If you are asking yourself questions like "Do I need to see a counsellor? If I do, which kind should I have? And what IS person-centred counselling?" then you are probably looking for some kind of help and support with an issue in your life. We would like you to find the right person to help you with the things you would like to be helped with. The unfortunate thing is that you will probably not have much experience in knowing what all the different types of help and support available are.
Luckily, that is where we come in! At the Sheffield Wellness Centre we want you to be as informed as possible about what is available so you can make a more informed and educated decision.
What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling, also known as person-centred therapy or client-centred therapy, is a form of talking therapy and a psychological treatment that was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that every person has the inherent ability to solve their own problems and that the role of the therapist is to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment in which the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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What are the core principals of person-centred counselling?
The core principles of person-centred counselling are that the therapist should be
- Empathetic
- Genuine
- Non-judgmental
This means that the therapist should try to understand the client's perspective and feelings, be open and honest with them, and avoid imposing their own beliefs or values on the client. The therapist should also provide unconditional positive regard, which means that they should accept the client for who they are and not try to change them.
Focus on the person, not the problem
One of the key features of person-centred counselling is that it focuses on the person rather than the problem. This means that the therapist does not try to diagnose the client or tell them what to do. Instead, the therapist helps the client to explore their own thoughts and feelings and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The goal of this is to help the client to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance, which can lead to positive changes in their behaviour and relationships.
Another important aspect of person-centred counselling is that it is non-directive. This means that the therapist does not try to guide the client towards a particular solution or outcome. Instead, the therapist provides a safe and supportive space for the client to explore their own thoughts and feelings, and to make their own decisions. This can help the client to develop a greater sense of autonomy and self-determination, which can be empowering and liberating.
3 reasons why person-centred counselling might suit you
So why might person-centred counselling be worth doing for someone who is struggling with life issues? There are several reasons why this type of therapy can be beneficial.
Gain a deeper understanding
Person-centred counselling can help the client to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. By exploring their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment, the client can gain insights into their own behaviour and motivations, and can learn to see things from different perspectives. This can help the client to develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, which can be empowering and can lead to positive changes in their life.
Develop skills & strategies
Person-centred counselling can help the client to develop coping skills and strategies for dealing with life's challenges. By exploring their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental and empathic environment, the client can learn to identify and express their emotions, and can learn how to manage their thoughts and behaviours in a healthy way. This can help the client to develop greater resilience and to be better able to cope with the challenges of life.
Develop healthier relationships
Person-centred counselling can help the client to develop healthier relationships. By exploring their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment, the client can learn to communicate more effectively and to develop greater empathy and understanding for others. This can help the client to build stronger and more fulfilling relationships with their loved ones.