Person Centered Humanistic Therapy

At the heart of Person-Centered Humanistic Therapy is what Rogers described as humans’ natural “actualizing tendency.” In the same way that other living organisms naturally strive toward balance and greater complexity, human beings do the same. According to Rogerian therapy, any form of person-centered therapy needs to optimize this process.

In Person-Centered Humanistic Therapy, clients are offered empathy as opposed to traditional therapeutic distance. Therefore, unconditional regard in Rogerian therapy helps facilitate positive change. Moreover, in humanistic psychology, the therapist follows the client’s lead whenever possible, becoming a guide in their ongoing process of self-actualization.

Sources: SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocols, Harvard Medical School, American Psychological Association