Person-Centered Therapy (Rogers)

Presentation

Person-Centered Therapy (formerly 'non-directive therapy') is a humanistic psychotherapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers (1902–1987). Rogers revolutionized psychotherapy by demonstrating that the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not therapist technique, is the main change factor.

The fundamental postulate is that every human possesses an 'actualizing tendency' — an innate force of growth that, in a sufficiently favorable relational environment, naturally unfolds toward health and self-realization.

Founder: Carl R. Rogers (1902–1987), psychologist, University of Chicago

Core Principles

Rogers identified three 'necessary and sufficient' conditions:

1. Empathy: understanding the patient's inner world 'from within.'

2. Unconditional positive regard: warm, non-judgmental acceptance of the whole person.

3. Congruence (authenticity): the therapist is genuine — inner feelings match outer expression.

Main Indications

• Mild to moderate depression
• Anxiety and stress
• Self-esteem and confidence issues
• Relational difficulties
• Grief and loss
• Existential crises
• Burnout
• Personal growth

Session Overview

Sessions last 50-60 minutes, typically weekly. No structured protocol, prescribed exercises or standardized techniques. The patient freely determines each session's content. The therapist listens with deep, empathic attention and offers authentic, accepting presence. Main interventions: empathic reflections, reformulations and attentive silence.

Variations

• Classical person-centered therapy
• Focusing (Gendlin)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT — Greenberg)
• Motivational interviewing (Rogerian-inspired)
• Person-centered group therapy

Contraindications

• Acute psychosis requiring directive structure
• Disorders requiring specific protocolized treatment
• Patients demanding active techniques and immediate solutions