Person-centred psychotherapy today: Theory, practice and research

Abstract

Person-centred therapy, a therapeutic modality situated within the humanistic-existential approach, continues to be a key form of psychological intervention eight decades after its foundation. The ideas of its main founder, Carl Rogers, have been central in the development of psychotherapy research and practice as we know it today, within the boundaries of the humanistic-existential approach and beyond. First, the article introduces the psychopathological and psychotherapeutic theory that underlie the person-centred approach. It then focuses on recent developments within Rogerian theory, as well as on research on person-centred therapy conducted to date. After reviewing some ongoing debates in the field, from a 21st century perspective, the article concludes by reflecting on the current situation of the approach.