ABSTRACT

The person-centered approach has been declining in the United States since the death of Carl Rogers. Related approaches are growing within the US. However, US-based person-centered communities widely consider these approaches as practicing far from the intent of Rogers. Outside of the US the person-centered approach has grown significantly since Rogers’ death. These related approaches are referred to as “Experiential” tribes of the person-centered world. Following the 2016 WAPCEPC world conference in New York, significant representatives of these experiential approaches cooperated and their larger connection was evident. Drawing upon previously unrecognized processes outlined by Rogers, and recognizing the concept of presence as the fourth person-centered core condition, the person-centered approach is evolving to include a more active acceptance of diversity in theory and practice. This new acceptance can help to move away from the isolationist “directive verses nondirective debate,” and can help us revive the approach in the United States.