What is Person-centred Counselling?
Person-centred counselling is one of the most well-known and popular approaches to counselling. Developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s, there is an emphasis on the relationship between you and your counsellor. You remain at the centre of this relationship and are in charge of what happens in each session. This is a very effective way for you to talk about what is important to you and to determine the right way forward for you. In person-centred counselling, the aim is for you to realise your potential and to trust and understand your own inner voice, so that you can work out what is right for you and how you would like your life to be.
How does Person-Centred Counselling work?
A person-centred counsellor hopes to create and offer an environment that is non-judgemental, honest, open and safe for you to discuss whatever your issues are. It is very important that you feel secure, that it is a confidential environment and that you are able to bring whatever you want to the session and that you feel that you are being respected and accepted.
Who is Person-Centred Counselling suitable for?
We are tempted to say everyone. We think person-centred counselling is suitable for a wide range of clients and a wide range of issues. The spirit of person-centred counselling is to build trust and a helpful and supportive relationship, which offers you the freedom to express your emotions and to talk about difficult issues with no pressure or judgment. There is no ‘technique’ other than providing an open and honest space to talk. We hope that counselling is seen as something that is for everyone. There are often points in our lives when talking to someone professionally might be helpful. Counselling can be a very empowering experience and a proactive choice for you.
What issues or problems are suited to Person-Centred Counselling?
A wide range of issues, for example:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Grief
- Relationship issues
- Transitions in life
- Addictions
- Anger issues
- Career decisions
- Fertility
However, you don’t always need a specific issue. It could just be that you don’t feel life is quite how you want it to be and that there may be reasons that are worth looking at as a way to find solutions.
How many sessions will I have?
That is entirely up to you. There is no fixed number of sessions. We might agree an initial number, say six, when you first come and then we can review this after these are completed or at any point in between. Sometimes knowing that you have a specific number of sessions can help provide the space for you to explore a particular issue, without pressure. Sometimes people might find that there are further issues to look at or sometimes they may feel that, for the time being, they have got what they wanted from counselling.
