Running head: PERSON CENTERED
THERAPY 1
The Application of Person-Centered Therapy to the Case of Ana
Billy Mondragon
Grand Canyon University: PCN-500
Rebecca Richey
2/7/19
PERSON CENTERED THERAPY 2
The Application of Person-Centered Therapy to the Case of Ana
Person Centered Therapy Overview
Person-centered therapy is an approach that moves most of the responsibility for
treatment from the therapist to the client. The client is in control of the visits with the therapist’s
role being reaffirming or pointing out emotions without being judgmental. Carl Rogers
developed this theory in the 1930s. In fact, he was the one who started referring to people as
clients instead of patients in order to present a more equal view of the relationship in the client’s
eyes. Due to Ana’s anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, this seems like the best fit for her
therapy.
Goals and Interventions
The main purposes of person-centered therapy are the increasing of self-esteem, self-
worth and a reduction in defense mechanisms such as guilt. This is done through unconditional
positive recognition and empathy. The most important part of this therapy is the therapist-client
relationship, the therapist must be genuine and be empathetic towards the client to build the trust
needed. The therapist should not give advice during treatment but should point out emotions
such as: “It seems Bob really made you angry.” While the therapist should be empathetic, they
must take care not shift focus from the client to themselves. The goal is to reaffirm the client’s
decisions thereby bringing up their self-confidence moving them closer to the way they wish to
be rather than the way they are. This is important in Ana’s case since she seems to have a
defeated attitude, is embarrassed of her current situation, and is refusing to ask for help because
of it. Through treatment, Ana’s self-esteem will be raised, she will become more confident in her
family standing and perhaps be able to ask them for help.
Theory Duration
PERSON CENTERED THERAPY 3
Person-centered therapy has no set guides as to the duration or frequency of visits. This is
all placed in the hands of the client. That being said, 8 visits is a rather short time, so hopefully
Ana would be able to complete treatment or be helped to a point where she can get her own aid.
Counselor’s Role
In person-centered therapy, the counselor’s role is one of a good listener. They are to let
the client dictate where the problems are and encourage the client as much as possible. The
therapist is not to direct the client or attempt to change problem behaviors. They are entirely
empathetic and supportive of the client, according to Daliana 2018 Complementary Aspects in
Reality Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy.
Client’s Role
Ana is the client. It is up to Ana in person centered therapy to be in control of the
treatment sessions and pace of the therapy. The therapist is just there to provide support without
insite or direction, according to Watson (2006). So, all of the direction of the visits and the
topics discussed would be decided by Ana.
Appropriate Populations and Social and Cultural Needs
Person-centered therapy can be applied to a broad group of people. It was not designed
with an age group, social or cultural demographic in mind. Some have claimed to have had
complications applying this therapy to under educated or non-verbal persons. However, it is used
in younger children as play therapy so that shows it can be adapted as stated by Goicoechea &
Fitzpatrick (2019). Culturally, the client is
Dictating what is being said so there is little chance of cultural issues arising. Ana can choose
how much to reveal or hide about her culture and social identity in therapy.
PERSON CENTERED THERAPY 4
Additional Information Regarding Ana’s Case
Ana’s current emotional state makes her a good candidate for person-centered therapy. It
is designed to raise self-esteem and teach emotional independence both things that Ana sorely
needs.
Risks of the Utilization of Person-Centered Therapy
With the client leading the direction of therapy many risks can occur. There is a chance,
in Ana’s case that she might require more than 8 visits. Sometimes at the start emotion can
become intense and depression may increase. If this gets too bad, there is a possibility of the
client dropping from the therapy and being in a worse state than when she started.
References
Daliana Mocan. (2018). Complementary Aspects in Reality Therapy and Person-Centered
Therapy. Open Journal for Psychological Research, Vol 2, Iss 1, Pp 21-26 (2018), (1), 21.
[Link]
Goicoechea, J., & Fitzpatrick, T. (2019). To know or not to know: Empathic use of client
background information in child-centered play therapy. International Journal of Play
Therapy, 28(1), 22–33. [Link]
Watson, J. C. (2006). A reflection on the blending of person-centered therapy and solution-
focused therapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 43(1), 13–15.
[Link]
PERSON CENTERED THERAPY 5
Murdock, N. L. (2017). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy (4th ed.). New York, NY:
Pearson.
