Carl Rogers Client Centred Therapy And The Core Conditions

Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987) was born in Oak Park, Illinois. He is known as the father of client centred therapy, sometimes called non-directive therapy.

Client Centred Therapy

The basis of this approach is for the counsellor not to direct the client with questions, assessments, opinions and interpretations. Instead, the counsellor provides a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment where the client can decide what is discussed. The client has complete control of each counselling session. Rogers believed that each client could find their own solutions to current difficulties without having the counsellor set the direction of their therapy.

The Core Conditions

“The whole conceptual framework of Carl Rogers rests on his profound experience that human beings become increasingly trustworthy once they feel at a deep level that their subjective experience is both respected and progressively understood.” (Quoted from Thorne). We can see this at work in what Rogers called the ‘Core Conditions’ of counselling, which are often known by the acronym ‘CUE’.

C = Congruence (realness, genuineness. Your body language reflects what you are saying).

U = Unconditional Positive Regard (respect for the client. You hold the client in high regard at all times).

E = Empathy (a complete understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings).

Incongruence

Carl Rogers used the expression Incongruence to depict feelings of anxiety and depression a client may experience from not living the life they really want to. Rogers felt that individuals could have a good job, marriage and children but still feel unhappy, a key element of Incongruence.

Rogers believed that these feelings of unhappiness are important because they serve to remind us that we aren’t on the path we would really like to be. He felt that we often take a direction in life based on societies values and principles rather than our own. These are programmed into us during childhood by our parents and other authority figures which we accept without question, and which stay with us throughout adulthood. An example could be a career path we are encouraged to pursue, or a marriage we are encouraged to stay in rather than risk societal and family rejection or disapproval.

Organismic Valuing Process

The key is to follow our own personal value system, which Rogers called the ‘organismic valuing process’, or risk feelings of Incongruence. How can counselling help us get in touch with our true value system?

Rogers believed the role of the counsellor is to interpret what is being said to them by their client, and not try to analyse their unconscious as recommended by Freud. The counsellor needs to reflect back to the client so that they can become more aware of their feelings and the situation they are in. The client can then think about what is making them unhappy in their present situation and discover the path they would like to take.

If you enjoyed reading this post, and you think others might benefit from reading it, why not email it to a friend or share it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you!

Furthermore, if this has resonated with you and you feel you would benefit from discussing it in a therapeutic setting, contact us now in strict confidence. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! We are here to help.

About The Author

Steven Lucas counselling

Steven Lucas MBACP MNCS (Prof Accred) is a professional counselling psychotherapist working in Northamptonshire. Read Full Bio.

If you found this page useful, you might also enjoy reading these posts:

Emotional Wellbeing: A Biblical Perspective

What Is Displaced Anger?

How To Start Addressing Relationship Difficulties

Being Positive In Difficult Times

How Can I Get A Better Night’s Sleep?

How Can I Improve My Self Esteem?

Being Assertive And Managing Boundaries

Thought Management

Coping With Symptoms Of Stress, Anxiety And Low Mood

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor so this guide should not be considered a replacement for seeking medical advice. It is also not a substitute for obtaining therapy as other factors, such as trauma, need to be considered. There are pay per click ads on this site for which I may receive a small commission. This helps to pay for the running of the site. I do not endorse any of the products advertised.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *