitable for clients who prefer a less structured approach or who may feel alienated by more prescriptive therapies.

2. Education

Rogers extended his ideas to education, advocating for “student-centred learning.” This approach emphasises the learner’s autonomy, encouraging teachers to act as facilitators rather than authoritative figures. In a student-centred classroom, students are given freedom to explore their interests, fostering creativity and intrinsic motivation. Rogers’ book Freedom to Learn (1969) outlines how person-centred principles can transform educational environments.

3. Organisational Settings

The PCA has also influenced workplace practices, particularly in leadership and management. Person-centred principles, such as active listening and valuing employees as individuals, can enhance workplace morale and productivity. Organisations have used these ideas to create more collaborative and supportive work cultures.

4. Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding

Rogers applied his approach to conflict resolution, notably in his work with groups in conflict, such as during the Northern Ireland Troubles. By fostering empathy and mutual understanding, the PCA can facilitate dialogue between opposing parties, promoting reconciliation and understanding.

5. Personal Development and Group Work

The PCA has been used in encounter groups and personal development workshops, where participants explore their feelings and relationships in a supportive group setting. These groups, popular in the 1960s and 1970s, provided a space for individuals to enhance self-awareness and interpersonal skills.

Strengths of the Person-Centred Approach

The PCA has several strengths that contribute to its enduring popularity:

• Empowerment of the Client. By trusting the client’s capacity for self-direction, the PCA fosters autonomy and self-efficacy. This empowers individuals to take charge of their own growth.
• Universality. The core conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. It is applicable across cultures and contexts, making the PCA adaptable to diverse populations.
• Humanistic Optimism. The approach’s positive view of human nature resonates with those seeking a hopeful and affirming therapeutic experience.
• Flexibility. The PCA’s non-directive nature allows it to be tailored to individual needs. Making it suitable for a wide range of clients and settings, including online therapy.
• Research Support. Studies have shown that the therapeutic alliance, built on Rogers’ core conditions, is a key predictor of positive therapeutic outcomes, validating the approach’s effectiveness.

Criticisms and Limitations

Despite its strengths, the PCA has faced criticism and scrutiny, particularly regarding its applicability and theoretical foundations:

• Lack of Structure: Critics argue that the non-directive nature of the PCA can be too vague for clients who prefer clear guidance or structured interventions. Some individuals may struggle to take the lead in therapy without more active direction from the therapist.
• Limited Applicability for Severe Mental Health Issues: The PCA may be less effective for clients with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or severe personality disorders, where more structured or directive approaches (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, or medication) may be necessary.
• Cultural Considerations: While the PCA is intended to be universal, some critics suggest that its emphasis on individual autonomy and self-expression may not align with collectivist cultures, where community and interdependence are prioritised.
• Overemphasis on the Therapeutic Relationship: Some argue that the PCA places too much emphasis on the therapist-client relationship at the expense of specific techniques or strategies for addressing complex psychological issues.
• Empirical Challenges: While research supports the importance of the therapeutic alliance, measuring the effectiveness of the PCA as a standalone approach can be challenging due to its non-directive nature and reliance on subjective outcomes.

Rogers himself acknowledged some of these limitations, encouraging ongoing research and adaptation of the approach to address diverse needs.

The Lasting Impact of the Person-Centred Approach

Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach has left an indelible mark on psychology and related fields. Its emphasis on the therapeutic relationship has influenced virtually all modern therapeutic approaches, with elements of empathy and unconditional positive regard now considered foundational to effective therapy.

The PCA’s focus on the client as the expert in their own life has shifted the power dynamic in therapy, promoting a more egalitarian and collaborative model.

In the UK, the PCA remains a cornerstone of counselling training and practice, with organisations like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) endorsing its principles.

The approach has also inspired other humanistic therapies, such as Gestalt therapy and existential therapy, which share its focus on subjective experience and personal growth.

Beyond therapy, the PCA’s influence can be seen in education, social work, and organisational psychology, where its principles of respect, empathy, and authenticity continue to shape practice. Rogers’ work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution also highlights the approach’s potential to address societal challenges, fostering mutual understanding in divided communities.

In recent years, the PCA has been integrated with other therapeutic modalities to create integrative approaches that combine its strengths with more structured techniques. For example, person-centred principles are often incorporated into cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to enhance the therapeutic alliance, demonstrating the approach’s adaptability. It is also easy to integrate with online counselling.

Conclusion

Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Approach represents a paradigm shift in psychology, offering a hopeful and empowering vision of human potential. By prioritising empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, the PCA creates a therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their authentic selves and move towards self-actualisation. Its applications extend far beyond therapy, influencing education, organisational practices, and conflict resolution.

While the PCA is not without its limitations, its emphasis on the online therapeutic relationship and the client’s inherent capacity for growth has ensured its enduring relevance. As mental health practices continue to evolve, the Person-Centred Approach remains a touchstone for those who believe in the power of human connection and the transformative potential of being truly heard and understood.

In a world that often feels fragmented and impersonal, Rogers’ vision of a person-centred approach reminds us of the profound impact of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance—not only in therapy but in all human interactions. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the principles of the PCA continue to offer a beacon of hope, encouraging us to trust in our own potential and the power of genuine human connection.

Feel free to read more about our services, or complete the form below: