Carl Rogers Person-Centered Approach

Although a lot of compelling theories and counseling techniques were presented throughout the unit, I will focus my attention on the Person-Centered Approach/Therapy developed by Carl Rogers. Person-Centered Approach changed the nature of counseling, as well as the counselor-client relationship, making Rogers a true change agent in his profession. Prior to his approach, the therapist was perceived as the "expert" in the notion that "the therapist know best." The helper was assumed to know what was best for the client. Therefore, the therapist directed the session. Person-Centered counseling unlike prior approach, is a non-directive approach to counseling which allows free-association. Free association is when clients are able to utilize free thinking and are encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings, and emotions during disclosure without judgment or fear. The counselor's role in this is to facilitate and encourage clients to explore and create positive changes for themselves, while focusing on the "here and now." This non-directive approach puts the client as the primary
Rogers emphasize on building rapport in order for the client to feel comfortable and safe to share deep thoughts and feelings without judgment or fear. This is one of the many strengths of this approach. When I went to counseling during my first semester in college, I was very resistant in talking about the incident, as well as my thoughts and feelings about what happened. Looking back at my counseling experience, I believe I was resistant because I did not trust the counselor. Furthermore, I did not like the vibe I was getting form the counselor and the office. The counselor wanted me to talk about feelings and if I blamed myself for what happened. I was not ready to disclose anything in my first session and the counselor expected me to spill out my guts. This reminds me of an exercise we did in