Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Ever since I did a paper on Carl Rogers in college, he has always been one of my favorite theorists. I see his concept of unconditional positive regard for the client at the center of what all modern therapists and coaches do. Thus his concepts are at the heart of what I do.

I believe every person knows on some level what they need and the steps they need to take to find healing or create change. Each person also knows what they are ready to address past traumas or current struggles. I respect each person's process and knowledge of themselves and experiences. Sometimes simply having a place to process our emotions, explore our inner workings, and affirm our experiences lead to breakthroughs.

My graduate school training was taught with a focus in person-centered therapy, and I have continued to use this as a baseline for my clinical practice throughout my work.

Person-centered therapy is centered on the belief that you, as a client, have vast internal resources that can lead you on a path to growth, and my job as a therapist is to create the conditions that allow you to access them. I believe in this approach as a foundation for all that I do, even when I am integrating other modalities (such as solution-focused or art therapy). I taught this approach and communication skills to counselors-in-training at Saint Mary's College of California.

I was trained in person-centered therapy while in graduate school. I have studied Rogerian concepts and truly believe in the approach of holding space for client's to process their feelings in attempts to achieve their self-actualizing potential. I try to embody the core concepts of empathy, genuineness, and non-judgmentalness in my work and in my life.

At the heart of my practice I am a person-centered clinician. It is based on the idea that the client knows what is best, and that the therapist's role is to facilitate an environment in which the client can bring about positive change. I facilitate a client through the process by listening, counseling, and allowing for the client's transformation

Just as "spilling the tea" involves sharing positive insights and truths, the strengths-based approach involves recognizing and celebrating your strengths and achievements. With this approach, I help you identify your personal strengths, such as resilience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, and use these as a foundation for growth. By emphasizing what you are already doing well, we foster a sense of competence and self-efficacy.

As a therapist, I practice in a client-centered approach and draw upon evidence-based interventions such as ACT and DBT to help you address your specific needs. During therapy, I act as a compassionate facilitator, listening without judgment and acknowledging your experience without imposing treatment goals or leading you toward a hidden agenda. I am there to encourage and support you without interrupting your process of self-discovery, as you uncover what hurts and what is needed to repair it.

Person-centered therapy uses a non-authoritative approach that allows clients to take more of a lead in discussions so that, in the process, they will discover their own solutions. The therapist acts as a compassionate facilitator, listening without judgment and acknowledging the client’s experience without moving the conversation in another direction.

As a social worker, I meet the client where they are, and I follow their lead. I set the frame with clear boundaries leaving a lot of space for the client to feel safe and secure to share knowing that they will be accepted and not judged. My approach is interactive, open, authentic and unconditionally supportive. I see the interaction as a collaborative partnership to help my clients achieve a greater sense of wellbeing in their lives.

Client-focused: You are the expert on your own life Non-directive: Focus is on support, not judgement or advice Empathetic: I act as an emotional mirror to make it safe for you to explore Active listening: I engage actively, but you do most of the talking Positive tone: I set a positive tone to encourage openness Self-discovery: I will guide you to your own solutions through self acceptance and healing

Empathy and non-judgmental listening are fundamental to providing healing therapy.

Person-centered therapy seeks to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment in which the client can explore the issues holding them back from achieving their full potential. The therapist serves as a guide, helping the client find their own answers and develop greater insight into their thoughts and behavior patterns. This type of therapy is based on the belief that everyone can grow and change, given the right conditions.

As your counselor, I aim to consistently show up with your needs and goals in mind. This centers around my approach of being person-centered in my counseling work.

A Person-Centered perspective honors your intrinsic knowledge of self, resilience, and your own ability to heal and grow.