My approach

The Person-Centred Approach (PCA) is my main frame of reference. Developed by American psychologist Carl Rogers (1902-1987), this approach asserts that everyone has the potential to develop favourably in a suitable environment. According to Rogers, each person knows what is best for them. All living organisms have a tendency to actualisation, or self-realisation. This tendency to actualisation is one of the foundations of the PCA, since in everyone there is a constructive directional force towards the realisation of their potential. In PCA, the therapist, therefore, considers that individuals and groups are able to define their own goals and choose their own path. In PCA, the client is given space and autonomy.

Rogers set out to determine what sort of relationship a client could use to develop their personality. In PCA, common qualities that the therapist must demonstrate include: empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence (to be understood as the authenticity of the therapist). Rogers believed that each person has within them the capacity to understand themselves, to move forward and to know intuitively what is important to them. The aim of the therapeutic relationship is to promote, support and accompany that self-discovery.

Concretely, this means that in a consultation, the client is free to discuss any topic they want, at their own pace and without any pressure or judgment. Sufficiant importance is attached to each person's experience. Anything that may arise during a session, whether on an emotional level or otherwise, is greeted with kindness, non-judgment and respect. By learning about themselves and reducing the gap between what they would like to be and what they think they are, it is possible to alleviate someone's suffering and tensions. Moreover, a perception that is more faithful to reality can emerge. The client may feel relief and gain a new perspective.

Each person is unique and has their own resources, perhaps linked to specific or particular beliefs. However, existence in itself can be a challenge. Thus, a consultation provide spirituality and an opportunity to ask existential questions.