Person-centered therapy provides a safe space for clients to become more self-aware and find their own solutions.
Read on to learn more about person-centered therapy, techniques, and benefits associated with this form of treatment.
Client vs. ## How It Works
In person-centered therapy, the client and the therapist work as a team.
FatCamera / Getty Images
There are both inpatient and outpatient programs available.
Your first session will begin much like a meet-and-greet, in which you will get to know one another.
If you are interested in person-centered therapy, you could contact your healthcare provider for recommendations.
What Techniques Are Involved in Person-Centered Therapy?
There are three main techniques used in person-centered therapy.
Each technique is designed to help a person become more aware of their own behaviors in a safe space.
When this happens, people are then able to make the necessary changes needed to recover.
This technique also teaches the client self-awareness and knowing how thoughts and feelings affect a persons experiences.
Trust in the relationship allows clients to be more comfortable opening up in a genuine way.
Unconditional Positive Regard
Unconditional positive regard is total acceptance.
This means that the therapist always completely accepts and supports their client when participating in client-centered therapy.
The therapist takes all of their client’s feelings and emotions seriously and validates what they are feeling.
They also offer reassurance through active listening and positive body language.
How Does Unconditional Positive Regard Help?
Empathetic Understanding
Empathy is the true understanding and sharing of feelings between two people.
The main goal of empathetic understanding is to ensure that the client feels completely understood in everything they say.
What Are the Benefits of Person-Centered Therapy?
You must also establish a relationship with your therapist that feels safe and supportive.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Mental health issues can be difficult to cope with.
Oftentimes, people arent sure where to turn or what bang out of help they need.
They will likely direct you toward different types of available therapists.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
An open and trusting relationship between client and therapist is key in person-centered therapy.
Your location will also play a role in the cost.
In many cases, person-centered therapy is covered by medical insurance.
There are many types of therapy available.
The main branches of therapy are psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and integrative.
Person-centered therapy is a form of humanistic therapy.
Erekson DM, Lambert MJ.Client-centered therapy.
In: Cautin RL, Lilienfeld SO, eds.The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology.
2018;55(4):411-423. doi:10.1037/pst0000171
Moon K.A.
StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
