A Person-Centred Perspective to Counselling in Educational and Vocational Agencies

Abstract

This article focuses upon the application of Carl Rogers' person-centred approach (PCA) by educational and vocational counsellors. The discussion of PCA in educational and vocational counselling raises several key issues that have received attention in recent counselling psychology literature. PCA has been criticised for its highly individualistic approach that overlooks relational issues, its limited clinical application, and lack of technical expertise to sufficiently produce change in persons with significant mental and/or mood disorders. Three vignettes are presented to illustrate that contemporary PCA is a less individualistic and more socially contextualised practice than originally formulated by Rogers. They highlight some aspects of the work of counsellors who utilise the primary nondirective components of PCA (congruence, unconditional positive regard, empathy) with directive interventions when requested by clients, who are responsive to their clients' diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, and who are prepared to work within a medical framework.