Person Centered Therapy Techniques

The strategies of a person-centered approach focus on creating a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment that empowers clients to lead their own healing process. Key strategies include providing unconditional positive regard, demonstrating empathy through active listening and reflection of feelings, and maintaining congruence.

The most frequently used technique in person-centered therapy is reflection, which involves paraphrasing or summarizing what the client expresses during sessions. This technique helps clients process their thoughts and feelings by giving them a clearer understanding of their experiences.

An example of person-centered therapy could involve a client discussing feelings of anxiety related to an upcoming job interview. The therapist would create a safespace for clients to express their fears without judgment. For instance, the therapist might ask, "What are your thoughts about the interview?" As the client shares their concerns, the therapist would reflect back on key points, helping the client gain insights into their feelings and ultimately empowering them to develop coping strategies for managing anxiety during the interview.