What Carl Rogers thinks about Psychotherapy

@carl-rogers · 9 positions · On ppll ↗

American psychologist (1902 to 1987), a co-founder of humanistic psychology and creator of person-centred therapy, built on empathy, unconditional acceptance and genuineness; a 1982 survey named him the most influential psychotherapist.

Carl Rogers did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

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Only Carl Rogers on Psychotherapy. See everyone on Psychotherapy

5 dated positions, c. 1946, in their own words. Our reading of what Carl Rogers has said — not written or endorsed by them.

1. c. 1946

   Our readingA therapist should refrain from questioning, probing, blame, interpretation, advice, persuasion and reassurance.

   Their wordsThis means reframing from questioning, probing, blame, interpretation, advice, suggestion, persuasion, reassurance.

   ↗Significant Aspects of Client-Centered Therapy (American Psychologist, 1946)psychclassics.yorku.ca All 9 from this paper

3. c. 1946

   Our readingMost people have growth forces, tendencies toward self-actualization, that can be the sole motivation for therapy.

   motivation

   Their wordsBut we have not known or recognized that in most if not all individuals there exist growth forces, tendencies toward self-actualization, which may act as the sole motivation for therapy.

   ↗Significant Aspects of Client-Centered Therapy (American Psychologist, 1946)psychclassics.yorku.ca All 9 from this paper

5. c. 1946

   Our readingIf the therapist understands how the client sees themselves in the moment, the client can do the rest.

   Their wordshave come to recognize that if we can provide understanding of the way the client seems to himself at this moment, he can do the rest.

   ↗Significant Aspects of Client-Centered Therapy (American Psychologist, 1946)psychclassics.yorku.ca All 9 from this paper

7. c. 1946

   Our readingTraining in therapy should come before training in diagnosis.

   Their wordsIt appears evident that training and practice in therapy should probably precede training in the field of diagnosis.

   ↗Significant Aspects of Client-Centered Therapy (American Psychologist, 1946)psychclassics.yorku.ca All 9 from this paper

9. c. 1946

   Our readingDiagnostic knowledge and skill are not necessary for good therapy.

   Their wordsDiagnostic knowledge and skill is not necessary for good therapy, a statement which sounds like blasphemy to many

   ↗Significant Aspects of Client-Centered Therapy (American Psychologist, 1946)psychclassics.yorku.ca All 9 from this paper