(PCT)
Person-Centred Therapy
Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) is a therapeutic approach founded and developed by the psychotherapist Carl Rogers (1902-1987) who believed that the key to growth lay with the client and not the therapist. This shift from a therapist-led and directive approach to therapy to a more humanistic approach which responds to the client and how they feel in that moment, which enables you to experience a freer therapeutic environment listening to you rather than the therapist telling you what they think you need.
As a fundamental approach to therapy, the majority of therapists will have completed their initial training with this model, and I am no exception. Through the PCT approach, we can explore your feelings in an environment where you are listened to empathetically and are encouraged to express and work through the feelings and emotions you are actually experiencing, as opposed to the ones you think you should be.
A fresh approach with you in charge
For many clients entering a person-centred environment can be daunting as we are so used to the professional taking charge, whether that be a teacher, a doctor or a hairdresser. However, it is our belief that you are the expert of you and actually hold the answers to the problems you are facing in your life. The block to actualising these solutions is the anxiety of what others might think or how they would react, if they knew our true feelings. Together, it will be our work to explore the true you, comparing and contrasting it with the mask you present to the outside world beyond our sessions. By allowing me in, I will be able to provide you with unconditional positive regard, which accepts you for you, no questions asked.
Should, Would & Could
The absence of receiving answers, advice or instructions from a therapist may seem odd, yet, when you consider the bigger picture you will have already been exposed and subjugated to advice from a wide range of people, including friends, family members, partners, colleagues etc. No matter how well meaning and how well those people know you, only you truly know you and what is going on inside in terms of feelings, emotions, desires and more.
In our sessions, I will listen to your thoughts and introjected views and opinions sensitively questioning whether they hold true for you; are they coming from you? Or, is it someone else speaking? Statements such as “I should, I could and I would” will be challenged in my sessions as I wonder who is telling you and what barriers or obstacles are being placed before you to prevent you from leading a happier, more congruent and fulfilling life.
