Client Centred Therapy

Client-centred treatment is guided by three main concepts that represent the therapist’s attitude toward the client: There is a clear understanding between the therapist and the client. The therapist and the client have reached an agreement. The therapist communicates with the client in an empathetic manner.

Research

Five researchers have found that client-centred therapy in psychology has a good impact. Children are encouraged to express themselves fully in client-centred therapy while the therapist listens supportively and helps them to embrace their feelings and achieve greater self-awareness. 

Client-centred therapy has been tested in both individual and group settings and has shown to be effective for people of all ages. Investigators found that treatment results in a trial of client-centred therapy for anxiety, including African American and Hispanic children, were fewer than in studies involving solely white children. Furthermore, none of the research included children with anxiety disorders, instead focused on children with subclinical levels of anxiety, and none of the trials included children with comorbidity.

Carl Rogers popularised client-centred therapy in psychology also known as person-centred therapy, in the 1940s. It was a significant divergence from the time’s typical psychoanalytic therapies. Rogers coined the term “non-directive therapy” to describe his method, which stated that the therapist’s responsibility was to help the client comprehend their own perception of the world and encourage positive change through a trusting relationship rather than to direct or instruct the client (Brammer, Shostrom, & Abrego, 1989; Krech, Crutchfield, & Livson, 1969). To put it another way, the therapist must value and empathise with the client.

What is client-centred therapy?

Client-centred therapy in psychology focuses on a person’s assessment of their current situation and aids them in discovering their own solutions to difficulties or barriers (Brammer, Shostrom, & Abrego, 1989). In addition, rather than rehashing old events, client-centred therapy focuses on the individual’s current ambitions, problems, and challenges. 

Reflecting back on the client’s expressed thoughts, feelings, and experiences is an important approach in client-centred therapy. This strategy exhibits empathy, aids in clarifying difficulties that are personal to the person, and maintains the focus on the issues that the client wishes to work on. Rogers-inspired approaches, such as reflective responding or active listening, are also used by practitioners of client-centred therapy.

Conditions for client-centred therapy

Client-centred therapy in psychology is guided by three main concepts that represent the therapist’s attitude toward the client:

• There is a clear understanding between the therapist and the client.
• The therapist expresses unconditional favourable regard for the client.
• The therapist communicates with the client in an empathetic manner.

Tips for counselling in client-centred therapy

• The client is an authority on their own issues. It’s preferable to let the client describe the problem. Don’t make the mistake of telling them what their problem is or how to fix it.
• One good strategy is to pay attention to what the client is saying and then try to clarify to them, in your own words, what you think they are saying. This can not only assist you in clarifying the client’s point of view, but can also assist the client in better understanding their sentiments and beginning to seek a constructive solution.
• Remember that giving advice is a risky business. Furthermore, some clients will be unwilling to take responsibility for their own choices. They may need to be reminded that no one else has the authority to make their decisions for them. Of course, you can still assist them in weighing the pros and disadvantages of the various options available to them.
• If you simply present yourself in your official capacity, the client is unlikely to divulge personal information. This may imply sharing personal information — not just facts, but also feelings. 
• Your tone of voice can transmit a lot of information. Slowing down the speed of the discourse is frequently thought to be beneficial. Short pauses that allow the client (and you) to think in the session’s direction might also be beneficial.
• It’s just as vital to know yourself and your own limitations as it is to grasp the client’s perspective. A person-centred counsellor does not always succeed. You may be able to assist at times, but you will never know. It’s important to remember that the goal of a counselling session isn’t to make you feel better about yourself.

Conclusion

A person-centred counsellor places such a high value on authenticity and following the client’s lead, they do not place the same focus on time and technique as a psychodynamic therapist. A client-centred therapist may deviate significantly from traditional counselling procedures if they believe it is acceptable.

A crucial component of a successful client-centred therapy that is “all about love” is the belief that people are fundamentally good and that, in the end, each person knows what is best for them.