Person-Centred Approach
The person-centred approach is a humanistic theory that places the individual at
the centre of the helping process, recognising that people are the experts in their
own lives and possess the capacity for growth, change and self-determination.
Developed by psychologist Carl Rogers, the approach emphasises empathy,
respect and collaboration rather than directing or controlling individuals. It
assumes that when people are provided with a supportive, accepting and non-
judgemental environment, they are more likely to understand themselves,
overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals. Within social work, the
person-centred approach underpins relationship-based practice by promoting
dignity, empowerment and active participation in decision making (Rogers,
1961).
The person-centred approach emerged during the 1940s and 1950s as part of
the humanistic movement in psychology. At the time, psychology was largely
dominated by psychoanalytic theories, which focused on unconscious processes,
and behaviourist theories, which concentrated on observable behaviour. Rogers
believed that these approaches overlooked individuals' strengths, subjective
experiences and capacity for positive change. Instead, he proposed that effective
helping relationships should be based on collaboration and trust rather than
expert authority, allowing individuals to identify their own solutions and make
meaningful choices (Rogers, 1961).
A central principle of the person-centred approach is the belief that every
individual possesses an innate tendency towards self-actualisation, meaning the
natural drive to grow, develop and fulfil their potential. Rogers argued that
psychological difficulties often arise when people's experiences conflict with their
self-concept or when they feel unable to live according to their values because of
external expectations or judgement. The role of the practitioner is therefore not
to provide answers but to create conditions that enable individuals to explore
their experiences openly and develop greater self-awareness.
Rogers identified three core conditions necessary for effective helping
relationships. The first is empathy, where practitioners seek to understand
another person's experiences and feelings from their perspective without
judgement. The second is unconditional positive regard, meaning acceptance,
respect and valuing the individual regardless of their circumstances or
behaviour. The third is congruence, also referred to as genuineness, where
The person-centred approach is a humanistic theory that places the individual at
the centre of the helping process, recognising that people are the experts in their
own lives and possess the capacity for growth, change and self-determination.
Developed by psychologist Carl Rogers, the approach emphasises empathy,
respect and collaboration rather than directing or controlling individuals. It
assumes that when people are provided with a supportive, accepting and non-
judgemental environment, they are more likely to understand themselves,
overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals. Within social work, the
person-centred approach underpins relationship-based practice by promoting
dignity, empowerment and active participation in decision making (Rogers,
1961).
The person-centred approach emerged during the 1940s and 1950s as part of
the humanistic movement in psychology. At the time, psychology was largely
dominated by psychoanalytic theories, which focused on unconscious processes,
and behaviourist theories, which concentrated on observable behaviour. Rogers
believed that these approaches overlooked individuals' strengths, subjective
experiences and capacity for positive change. Instead, he proposed that effective
helping relationships should be based on collaboration and trust rather than
expert authority, allowing individuals to identify their own solutions and make
meaningful choices (Rogers, 1961).
A central principle of the person-centred approach is the belief that every
individual possesses an innate tendency towards self-actualisation, meaning the
natural drive to grow, develop and fulfil their potential. Rogers argued that
psychological difficulties often arise when people's experiences conflict with their
self-concept or when they feel unable to live according to their values because of
external expectations or judgement. The role of the practitioner is therefore not
to provide answers but to create conditions that enable individuals to explore
their experiences openly and develop greater self-awareness.
Rogers identified three core conditions necessary for effective helping
relationships. The first is empathy, where practitioners seek to understand
another person's experiences and feelings from their perspective without
judgement. The second is unconditional positive regard, meaning acceptance,
respect and valuing the individual regardless of their circumstances or
behaviour. The third is congruence, also referred to as genuineness, where
