ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how different theoretical approaches are applied in therapeutic practice with the first chapter of the section presenting the person-centred approach. The chapter begins with a brief biography of Carl Rogers, the founder of the approach. The philosophical underpinnings of the person-centred approach, humanism and phenomenology, are then presented. Maslow’s theory of motivation is also discussed. Subsequently, the basic qualities of the therapeutic relationship, as identified by Rogers, are discussed and post-Rogerian theoretical developments are presented. Finally, examples of research on the person-centred approach are summarised.
