What is person-centered counselling?
Person-centered counselling, also referred to as non-directive, client-centered, or Rogerian therapy, was pioneered by Carl Rogers in the early 1940s. This form of psychotherapy is grounded in the idea that people are inherently motivated toward achieving positive psychological functioning. The client is believed to be the expert in their life and leads the general direction of therapy, while the counsellor takes a non-directive role.
At David Goodman Counselling, my focus is to provide a safe, compassionate environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. I believe in your natural ability to find clarity, heal, and grow, and I’m here to support you on that journey.
What it means to be non-directive
As a person-centered therapist, I will strive to hold a non-directive attitude from which I:
- trust and relate to you as a person with agency, autonomy and the capacity to grow in response to your own unique experience in the
world. - understand you from your own point of view and not be judging you.
- am as present as possible to you, really listen and be real in the relationship with you.
- respect your process by trusting and relating to how you are at the moment without attempting to change you.
- respect your uniqueness and consistently follow and respond to your own process.
How We Work Together
In our sessions, I focus on three core conditions to guide our work:
- Empathy: I strive to understand your perspective as fully as possible, helping you feel truly heard and validated.
- Unconditional Positive Regard: You will be accepted without judgment, so you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely.
- Congruence: I believe in being authentic with you, creating a trusting and open therapeutic relationship.
What to Expect from Your Sessions
Your sessions are tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or life transitions, person-centered counselling provides a foundation for you to explore and understand yourself better. Through this process, you may discover your own insights, gain new perspectives, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes.
Sessions are available both face-to-face in my office in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, as well as online, providing flexibility and accessibility. My quiet, welcoming space is designed to help you feel at ease, whether we meet in person or virtually. I also offer a free 20-minute initial video consultation so that you can ask questions and get a feel for whether person-centered counselling is right for you.
Who Can Benefit?
Person-centered counselling can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to deepen self-awareness, build self-compassion, or work through personal challenges in a supportive setting. It may be particularly helpful for:
- Anxiety or stress
- Low self-esteem or self-criticism
- Relationship issues
- Grief or loss
- Life transitions or changes
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation