Which therapeutic technique is emphasized in Person-Centered Therapy?

Person-Centered Therapy places a strong emphasis on active listening and reflection as key therapeutic techniques. This approach, developed by Carl Rogers, prioritizes creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their feelings and thoughts. Active listening involves fully attentively engaging with what the client is communicating, both verbally and non-verbally, to ensure they feel heard and understood.

Reflection, on the other hand, is a technique where the therapist paraphrases or mirrors back what the client has expressed. This not only helps clients to clarify their thoughts but also deepens their self-awareness, allowing them to process their experiences in a meaningful way. By fostering a connection through these methods, the therapist validates the client's feelings and encourages them to engage more deeply with their own inner experiences.

In contrast to this, other techniques like direct confrontation, prescriptive advice, or standardized testing focus on more directive approaches, which are not aligned with the client-centered philosophy of self-discovery and personal growth central to this therapeutic model.