Page 70 - Part A

Counselling Skills

How person-centred theory underpins person-centred practice

Person-centred theory underpins person-centred practice by giving rise to an
essential set of features that characterise the helping relationship. These features
are highlighted by the following questions that Rogers says that the counsellor
should consider:
• Trustworthiness: Can I present myself in a way that will be seen by the
client as trustworthy and dependable?

• Congruence: Can I express myself clearly enough as a person so that
what I will be communicated clearly to the client?

• Warmth: Can I allow myself to experience positive attitudes or warmth,
caring, liking, interest and respect towards the client?

• Separateness: Can I be strong enough as a person to separate myself
from the client?

• Security: Am I secure enough in myself to permit the client their own
separateness?

• Empathy: Can I let myself enter into the client’s feelings and personal
meanings and see these as they do?

• Acceptance: Can I be accepting of the client as they present themselves
to me?

• Non-threatening: Can I act with enough sensitivity in the relationship so
that my behaviour will not be seen as a threat?

• Non-evaluative: Can I free this person from external evaluation?

If the answers to these questions permit the counsellor to undertake the helping
relationship, this will allow the relationship to have a positive outcome for the client.

Look at the pointers or tips for effective practice, on the next page, to see how
person-centred theory underpins the use of person-centred counselling skills.

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