What is Person-Centered Therapy?

Person-centered therapy is a type of talk therapy where therapists view individuals as experts in their own lives. A person-centered therapist does not assume the expert role but instead provides support by encouraging individuals’ agency regarding their current issues or stressors and helping improve self-determination that can carry through different life circumstances or stages. Person-centred therapy is non-judgemental, respects each individual’s experiences and interpretations, and views the individual positively. Therapy is also non-directive, meaning person-centred therapists will not give answers on how to improve specific issues. Instead, they guide the individual in exploring what is happening and collaboratively help them develop solutions that could help with their current life experiences.

Why is Person-Centered Therapy Important?

Person-centered therapy respects each client and understands that we all experience life, stressors, and issues uniquely. By stepping out of the role of “expert,” the therapist allows clients to become confident in their abilities and know what is best for themselves. This type of therapy helps clients build their self-awareness and self-esteem as they are not reliant on the therapist’s advice. Do you remember the saying, “Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime”? This saying is an excellent analogy for what person-centred therapy strives for. Helping individuals become confident in their abilities allows them to apply what they have learned to issues and experiences they may struggle with in future.

What Does Person-Centered Therapy Look Like?

In session, the therapist focuses on the needs of the individual, not solely the “issue,” and fully accepts them nonjudgmentally. While the client leads sessions, it does not mean the therapist is passive. Often, the therapist asks questions to better understand the client and their experiences and help guide the client to solutions by inviting open and safe communication. Although the client sets goals on what they want to achieve out of therapy, typical person-centred goals that emerge include:

• Increasing self-awareness

• Improving client self-determination

• Increasing clarity on current issues

• Improving self-esteem

• Improving self-reliance

• A better understanding of oneself

Who Can Benefit From Person-Centered Therapy?

Research has shown that person-centered care is effective for many issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, life changes and transitions, low self-esteem, personality disorders, trauma, and many other issues or experiences individuals often seek therapy for.

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