What is the principle of "client-centered therapy"?

Client-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, fundamentally emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the client’s perspective and agency. This approach is built upon the belief that clients have the innate potential for personal growth and self-discovery when they are provided with an empathetic and non-judgmental environment. By focusing on the client's experiences, feelings, and thoughts, this therapeutic style fosters an atmosphere where clients feel valued and understood, empowering them to explore their issues and find their own solutions.

This approach contrasts sharply with other therapeutic frameworks that might place the therapist's insights or perspective above the client's experience or enforce rigid boundaries that could hinder open communication. Promoting behavioral insights over emotional understanding also diverges from the core principles of client-centered therapy, which emphasizes emotional exploration and understanding as vital to the therapeutic process. Therefore, the focus on the client’s perspective is essential in facilitating meaningful change and self-acceptance in therapy.