Series 2 Episode 7. Encountering the person-centred approach

In this encounter, Stephen Joseph reflects on a life working within the person-centred approach, from his first encounter with its radical potential, to his work on trauma, and reflections on how to bring the approach beyond the world of therapy. “It’s about people, whatever role they have in life, going out there and being person-centred.”

Rachael speaks to Stephen Joseph (he/him), author, researcher, and fellow of the British Psychological Society

Rachael writes: I had a rich encounter with Stephen where we explored the soil of the person-centred approach and our connections with this soil given our unique backgrounds. Stephen’s relationship with the approach goes back many years and is vividly presented in his most recent book. 

As well as our personal relationships with the approach, Rogers’ 1959 paper and its tardis-like nature offered a focal point for our discussion. Rogers’ succinct paper highlights the scientific rigour that went into developing the approach and raises wider questions as to how Rogers the scientist is related to in contemporary person-centred practice alongside a more poetic or mystical Rogers. Is Rogers the scientist embraced, overlooked or none of the above?

Central to our encounter was the enduring, counter-cultural nature of the person-centred approach and how rare this philosophy manifests in our current age, where power is frequently unchecked and empathy is devalued. Stephen used the powerful analogy of person-centred practitioners being like gardeners in a world of car mechanics where fixing is considered more valuable than organic growth. In order to be gardeners for the person-centred approach itself, we need to take the person-centred approach outside of the therapy room into fresh contexts where open dialogue, rooted in empathy and unconditional positive regard, are most required.