The Attitude of the Client-Centered Therapist (Congruence, Empathy, and Unconditional Positive Regard)
The idea of client-centered therapy comes from one of the most famous humanistic psychologists of all time, Carl Rogers. His ideas in therapy revolutionized the field and developed the modern technique most therapists use today.
Rogers believed that each person possess the skills necessary for growth. He also believed it was best to listen without interruption, and refrain from directing clients to certain insights. Also essential to Rogers' theory was the therapist showing true genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. According to Rogers, "When therapists drop their facades and genuinely express their true feelings, when they enable their clients to feel unconditionally accepted, and when they emphatically sense and reflect their clients' feelings, the client may deepen their self-understanding and self-acceptance."
Below I have posted two links. The first is a synopsis of client centered therapy. The part I think is helpful and a worth wile read is the section under the heading "How Does Client-Centered Therapy Work?" It gives a good explanation of the theory and how it is put to use by therapists. The second is all about the history of Carl Rogers' theory and I found that very interesting as well. Also posted below is a video of Carl Rogers' explaining his theory himself.
Links:
http://psychology.about.com/od/typesofpsychotherapy/a/client-centered-therapy.htm
http://www.adpca.org/node/19
Rogers believed that each person possess the skills necessary for growth. He also believed it was best to listen without interruption, and refrain from directing clients to certain insights. Also essential to Rogers' theory was the therapist showing true genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. According to Rogers, "When therapists drop their facades and genuinely express their true feelings, when they enable their clients to feel unconditionally accepted, and when they emphatically sense and reflect their clients' feelings, the client may deepen their self-understanding and self-acceptance."
Below I have posted two links. The first is a synopsis of client centered therapy. The part I think is helpful and a worth wile read is the section under the heading "How Does Client-Centered Therapy Work?" It gives a good explanation of the theory and how it is put to use by therapists. The second is all about the history of Carl Rogers' theory and I found that very interesting as well. Also posted below is a video of Carl Rogers' explaining his theory himself.
Links:
http://psychology.about.com/od/typesofpsychotherapy/a/client-centered-therapy.htm
http://www.adpca.org/node/19