The School of Person-Centred Psychology (PCP)

At the core of Person-Centred Psychology lies a humanistic approach to understanding human behaviour. Unlike traditional psychological perspectives that rely heavily on academic theories , person-centred psychology places a unique emphasis on each individual’s subjective experience. It operates on the premise that all human beings possess distinct needs, preferences, and objectives. This approach is not about moulding individuals based on external standards but about nurturing the inherent depth and uniqueness within each person.

The purpose of person-centred psychology is to establish a supportive environment where individuals are appreciated in their entirety. This acceptance encompasses their thoughts, beliefs, and emotional experiences, all acknowledged without judgment. In this safe space, the practitioner and the individual collaboratively engage in a journey of self-discovery. The role of the practitioner in person-centred psychology, often referred to as an achologist, is to facilitate self-awareness and enable informed decision-making about the future. By fostering this therapeutic alliance, achologists serve as catalysts for self-exploration and personal growth.

Contrary to traditional psychological approaches, which often focus on identifying mental illnesses or diagnosing emotional conditions, person-centred psychology prioritizes self-discovery and resilience-building. Central to this approach is the concept of Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR). UPR necessitates showing genuine empathy and concern for individuals while maintaining a non-judgmental stance. This allows individuals to express their feelings openly, free from fear or shame, thereby cultivating an atmosphere of trust.

The empowering nature of person-centred psychology equips individuals with the tools to instigate significant changes across all aspects of their lives. This includes enhancing communication, fostering self-awareness, and forming meaningful relationships. The primary focus of this fascinating field of study is to equip individuals with the ability to take responsibility for themselves rather than relying excessively on others due to fear or lack of confidence. In essence, person-centred psychology celebrates the individual, not by attempting to shape them into a predefined mould, but by acknowledging and fostering their unique characteristics and potential.

The history of hypnotherapy is as intricate as the mind it seeks to influence. Its roots reach back to ancient civilizations, with some of the earliest references found in the spiritual practices of ancient Egypt and Greece. During these times, spiritual leaders, shamans, and healers would harness altered states of consciousness to facilitate healing and transformation. The term ‘hypnos’, derived from the Greek word for sleep, offers a glimpse into the hypnotic state’s nature – a state of intense focus and heightened suggestibility akin to a dreamlike trance.

The late 18th century marked a pivotal point in the evolution of hypnosis, as German physician Franz Mesmer wove the practice into the fabric of scientific exploration. Mesmer developed a concept known as mesmerism, premised on the belief in a universal magnetic fluid within the body that could be manipulated to influence health. While his theories courted controversy, Mesmer’s suggestive techniques were groundbreaking and widely influential, forming the bedrock for future advancements in hypnosis.

Fast forward to the 1920s, and the scientific study of hypnotism took a significant leap forward under the stewardship of Clark Leonard Hull at Yale University. Hull embarked on a series of experimental studies aimed at unraveling the mechanisms and effects of hypnosis. His pioneering research played a crucial role in earning hypnosis its rightful place as a legitimate field of psychological study.

By the turn of the 20th century, hypnosis had gained wider acceptance within the medical community. This shift in perception was evidenced by the First International Congress for Experimental and Therapeutic Hypnotism in the late 1800s, a gathering dominated by scientists. This event underscored the growing acknowledgment of hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool.

Even as it made strides in scientific circles, hypnosis also etched a place for itself in popular culture. Mid-19th-century street-corner “tent-shows” captivated audiences with demonstrations of the power of suggestion, keeping alive a sense of mystery and fascination around hypnosis despite its scientific advancements.

In today’s world, hypnotherapy is typically practiced and benefitted from a conversational therapeutic tool, employed to address a spectrum of opportunities ranging from overcoming anxiety to growing in self-awareness and self-knowledge. The journey of hypnotherapy, from ancient spiritual rituals to cutting-edge psychological therapy, mirrors our enduring fascination with the mind’s power to shape health and well-being.

