Overview of Person Centered Approach

The person-centred theory, developed by Carl Rogers, is one of the most popular in the fields of psychology, counselling and education. Person-centred theory offered a new way to look at individuals and their development, as well as how people can be helped to change. Fritz Perls is considered the foremost practitioner of gestalt counselling and psychotherapy (Cooper, O’Hara, Schmid & Wyatt, 2007). However, this method was influenced by other gestalt theorists preceding him. The word gestalt is a German term used to define a unique patterning in which parts are integrated into the perception whole. Gestalt psychology is concerned with perception and cognition, whereas gestalt therapy focuses on personality, psychopathology and psychotherapy (Woldt & Toman, 2005). This essay will firstly provide an overview of person-centred and gestalt therapy. Following is a discussion of the similarities and differences between the two theories. Next, is a critique of both theories including strengths and weaknesses of each and finally, a preference of one theory will discussed from both a personal and professional perspective.
The origins of person-centred therapy can be found in reaction to what Carl Rogers, a humanistic theorist, often called ‘counsellor-centred therapy’, in which the therapist administers tests, asks questions, and suggests courses of action for the client. Rogers’s revolutionary approach took on subtle changes as using the term client instead of patient, and it was he who first called his approach ‘non-directive counselling’, later changing it to person-centred counselling as a means of emphasisng its positive focus on human capacities (Cooper et al, 2007). Therefore, Rogers and other humanists developed a theory based on the power of nurturing relationships that offer respect, acceptance, caring and warmth. It was believed, most likely erroneously, that these conditions were sufficient for change to take place. Although this may sometimes occur, there is...