Derived from the humanistic school of thought, person centred therapy (PCT) was founded by American psychologist, Carl Rogers in the 1950’s. Rogers believed that every person is essentially positive and driven to achieve their full potential. This human instinct to grow is the primary force that influences all behaviour.
The individual is the expert on their own life experiences and as such, in PCT the client is in control of the content, pace and direction of sessions. It is the therapist’s role to provide the necessary and sufficient conditions that allow clients to truly experience themselves, without judgement, control or direction from others.
PCT is a process of accepting or declining experiences to enable the best and most authentic version of the individual to emerge. The aim is for the client to develop a pure awareness of themselves, leading to a solid self-structure.