Person Centred Counselling
Available throughout Chester, Liverpool, Warrington and North Wales - and online work throughout the UK.

What is Person-Centred Counselling?

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Person-centred counselling, also known as client-centred therapy, is a form of talking therapy rooted in the belief that each and every person has the capacity for self-understanding and growth. Developed by Carl Rogers (Psychologist) in the 1940s and 1950s, this approach emphasises a non-directive, empathetic relationship between the therapist and the client.

The foundation of person-centred counselling is that individuals are inherently good and capable of overcoming their challenges when provided with the right environment. The right environment is reflective, supportive and one in which individuals can see their own strengths and capabilities. This therapy prioritises clients individual experience and values individuals autonomy (the ability to make decisions for themselves and change their own lives).

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We provide therapy to people in Chester, Liverpool, Warrington and North Wales - and offer online work throughout the UK.

Core Principles of Person-Centred Counselling

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• Empathy

The therapist seeks to deeply understand their clients feelings and experiences from their perspective without interpretation or judgment. This allows them to connect with their clients emotional world in order to support them in their journey towards their goals.

When people feel understood and this is communicated, they feel validated. This sense of validation helps individuals to learn to trust their own emotions and thoughts, which fosters self-awareness and self-acceptance.

The therapist’s ability to reflect the client’s feelings accurately helps clients to see their experiences more clearly by providing clarity and insight. This helps clients to identify goals and potential paths forward.

The sense of emotional safety that comes from knowing that someone truly "gets it" allows clients to explore deeper emotions and issues that may be holding them back.

 

• Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR)

The therapist accepts you fully without judgment, criticism, or conditions. This creates a safe and supportive space where you feel valued and respected.

Many clients come to therapy feeling judged or unworthy. Experiencing unconditional acceptance fosters self-acceptance and helps them believe that they are worthwhile, valued and important.

It can be incredibly difficult to be your authentic self in day to day life, however within the counselling relationship, clients can feel a sense of safety that enables them to share their true thoughts, emotions, and experiences, knowing they will not face criticism. This allows them to work through challenges without fear of rejection.

Feeling free to release feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy in such a safe environment can support clients in focusing on solutions rather than self-blame.

 

• Congruence (Genuineness)

The therapist is genuine, honest, and transparent with you, rather than adopting a distant or clinical persona. This authenticity fosters trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship.

When therapists are kind, honest and transparent, clients feel they are interacting with a real, trustworthy person and, here at Pathways, we see the benefits of this every single day. This makes it easier for clients to feel safe and form a strong therapeutic bond from which they can move forward.

Seeing the therapist being genuine and ‘real’ or authentic encourages clients to embrace their own authenticity, which can lead to healthier relationships and decision-making.

A genuine therapist creates an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable discussing their struggles openly, which accelerates progress toward their goals.

 

What to Expect in Sessions

• A Non-Directive Approach: The therapist will not give advice or lead the conversation; instead, they will listen attentively and reflect on your thoughts and feelings to help you clarify and explore your concerns

• You set the pace: You decide what to discuss and how deeply to delve into topics

• A Focus on the here and now: While past experiences may be discussed, the emphasis is often on your current thoughts, emotions, and relationships to enable you to move forward

 

Benefits of Person-Centred Counselling

• Encourages self-discovery and personal growth

• Builds confidence and self-esteem by affirming your intrinsic worth (you matter!)

• Helps you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and clarity about your needs and goals

• Provides a space to process emotions and make sense of complex feelings

• Empowers you to make your own decisions and take control of your life​

 

Who Can Benefit?

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Person-centred counselling can help with a wide range of issues, including:

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• Low self-esteem

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Personal development

• Life transitions

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This approach is particularly well-suited for individuals who:

 

• Want to be the expert in their own lives and realise the tools that they have to make the changes that they want

• Value a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

• Prefer to explore their feelings and experiences in their own time and way.

• Want a therapy that focuses on their unique personal growth rather than following a prescribed method.

 

If you have any questions or would like to explore whether this approach is right for you, feel free to reach out. Together, we can create a space where your voice is heard, and your journey is honoured.