“The Heroic Practitioner”

: Extending research into practitioners’ understandings of the term “person-centred” - An integrated frameworks study

Abstract

Background
Person-centred counselling has grown into a family, or “Tribes” of related therapies based on the theory of counselling developed by Carl Rogers and his associates. Over time tensions have developed regarding the “Tribes” understandings and interpretations of Rogerian theory. From this a growing set of misrepresentations of theory have emerged both internally and externally of person-centred counselling. These factors have guided this investigation to extend understandings of person-centredness.

Research Method
The primary aim of this study was to examine current person-centred counselling practitioners’ understandings of the term “person-centred” and how these interpretations are implemented in current praxis. An on-line survey was developed, and respondents were recruited from a sample across the world person-centred counselling community.

Research Findings
Respondents understood the term “person-centred” as deliberately establishing an equalising power dynamic at the centre of their praxis. Respondents understand this as an ethical and political decision to locate the client at the centre of person-centred counselling. Respondents’ understandings are interpreted as that of a “soul-friend” (Gaelic Anam Chara) within the counselling relationship, the qualities of which are presence and accompaniment. Respondents recognise a further dimension to their role as a “way of being” in the world. Finally, respondents understand “person-centred” as being in a continuously reflexive process of introspection, discussion, and supervision.

Recommendations
Recommendations from respondents include greater training in the dynamics of power, increasing understandings of person-centred counselling theory tenets, and correcting misrepresentations of person-centred counselling, especially regarding the therapeutic conditions.

Novel Contribution
The novel contributions of the study include the focus on practitioner understandings as opposed to academic interpretations, the emerging conception of the person-centred counsellor as an “Anam-Chara” and the centrality of reflexivity in the understanding of person-centredness. Respondents maintain that Rogers’ influence remains paramount, that person-centred counselling is continuing to evolve, and that person-centred counselling strives to preserve its radical client-centred roots.

Date of Award	30 Jan 2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Susanna Kola-Palmer (Main Supervisor)