information for clients
Person-centered therapy – what is it?
This therapeutic approach was conceived by the American psychologist Carl Rogers. Theory and practice have since been and still are continuously developed by many experts around the world. It is based on the understanding that every person has an inner striving for personal growth, self-realisation and positive change. The main aim of person-centered psychotherapy is to help the client develop their own individual potential, identify and activate inner resources and overcome personal challenges. The therapist accompanies and supports the client in gaining deeper self-knowledge, developing self-acceptance and gaining more self-confidence.
How does person-centered therapy work?
This form of therapy is also known as “conversational psychotherapy”. The process takes place in 50-minute sessions in which client and therapist engage in conversation. The client with their individual needs, feelings and experiences is at the center of focus. The appreciative, empathic and non-directive relationship between client and therapist is an important factor in the effectiveness of the therapy. It enables the client to feel accepted in a safe and trusting environment so that they can talk openly about their own thoughts and feelings. The therapist listens attentively, shows understanding and empathy, without judgement and without giving advice. Good therapy offers a safe space and enables the client to explore their own thoughts and feelings and adjust them if necessary.
How long does the therapy last?
The duration of therapy is not fixed. It depends on the individual needs and goals of the client. Usually, sessions take place once a week and last 50 minutes or a little longer. Therapy can be short-term and focused on a specific issue (in which case it is called “counselling”), or it can be a longer process. The client’s wishes are decisive when deciding on the duration, interruptions and conclusion of the therapy.
How can I imagine the therapy process?
Each therapy is tailored to the needs and personality of the client and is therefore individualised. It generally follows the following steps:
- 1. Initial consultation and anamnesis: the process begins with an initial consultation to get to know each other. In this meeting the client can speak about the reasons for seeking therapy. The current life situation, personal history and goals are addressed. The client can also ask questions about the therapeutic process.
- 2. Building a trusting relationship: the following sessions are about building a trusting and supportive relationship with the client in order to create a safe space for them.
- 3. Exploration and reflection: during the sessions, the client is carefully encouraged to openly share their own thoughts, feelings and experiences. The therapist listens attentively and mirrors the client’s statements to ensure that they have understood them correctly. The aim is to help the client to better understand, accept and, if necessary, adapt their own feelings and thoughts and to gain deeper self-knowledge.
- 4. Non-directive approach: in person-centered psychotherapy, the therapist largely refrains from giving advice, interpretations or direct interventions. Instead, he/she supports the client in finding and developing their own solutions.
- 5. Emotional processing: difficult and painful topics may come up in the conversations. The therapist supports the client carefully and sensitively in welcoming emotions that may feel awkward or hurtful at first. He then supports the client in exploring and processing these feelings and in finding a suitable way to deal with these emotions.
- 6. Setting goals and working on progress: during any stage of therapy, the client is invited to define more or less specific goals on which the therapist and client work together. They review progress and adjust the therapy goals if necessary.
- 7. Conclusion and reflection: if the client has achieved their goals or feels that they have made sufficient progress, the therapy can be concluded. In a final session, the experiences and development during the therapy are reflected upon.
Confidentiality and data protection.
Person-centered conversational psychotherapy is strictly confidential. Information will not be passed on to third parties without a signed statement of authorisation. An exception to this is the legal obligation of any therapist to report imminent criminal offences or endangerment caused by the client to him / herself or others.
How much does therapy cost?
We will discuss the cost of therapy or counselling in advance. I am a non-medical practitioner of psychotherapy, which means that German public insurance plans (gesetzliche Krankenkassen) normally don’t cover the fees. In some cases, costs may be reimbursed partially or fully by private health insurance companies or other cost bearers. In most cases, your expenses are partly or fully tax-deductable in Germany. If you are on a low income, you might be eligible for a so-called Social Fee. Find out more here and feel free to ask.
How can I start therapy?
If you are interested and /or have further questions about person-centered psychotherapy or counselling, you can contact me directly. In a free initial consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and decide whether this form of therapy is suitable for you.
When is person-centered psychotherapy not the right thing for me?
If you are in a severe psychological emergency, in an acute crisis, this form of therapy is not sufficient as sole treatment. If you are looking for active guidance, advice, quick solutions or generally for someone to tell you what is best for you, this is also not the right approach, as it acknowledges you as the final judge to know what is best for you. Person-centered therapy is a careful process and its pace adapts to your personal progress. If you have any doubts, I will be open to discuss these with you.
Geerten Verheus
Berlin 2023