The history of counselling is a rich tapestry that reflects humanity’s ongoing quest to understand the mind and its workings. It spans centuries and cultures, with roots deeply embedded in philosophy, religion, and medicine.

The practice of counselling can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where priests, philosophers, and tribal elders would offer advice and guidance. In Ancient Greece, for example, the philosopher Socrates was known for his method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. This Socratic method formed an early model of counselling, focusing on helping individuals to find their own answers.

In the Middle Ages, counselling was provided by religious leaders, who offered spiritual guidance and confession. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that counselling began to take on the form we recognize today. During this time, the advent of psychology as a scientific discipline played a key role in shaping the field of counselling.

One of the most influential figures in this regard was Sigmund Freud, whose psychoanalytic theory emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping an individual’s behaviour and thoughts. Freud’s work laid the groundwork for many modern counselling techniques, particularly those that aim to uncover hidden thoughts and feelings to help individuals understand and resolve their problems.

In the mid-20th century, American psychologist Carl Rogers developed person-centred therapy, another significant milestone in the history of counselling. Rogers’ approach emphasized the importance of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard in the therapeutic relationship, a philosophy that remains central to many counselling approaches today.

Another critical development in the 20th century was the establishment of counselling as a professional discipline. This included the development of professional organizations, ethical guidelines, and training programs, which helped to standardize and regulate the practice of counselling.

Today, counselling is a diverse field, encompassing a wide range of approaches and techniques. It’s used to help individuals, couples, families, and groups deal with various personal and interpersonal issues, from mental health disorders to life transitions, relationship problems, and more. The history of counselling underscores our enduring need for understanding, empathy, and guidance in navigating the complexities of the human experience.

Counselling is a powerful journey of self-discovery and transformation, a collaborative process where a skilled professional assists a client in navigating their personal, social, or psychological challenges. While the practices of counselling can be diverse and multifaceted—ranging from cognitive-behavioral strategies to mindfulness exercises, solution-focused approaches, and psychodynamic techniques—the profession is anchored by several core principles that provide a solid foundation for this therapeutic relationship.

At the heart of counselling lies the principle of Client Autonomy. Counsellors respect the independence and self-determination of their clients, acknowledging them as the experts in their own lives. They serve as guides in the therapeutic process, offering insights and perspectives while supporting clients in making their own decisions. This empowers clients to take ownership of their healing and growth.

Confidentiality is another cornerstone of counselling, creating a safe and trusting environment for clients to openly share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The commitment to maintain strict confidentiality—disclosing information only with explicit permission or when there’s a risk of harm—underscores the sanctity of the therapeutic relationship.

The role of Empathy in counselling cannot be overstated. By striving to understand and share in the client’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences without judgment, counsellors exhibit genuine care and concern. This empathetic connection fosters a deeper level of trust and rapport, enabling clients to delve into their innermost thoughts and emotions.

Unconditional Positive Regard, a principle introduced by Carl Rogers, underscores the importance of accepting and respecting clients for who they are, devoid of any conditions or judgments. This non-judgmental acceptance nurtures self-acceptance in clients, facilitating profound personal transformations.

Non-Directiveness is another guiding principle in counselling. Rather than providing solutions or advice, counsellors assist clients in exploring their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, helping them unearth their own solutions and strategies. This approach reinforces the client’s autonomy and promotes lasting change.

Genuineness in counselling involves counsellors being authentic and transparent in their interactions with clients. This authenticity aids in building trust, creating a safe and open space for exploration and growth.

Finally, the principle of Professional Competence and Integrity underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of professional competence. Counsellors are committed to lifelong learning, continually enhancing their skills and knowledge through ongoing education and training. Adherence to ethical guidelines and professional standards set by regulatory bodies further underpins their professional integrity.

