Client-Centered Therapy: Definition, History, and References
Client-centered therapy (CCT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the individual’s subjective experience and personal growth. It is an approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the client’s autonomy and self-determination. The aim of CCT is to help the client develop a secure and positive sense of self-worth, enabling them to develop their own solutions to their problems. CCT is based on the principles of Rogers’s (1951) Humanistic psychology, and is often referred to as “person-centered” or “Rogerian” therapy.
The origins of CCT can be traced back to the work of the American psychologist, Carl Rogers. In the 1940s, Rogers developed a non-directive approach to therapy, which he referred to as “client-centered therapy.” This approach focused on creating a supportive atmosphere in which the client could feel comfortable exploring their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Through this process, the client is able to gain insight into their own behavior and develop new strategies for addressing their issues.
The core principles of CCT include the belief that the client is the expert in their own experience, and that the therapist should be an accepting and non-judgmental listener. The therapist strives to create a safe and supportive environment in which the client can freely express their feelings and experiences. The therapist also provides unconditional positive regard, meaning that they accept the client as they are without judgment or criticism. In addition, the therapist actively listens to the client without offering advice or solutions.
By creating a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere, CCT encourages the client to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, and to develop their own solutions to their problems. This process can help the client gain insight into their own behavior and develop more effective coping strategies.
References
Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Haley, J. (1973). Uncommon therapy: The psychiatric techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. New York: W. W. Norton.
Kirschenbaum, H., & Henderson, V. L. (1989). The Carl Rogers reader. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.