Humanistic & Person-Centred Therapy

Humanistic and person-centred therapy was developed by Carl Rogers, who believed that people naturally move towards growth when they experience empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. He became well known not only for his ideas, but also for recorded therapy sessions that let people hear, often for the first time, what a real, respectful therapeutic conversation could sound like.

Rogers shifted psychotherapy away from "treating" or "fixing" people and toward a relational process in which the therapist offers a safe, accepting space and the client's own inner wisdom is trusted. His classic book On Becoming a Person continues to influence therapy, coaching, and education.

In humanistic and person-centred therapy, the focus is less on technique and more on the quality of the relationship. You are invited to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace, in a space where you are not judged or pushed into a mould.

This approach can be especially helpful for self-esteem, emotional difficulties, identity questions, relationship patterns, and personal development. Many people value having a space where they can "be fully themselves" and feel truly listened to.

BACP – Person-Centred Therapy overview

Cooper, M. (2019) – Person-Centered Therapy: A pluralistic Perspective

Duffy et al. (2024) – Systematic Review and meta-analysis of humanistic-experiential therapies for the treatment of depression

Rogers, C. – Video: Meets Steve