The practices of counselling, whether it be employing cognitive-behavioral strategies, facilitating mindfulness exercises, or applying psychodynamic techniques, aim to help clients explore their feelings and thoughts, challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and foster personal growth and change. These practices, underpinned by the core principles of counselling, form a comprehensive approach to supporting clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Carl Rogers, an influential American psychologist, has had a profound impact on the modern practice of counselling. His pioneering work in developing client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, in the 1960s has shaped the way therapists interact with their clients today.

Rogers’ approach was groundbreaking because it shifted the focus from the therapist as the expert to the client as the expert on their own life. This respect for the individual’s autonomy foreshadowed a trend that is still prevalent in many therapeutic approaches today.

One of the key principles of Rogerian therapy is unconditional positive regard, which involves accepting and respecting the client for who they are, without any conditions or judgments. This principle has been adopted in modern psychotherapy and is central to establishing a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect.

Another significant contribution by Rogers is the concept of the ‘actualising tendency’. According to this idea, every individual has an inherent drive towards self-actualization and growth. Rather than focusing on past experiences or behaviors that may have negatively impacted the person, Rogers advocated working with the client in the present moment to facilitate this growth.

Rogers also emphasized the importance of empathy and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. He believed that by demonstrating a genuine understanding of the client’s feelings and experiences, therapists could better support their clients in their journey towards self-understanding and change.

Finally, Rogers’ humanistic approach has influenced various areas beyond psychology, including counselling, education, and other helping professions. His work has underscored the importance of seeing each client as a unique individual, with their own experiences, perspectives, and potential for growth.

In sum, Carl Rogers’ theories and practices have left an indelible mark on the field of counselling. His emphasis on respect for the client’s autonomy, unconditional regard, empathy, genuineness, and the actualizing tendency continue to guide modern therapeutic practices and underline the humanistic values at the heart of counselling.

Milton H. Erickson, often referred to as ‘the father of modern hypnotherapy’, revolutionized the field with his innovative approaches and techniques. His contributions have permeated not just the realm of hypnotherapy, but also various forms of therapy including strategic family therapy and neuro-linguistic programming.

Erickson’s influence is most notable in his development of an approach that emphasized indirect suggestions, metaphors, and storytelling to facilitate therapeutic change. This was a departure from traditional directive methods used in hypnosis, making his approach more respectful and client-centered.

Erickson demonstrated that hypnotherapy could be a compassionate, respectful, and highly effective treatment. He proved that the unconscious mind is creative, solution-generating, and often capable of initiating therapeutic change without the direct intervention of the conscious mind.

His work on the Unconscious and how it influences techniques has had a profound impact on the practice of hypnotherapy. He believed in the power of the unconscious mind to aid in problem-solving and healing, which led him to develop techniques that accessed this resourceful aspect of the human psyche.

Moreover, Erickson gradually started to use language as an instrument of transformation. His use of conversational and indirect hypnosis allowed for a more naturalistic approach to therapy, making it easier for clients to enter into a trance state and engage with their unconscious minds.

Erickson’s influence extends to the vast majority of hypnotherapists practicing today, many of whom use some form of Ericksonian approach in their work. His methods have also inspired other major thinkers and developers in the field, including the creators of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Jay Haley’s strategic therapy.

In conclusion, Milton Erickson’s revolutionary approaches have indelibly shaped the practice of hypnotherapy, making it more client-centered, respectful, common-sense based, and effective. His work continues to inform innovative practices and inspire new developments throughout the field of modern applied psychology.

Our purpose in the Academy of Modern Applied Psychology is to teach you the essentials of person-centred psychology in a way that will equip you with the wisdom you need to influence others, and impact your world. Our elearning courses teach students key psychological principles and how to apply them in real-world situations, such as setting goals, solving problems, developing maturity, self-control, and effective communication skills.

All of the courses in this bundle include practical activities that help to embed the learning, leading students through all the necessary processes for successful practice. All of the exercises can be practiced alongside our other hypnotherapy and counselling students from all around the world. Additionally, students will learn about the history and founding principles of person-centred psychology, to gain a better understanding of how it works.

