Carl Rogers' Theory of Client-Centered Therapy

The main thrust of Carl Rogers' theories of human psychology and treatment revolves around the client- or person-centered therapy. Client-Centered Therapy was developed by Rogers in the 1940's and 1950's. It is a non-directive approach to therapy, "directive" meaning any therapist behavior that deliberately steers the client in some way. Directive behaviors include asking questions, offering treatments, and making interpretations and diagnoses. I find that a non-directive approach is very appealing on the face of …

…another person to listen to them and their emotions, feelings, etc. The patient should never feel ignored or violated by the therapist, which may be the case in more directive therapy. I find myself in total agreement with Rogers' idea of a client-centered therapy. I also find it fascinating that it took all the way up to about fifty years ago for someone to finally put this rather simplistic, yet still complex, process on paper.