What is Person-Centred Therapy?
When you’re thinking about starting therapy, it’s natural to wonder what the experience will be like. Different therapists use different approaches, and one of the most widely used is person-centred therapy. But what does that mean, and what can you expect if you choose this type of counselling?
Understanding Person-Centred Therapy
Person-centred therapy, sometimes called client-centred therapy, was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s. The core idea is simple yet powerful: you are the expert on your own life. Instead of giving advice or telling you what to do, a person-centred therapist provides a supportive space where you feel truly heard, accepted, and understood.
The belief behind this approach is that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, given the right conditions. Therapy is not about being “fixed” by someone else—it’s about discovering your own strengths and inner resources.
The Core Principles
Person-centred therapy is built on three key conditions that create a safe and healing environment:
Empathy – Your therapist listens deeply and works to understand your world from your perspective.
Unconditional Positive Regard – You are accepted without judgement, no matter what you bring to therapy.
Congruence – Your therapist is genuine and authentic, not hiding behind a professional mask.
Together, these qualities help you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly.
What to Expect in a Session
A person-centred session is not led by strict rules or agendas. Instead, you set the pace. You might spend time talking through something that’s troubling you, reflecting on past experiences, or exploring how you feel in the present moment.
Your therapist will listen carefully, reflect back what you say, and sometimes gently highlight patterns or emotions you may not have noticed. The focus is always on your experiences and what feels most important to you.
Many people describe person-centred therapy as a chance to:
Feel truly listened to, often for the first time.
Build self-acceptance and self-trust.
Gain clarity and new perspectives.
Develop tools for resilience and emotional wellbeing.
Who Can Benefit?
Person-centred therapy can help with a wide range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, stress, and low mood
Low self-esteem or self-criticism
Relationship difficulties
Grief and loss
Personal growth and life transitions
Because this approach is flexible and non-directive, it can be especially helpful if you want space to explore your feelings in a supportive environment, without pressure or judgement.
Why Choose Person-Centred Therapy?
If you’re looking for a counselling approach that honours your individuality and gives you room to grow at your own pace, person-centred therapy may be a good fit. It’s about working with you, not on you—helping you reconnect with your strengths and move toward a more fulfilling and authentic life.
At RLS Therapy & Wellbeing, my aim is to provide a warm, supportive, and reflective space where you can feel safe to explore whatever you’re going through. If you’d like to learn more about person-centred therapy or book an initial session, please get in touch.