When you enrol in this school, the following five elearning courses are included;

1. Counselling Practitioner Certification Course (Beginner to Advanced)
2. Hypnotherapy Practitioner Certification Course (Beginner to Advanced)
3. The Skilled Helper Online Training Course (with Gerard Egan PhD)
4. An Essential Guide to Communication Skills and Social Intelligence
5. Diploma Course in Modern Applied Psychology (DiMAP)

The Achology School of Person-Centred Psychology also grants twelve months of community access, presenting you with a unique opportunity for personal development and growth acceleration. This includes live discussions, skill development sessions, and study groups, among other enriching self-directed learning experiences.

A practitioner of person-centred therapy, adhering to the principles established by Carl Rogers, strives to nurture an environment where clients can actualise their potential for personal growth and development. The aim is not to dictate outcomes, but rather to empower individuals to make their own choices and navigate their own journey towards self-improvement. Here are some key outcomes that a person-centred practitioner might facilitate:

Deepened Self-Awareness: A cornerstone of person-centred therapy is the enhancement of self-awareness. By engaging clients in a process of introspection and exploring their thoughts, individuals can gain an understanding of their inner selves. This heightened self-awareness can lead to insights into their motives, behaviour patterns, and emotional responses, enabling them to make decisions with greater clarity and adopt healthier behaviours. As Carl Rogers stated, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Boosted Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence: Through the provision of unconditional positive regard, a person-centred practitioner assists individuals in feeling acknowledged and valued for who they truly are. This can drastically elevate their self-esteem and self-confidence, equipping them with the courage and conviction necessary to confront challenges head-on and seize opportunities that come their way.

Improved Interpersonal Relationships: Person-centred therapy has the potential to enhance interpersonal relationships. As individuals cultivate greater self-awareness and confidence, they typically become more adept at expressing their emotions, understanding others, and fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Promotion of Autonomy and Personal Growth: By championing the individual’s inherent capability for self-directed growth, person-centred practitioners promote autonomy. Clients learn to assume responsibility for their actions, make decisions that align with their values, and actively pursue their personal growth and development.

Development of Coping Skills: Through the journey of exploration and self-discovery, individuals can forge better coping mechanisms. They acquire skills to manage stress, confront adversity, and navigate the vicissitudes of life more effectively.

Realization of Personal Potential: The ultimate objective of person-centred therapy is to empower individuals to tap into and realize their personal potential. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, practitioners aid clients in uncovering and leveraging their innate strengths, talents, and capacities for growth.

It’s crucial to note that these outcomes are not dictated by the practitioner. Rather, they emerge from the individual’s own efforts and choices, with the practitioner serving as a collaborative partner in the process, echoing Rogers’ belief that “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned to learn and change.

The Achology School of Person-Centred Psychology provides a wealth of knowledge in the form of pre-recorded teaching materials. These courses encompass a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from foundational principles to advanced strategies, all aimed at equipping students with a cohesive understanding of the subject.

However, it’s important to note that these resources, while meticulously designed and presented, are inherently neutral in their efficacy. They do not possess an inherent effectiveness or transformative power. The true value and potential impact of these courses lie predominantly in the hands of the students.

The process of learning is not a passive one. It requires active engagement, critical thinking, consistent practice, and a deep-seated commitment to personal growth. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the material, to question, explore and reflect upon the content. This proactive approach to learning will help to internalize the knowledge and facilitate its integration into daily life.

Application of the concepts is equally critical. Theories and principles, no matter how profound, remain abstract until they are practically applied. Students are therefore urged to be innovative in applying their knowledge to various real-life contexts. This could be in personal growth, professional development, interpersonal relationships, or any area where communication and understanding of human behavior can be beneficial.

Learning is a journey, not a destination. The transformation that education promises doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, effort, patience, and often involves a process of trial, patience and error. But rest assured, with the right mindset and dedication, the knowledge gained from these courses can indeed be truly transformative.