The physical effects of addiction are often easy to identify. However, the psychological damage that addiction causes is much more difficult to determine. That’s why any truly effective treatment plan for drug and alcohol use must include addiction therapy programs. Person-centered therapy is one of the most popular forms of psychological help for addiction. Also known as person-centered treatment or individual-centered therapy, this type of psychotherapy helps people as they navigate through their recovery.
If you or someone you care about might benefit from a Kennett Square, Pennsylvania behavioral health therapy program, rely on our team at New Horizons Recovery. We have the knowledge and experience to guide our clients through their recovery, including in our person-centered therapy program. Reach out to New Horizons Recovery online or at 267.435.3134 for more information about our programs and services.
What Is Person-Centered Therapy?
The guiding principle of person-centered therapy is that every person can reach their maximum potential through an ongoing process of growth and change. This approach was developed by famed psychologist Carl Rogers in the 1940s and is also known as Rogerian therapy. Person-centered therapy gained popularity among psychologists because of its simplicity and human-centered approach.
Like other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the goals of person-centered therapy depend on the client. However, some overarching goals are common in person-centered therapy.
These goals include:
- Increase the client’s knowledge of their true self
- Enhance personal growth and development
- Lessen or eliminate negative thoughts
- Boost self-esteem and self-confidence
What Makes Person-Centered Therapy Successful?
The key to successful person-centered therapy is the connection between the client and the therapist. There must be mutual respect and trust in addition to mutual positivity. Rogers himself identified six components for therapy sessions to be practical.
These concepts are:
- The client and therapist are in psychological contact. In other words, they establish a relationship.
- The client is emotionally upset and in a state of incongruence.
- The therapist is genuine and aware of their own feelings.
- The therapist has unconditional positive regard for the client.
- The therapist empathizes with the client and their internal frame of reference and communicates this experience with the client.
- The client recognizes that the therapist has unconditional positive regard for them and an understanding of the difficulties they are facing.
If these components are consistent and maintained, there is a significant chance for the client to grow and change.
What Are Some Techniques Used in Person-Centered Therapy?
Therapists use many techniques and strategies to help the client achieve their goals in therapy. At New Horizons Recovery, our therapists are committed to easing the pain and turmoil that mental health disorders cause. Once these issues are identified and starting to heal, then the client can work on overcoming their addiction.
Some of the most common strategies that therapists use include:
- Set clear boundaries
- The client knows themselves best
- Act as a sounding board
- Don’t be judgmental
- Don’t make decisions for your clients
- Concentrate on what the client is really saying
- Be genuine
- Accept negative emotions
Choose New Horizons Recovery for Person-Centered Therapy
Without positive mental health, it is impossible for a person to function at their best. The effects of mental health disorders can derail every aspect of a person’s life. That’s why it’s imperative that those dealing with addiction, poor mental health, or both reach out for help. New Horizons Recovery provides an array of therapeutic options, including person-centered therapy. The truth is that ignoring a mental health issue will never make it improve. If you’re ready to take action and enhance your mental health, contact our friendly team today by calling New Horizons Recovery at 267.435.3134 or completing our convenient online contact form.