The History and Healing Power of Person-Centred Counselling

Person-centred counselling, also known sometimes as client-centred therapy, was developed in the 1940s by American psychologist Carl Rogers. At the time, most therapeutic approaches were quite clinical and directive. Rogers introduced something revolutionary - the idea that people are the experts of their own lives, and that given the right conditions, they can find their own way through difficulties. This deeply resonated with me! ❤️

Rather than telling clients what to do, person-centred counselling creates a warm, accepting space where individuals feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. The counsellor offers three core conditions: empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (or genuineness). These conditions help foster a trusting relationship, which is key to healing and growth. 🌻

One of the reasons this approach remains popular today is its simplicity and deep respect for each individual. It doesn’t try to ‘fix’ people or label them. Instead, it recognises the human capacity for change when someone feels truly heard and valued.

How Can Person-Centred Counselling Help?

Many clients find that just being listened to without judgement can be incredibly powerful. It can reduce feelings of isolation, increase self-esteem, and help people gain clarity about what they want or need. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, low mood, grief, or simply feeling stuck, person-centred counselling provides space to reflect and reconnect with one’s inner strengths!

A Case Study:

Mark*

(*details have been changed to protect confidentiality & are shared with permission.)

Mark, a man in his early 40s, came to counselling feeling overwhelmed at work and unsure about his relationships. He’d always been the one others relied on, but lately, he’d felt lost and disconnected from himself.

In our sessions, I didn’t offer advice or solutions. Instead, I listened - really listened - and gently helped Mark explore what was going on beneath the surface. Over time, he began to reconnect with his own needs and feelings, things he’d long pushed aside.

After several weeks, Mark shared that he felt lighter and more in control. He’d begun setting boundaries and speaking up for himself, both at work and in his personal life.

It wasn’t magic - it was the simple power of being heard. ✨

If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, person-centred counselling might just offer the space you need to find your way forward.

Would you like to find out more? Contact me today for a free 15-minute chat.