What is the significance of active listening in Person-Centered Therapy?

Active listening plays a crucial role in Person-Centered Therapy by signifying validation of the client's feelings. This therapeutic approach, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and empathetic environment where clients feel understood and accepted. By actively listening, the therapist demonstrates genuine care and attention to the client's experiences, which helps in fostering trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship.

When a therapist listens actively, they are not just hearing the words being spoken but are also attuned to non-verbal cues and emotions. This holistic understanding allows the therapist to reflect back and validate the client's feelings, making the client feel acknowledged in their emotional experience. This validation is key to empowering clients, encouraging them to explore their thoughts and feelings, and facilitating deeper self-exploration and personal growth.

The other options do not align with the principles of Person-Centered Therapy. Taking control of the session goes against the non-directive nature of this approach; encouraging clients to speak less contradicts the goal of allowing clients to express themselves fully, and focusing on the therapist’s interpretations moves away from the client-centered focus essential for effective therapy.