Person Centred Theory

Running head: PERSON CENTRED THEORY
Person Centred Theory
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1Person Centred Theory
Psychological theories aim to help the client overcome psychological as well as
behavioural problems. One of the popular theories of counselling is the person-centred theory.
The theory was developed in the 1940s by Carl Rogers (Corey, 2009). The paper aims to analyse
the psychological approach of counselling critically, that is the person-centred theory.
Specifically, the paper involves the strengths and weaknesses of the particular approach, person-
centred theory, as well as the skills needed to work with the approach.
The approach was invented by Rogers in order to provide simple, warm and optimistic
therapy that would be simply beneficial to people. The therapy has several strengths. It is
interesting to note that person-centred therapy is also known as client-centred therapy
(MacDougall, 2002). The difference between therapists who call people in therapy as equal
partners rather than as an expert who treats its patients. In this case, the client is responsible for
its own life and its improvement and not the therapist. Clients decide consciously and rationally
for themselves the things that are wrong and the things they should be doing. The therapist is
more like a friend who provides support, encourage and listens (Uhlmann, Pizarro & Diermeier,
2015). According to person-centred therapists, clients are capable of improving their condition
and mental health. Therefore, the therapists focus mainly on the client’s ability to make changes
for themselves.
Human beings tend to work towards self-actualisation. It is a process that refers to
develop a complete way, and it is a process of development that occurs throughout the lifespan.
In this process, people head towards “self-realisation, intrinsic goals and fulfilment. It also
involves self-regulation and autonomy that helps people work toward self-actualisation. The
person-centred therapist believe the conditions of worth influence the way a person shape the
concept of self (Patterson & Joseph, 2007). These are shaped by the important people of the