Dr. Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Approach
Carl Rogers (1902–1987) is one of the most influential psychologists in American history. His contributions are outstanding in the fields of education, counseling, psychotherapy, and conflict resolution and peace. As one of the founders of humanistic psychology, he has profoundly influenced the world through his empathic presence, his rigorous research, his authorship of sixteen books and more than 200 professional articles.
Rogers developed the client-centered approach through his work in psychotherapy. First described in his book, Client-centered Therapy,
published in 1951, his philosophy was later applied to many areas of human growth and development. As his ideas expanded beyond psychotherapy to education, parenting, medicine, social work, organizational development and
other fields, Rogers used the term "person-centered approach."
Rogers basic assumptions are that people are essentially trustworthy, that they have a vast potential for understanding themselves and resolving their own problems and are capable of self-direction if they are in a relationship that is empathic, supportive, caring and without judgment. He consistently emphasized the attitudes and personal characteristics of the authentic presence of the therapist as the prime determinant of the outcome of the therapeutic process. His belief in the client’s capacity for self-healing is in contrast with many theories that view the therapist’s techniques as the most powerful agents that lead to change.
