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Client Centred Theory 2025

The client-centred theory emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client's autonomy in resolving their own issues within a supportive environment. Key principles include congruence, unconditional positive regard, empathy, non-directiveness, and active listening, which foster self-exploration and personal growth. While it has strengths such as empowering clients and promoting self-awareness, it may lack structure and be less effective for severe mental health issues.

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Mbali mabelesa
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10 views5 pages

Client Centred Theory 2025

The client-centred theory emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client's autonomy in resolving their own issues within a supportive environment. Key principles include congruence, unconditional positive regard, empathy, non-directiveness, and active listening, which foster self-exploration and personal growth. While it has strengths such as empowering clients and promoting self-awareness, it may lack structure and be less effective for severe mental health issues.

Uploaded by

Mbali mabelesa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TOPIC: THE CLIENT-CENTRED THEORY

Description
The person-centred approach focuses on the client being able to develop a greater understanding of self in an
environment which allows the client to resolve his or her own problems without direct intervention by the
therapist. The therapist should keep a questioning stance which is open to change as well as demonstrating
courage to face the unknown. Rogers emphasized that the attitudes and personal characteristics of the
therapist and the quality of the client-therapist relationship as being the determinants for a successful
therapeutic process (Corey, 2005).
The person-centred approach was developed from the concepts of humanistic psychology. According to
Seligman, (2006) the humanistic approach views people as capable and autonomous, with the ability to
resolve their difficulties, realize their potential, and change their lives in positive ways. Carl Rogers who is a
major contributor of the client-centred approach emphasized the humanistic perspective as well as ensuring
therapeutic relationships with clients promote self-esteem, authenticity and actualisation in their life, and
help them to use their strengths.
It places the client's needs, values, and experiences at the core of the therapeutic process. This approach
acknowledges the client's capacity for self-understanding, personal growth, and problem-solving. The
counsellor’s role is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment, enabling clients to explore their
thoughts, emotions, and behaviours’ openly.

Principles of the Client-Centred Theory:


Here are some key techniques used in client-centred counselling:
Congruence
Congruence is whether or not therapists are genuine and authentic in what they say and do. Quite often, if
the therapist is saying one thing but the body language is reflective of something else, clients are aware of
this and may impact on their trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship (Seligman, 2006).

For example, a therapist may say “I understand where you are coming from” to a client but have a confused
look on his or her face. The client can see this confusion and feels uncomfortable with expressing feelings
from this point forward.

Therefore, a major role of therapists is to be aware of their body language and what they are saying as well
as being in the present moment. If confusion arises, the therapist needs to be able to address this with the
client. Going back to the previous example of the therapist stating understanding and having a confused
look, the therapist notices the client looks uneasy after the comment about understanding and goes on to
explain to the client why and how he or she understands the statement. This puts the client at ease and
ensures the continuation of trust.
Unconditional positive regard
Seligman, (2006) according to unconditional positive regard refers to the therapist accepting, respecting and
caring about clients although this does not mean the therapist has to agree with everything the client says or
does, however, the therapist should see the client as doing the best he or she can and demonstrate this by
expressing concern rather than disagreeing with him or her. Unconditional positive regard allows clients to
express how they are thinking without feeling judged, and help to facilitate the change process by showing
they can be accepted.

Empathy
Seligman, (2006) defines empathy as a skill used by person-centred therapists to show understanding of the
client’s emotions. Empathy is different to sympathy in that sympathy is often seen as feeling sorry for the
client whereas empathy shows understanding and allows the client to further open up. For example:
Client: I feel as though no one cares about me and that I am all alone.
Empathy response: So you are feeling alone at the moment and as if no one cares.

Sympathy response: I’m sorry that you feel that way.

Non-Directiveness
Client-centred counselling is non-directive in nature, meaning that counsellors do not provide advice,
interpretations, or solutions. Instead, they trust in the client's capacity for self-direction and personal growth.
The counsellor’s role is to facilitate the client's exploration of their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences,
without imposing their own agenda or goals.

Active Listening
One of the fundamental techniques in client-centred counselling is active listening. This involves fully
attending to the client's verbal and nonverbal communication, without interrupting or imposing one's own
agenda. The counsellor demonstrates empathy, understanding, and acceptance through reflective responses
that paraphrase and clarify the client's statements.

