ABSTRACT
The future of person-centred therapy (PCT) in the UK is inextricably linked to its theoretical position on diagnosis, psychopathology and the medical model. Current opinion on this can be divided into three main groups. One comprises the guardians of the classic ideals of PCT who claim that any theoretical collusion with the medical model will lead to a dilution of PCT’s foundational theory. A second posits that theoretical alignment between the medical model and PCT is necessary to improve its representation within the mental health system. The third group contends that, despite fundamental differences, co-existence between person-centred and psychopathological theory is possible within the current system without diminishing the theoretical integrity of PCT. This chapter is divided into three parts. After first exploring the common philosophical ground between the development of psychopathology and PCT, it goes on to shed fresh light on the current mix of opinion within PCT, with reference to Rogers’ original work. Finally, it considers a range of possible futures for PCT set against a backdrop, in the author’s opinion, of an overly pathologised society.
