Carl Rogers' Person Centered Therapy

Client centered therapy

A therapeutic approach that prioritizes the subjective experience of the individual as the basis for all judgments and behavior.

Subjective experience

The conscious self-perceptions of an individual, forming the basis for their judgments and behaviors.

Humanism

A psychological perspective that emphasizes people’s potential for self-fulfillment.

Humanistic therapies

Therapies that focus on present and future experiences, feelings, and responsibility rather than past actions or hidden issues.

Self actualizing tendency

An active drive toward the fulfillment of one’s potential to maintain and enhance oneself.

Organismic valuing process

The criterion used by individuals to evaluate the worth of an experience based on their actualization tendency.

Fully functioning person

An individual who utilizes their potential to the maximum degree and engages in self-realization.

Emerging person

Individuals characterized by honesty, cooperation, and concern for others, who welcome change and growth.

Social self

An organized set of characteristics viewed as unique to an individual, primarily developed through social interactions.

True self

One’s self-concept based on actual feelings and experiences.

Conditions of worth

Experiences and behaviors deemed acceptable only if they receive approval from others.

Unconditional positive regard

Total acceptance and caring for a person without any reservations or conditions.

Incongruence

The state that arises when an individual’s self-image does not align with their ideal self.

Congruence

A state achieved when self-image and ideal self are aligned, usually facilitated by unconditional positive regard.

Q-sort

A technique used to measure discrepancies between the actual self and ideal self.

Therapeutic relationship

The connection between therapist and client, facilitated by genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.

Active listening

A communication technique involving paraphrasing, inviting clarification, and reflecting feelings.

Carl Rogers

A psychologist known for his influence on psychology and education, promoting human potential and client-centered therapy.

Paraphrase

Restating what the client has said to ensure understanding and convey care.

Empathy

The ability of the therapist to understand and share the feelings of the client.

Influence in therapy

Rogers is considered one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, shaping therapies used by many practitioners.