Importance of Using the Client-Centred Theory in Schools:


The implementation of the client-centred theory in schools is driven by several reasons. Firstly, it recognizes
the unique challenges faced by adolescents, such as academic pressure, identity formation, and social
relationships. The client-centred approach offers a supportive and non-judgmental space for students to
express themselves freely, fostering self-awareness and emotional well-being. Secondly, it promotes student
autonomy and self-efficacy by encouraging them to take an active role in their personal and academic
development. This approach empowers students to make informed decisions and take ownership of their
lives.
Example: A school counsellor utilizing the client-centred theory may work with a student who is struggling
with self-esteem issues. Through empathetic listening, the counsellor creates a safe environment for the
student to share their concerns. The counsellor demonstrates unconditional positive regard and helps the
student explore their strengths and values, fostering self-acceptance and confidence. By involving the
student in goal-setting and decision-making, the counsellor empowers them to take steps towards personal
growth and improved self-esteem.
Strengths of the Client-Centred Approach in Counselling:
1. Empowerment and Self-Exploration: The client-centred approach empowers clients to take an active
role in their own therapy. It encourages them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, leading to
increased self-awareness and personal growth.
2. Positive Therapeutic Relationship: The emphasis on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and
genuineness helps build a strong therapeutic relationship. This relationship provides a safe and supportive
space for clients to express themselves openly and honestly.
3. Client's Perspective and Autonomy: Client-centred counselling values and respects the client's
unique perspective. It recognizes the client as the expert on their own life, promoting their autonomy and
decisionmaking abilities.
4. Non-Directive Nature: The non-directive approach allows clients to set their own goals and discover
their own solutions. This promotes self-discovery, self-confidence, and a sense of ownership over the
therapeutic process.
5. Flexibility: The client-centred approach can be adapted to various cultural, social, and individual
contexts. It recognizes and respects the diversity of clients' backgrounds and experiences.

Weaknesses of the Client-Centred Approach in Counselling:


1. Lack of Structure: The non-directive nature of client-centred counselling can sometimes lead to a
lack of structure or guidance. Clients who prefer or require more structure may find this approach
challenging or less effective.
2. Limited Effectiveness for Severe Mental Health Issues: While client-centred counselling can be
beneficial for many clients, it may be less effective for individuals with severe mental health conditions or
complex issues that require more specialized interventions or techniques.
3. Potential Overemphasis on Insight: Client-centred counselling places a strong emphasis on gaining
selfinsight and self-discovery. While insight is valuable, it may not always be sufficient for clients who need
more practical strategies or interventions to address their specific concerns.
4. Dependence on Counsellor’s Skills: The effectiveness of client-centred counselling heavily relies on
the counsellor’s ability to provide a supportive and empathetic environment. If the counsellor lacks these
skills or struggles to maintain a non-judgmental stance, the effectiveness of the approach may be
compromised.

Advantages of the Client-Centred Approach in Counselling:


1. Encourages client empowerment and self-direction.
2. Fosters a positive therapeutic relationship based on trust and acceptance. A research by Seligman,
(2006) has substantiated the importance of the client-therapist relationship.
3. Values and respects the client's perspective and autonomy.
4. Promotes self-awareness, personal growth, and self-acceptance.
5. Adaptable to diverse cultural and individual contexts.
Disadvantages of the Client-Centred Approach in Counselling:
1. May lack structure and guidance, which can be challenging for some clients. Corey, (2005) says that
there is difficulty in therapists allowing clients to find their own way.
2. May be less effective for severe mental health issues or complex problems.
3. Potential overemphasis on insight without addressing practical strategies.
4. Effectiveness relies on the counsellor’s skills in providing a supportive and empathetic environment.

Conclusion:
The client-centred theory in guidance and counselling provides a valuable framework for schools to support
students' personal, social, and academic development. By prioritizing the client's needs, fostering a
supportive environment, and promoting self-exploration, this theory empowers students to take an active
role in their own growth. While it possesses strengths such as emphasizing the therapeutic relationship and
promoting autonomy, it is essential to acknowledge its weaknesses, such as its potential limitations for
clients requiring more directive interventions. Overall, the client-centred theory offers a valuable approach
to counselling in high schools, contributing to the holistic development of students.

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