Person Centred Counselling
What Is Counselling?
Counselling provides a supportive space to talk about thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It offers an opportunity to explore patterns of thinking and behaviour—both in yourself and those around you—that you may or may not have noticed before. A counsellor listens with empathy, without judgement, creating a confidential and safe environment.
As the therapeutic relationship develops, the counsellor may gently and tentatively challenge certain perspectives, helping the client gain a clearer understanding of their concerns or see them from a different angle. This process supports the client in deepening their self-awareness and broadening their view of the world, empowering them to make meaningful changes or discover their own solutions for managing their difficulties.
“ Counselling is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues.
Counselling can help you cope with: a mental health condition, such as depression
an upsetting physical health condition, such as infertility, a difficult life event, such as a bereavement, a relationship breakdown or work-related stress, difficult emotions – for example, low self-esteem or anger and other issues, such as sexual identity”
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National Health Service ( NHS) 2025
counselling is not about giving advice or prescribing medication. Instead, counsellors help individuals explore their thoughts and feelings to find their own solutions. Counselling is also not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach; it is tailored to each person's needs and circumstances
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British association of counselling and Psychotherapy ( BACP) 2025
Person-centred Counselling
Person-centred counselling, also known as client-centred therapy, is a humanistic approach to therapy that was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers. It's built on the premise that each individual has the capacity for self-understanding and self-improvement when provided with the right supportive conditions.
The key principles of person-centred counselling include:
· Unconditional Positive Regard: The counsellor offers complete acceptance and support to the client, without judgment.
· Empathy: The counsellor strives to deeply understand the client's feelings and experiences, showing genuine care and understanding.
· Congruence (Authenticity): The counsellor is genuine and transparent in their interactions, fostering trust and openness.
The therapy focuses on empowering clients to discover their own solutions and paths, rather than directing or advising them. It promotes a safe, non-directive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, and build self-esteem
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a little on the right-hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud colour. I don't do that. I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch it with awe as it unfolds”.
Carl Rogers - A way of being