Person-Centered

Person-Centered therapy is a type of talk therapy that allows the client to lead the session by doing most of the talking. Through listening to clients, therapists then begin to develop a clearer picture of history, ongoing issues and challenges and personality traits of the client. With this understanding, therapists can tailor sessions to each specific client, combining different therapy modalities that will fit your individual personality, outlook and experience.

Person-Centered therapy embraces the belief that the client is the expert on themselves, not the therapist, and uses a non-directive approach. The relationship between client and therapist is very important in Person-Centered therapy healing happens through that relationship.

Benefits of Person-Centered Therapy

• Improved self-esteem
• Improved mood disorder symptoms
• Helps with eating disorders
• Helps with body image issues
• Improved communication skills
• Improved interpersonal relations

Why is Person-Centered therapy effective?

Talking with a therapist in a Person-Centered therapy session provides a safe and open space for you to be vulnerable and really do honest self-assessments. Because sessions are lightly structured, clients can fully explore their goals and the things that are holding them back from achieving those goals. Person-Centered therapy is done on the client’s terms and timeline and can be very effective in creating healing and forward momentum toward positive outcomes.

How is Person-Centered therapy different from other therapies?

Person-Centered Therapy is less structured than other kinds of therapy modalities. EMDR therapy, for instance, is a very structured technique in which a therapist follows a specific set of steps to unlock doors to healing and freedom. Person-Centered therapy doesn’t have as rigid of a rule book. Instead, it focuses on the client, allowing you to talk about what you want and explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace.

What techniques are involved in Person-Centered therapy?

In Person-Centered Therapy sessions, you and your therapist work to build a relationship based on trust and empathy. Therapists work to create a non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore whatever thoughts are pressing on your mind. Through listening, your therapist allows you to unpack your past, your current experiences and emotions and understand what could be holding you back from achieving your goals for the future.

Person-Centered Therapy is about feeling heard and understood. It’s not as structured as other therapy modalities and interventions and can be incorporated into many different types of treatment for many different things. Person-Centered Therapy is a philosophy that can be combined with using other techniques, like EMDR or interpersonal therapy, to achieve real healing and freedom from negative thoughts, emotions and life patterns.