Critically Evaluate the Contention That the Non-Directive Attitude Is the Key Distinguishing Feature of Contemporary Person-Centred Therapy.

Critically evaluate the contention that the non-directive attitude is the key distinguishing feature of contemporary Person-Centred therapy.

Introduction

In my opinion, the notion of non-directivity is important to many therapists who are influenced by the work of Carl Rogers. Although Rogers inspired many, he was not without his critics.

In this paper, I will describe what it means to be non-directive. I will explain the theory of the non-directive attitude. I will include the difficulties and doubts of others who have criticised the non-directive attitude. I also intend to use some examples from my own practice as a trainee therapist and as a client.

Rogers introduced the term Non-Directive Therapy in the 1940s, and ever since this title has provoked a lot of controversy and debate. He emphasized that the non-directive therapy was the feature that distinguished the person-centred approach from other therapeutic approaches. He believed in the client’s own self-directed growth processes rather than the expertise of the therapist. The client was his or her own expert. It is my belief too, that offering the client a non-directive, non-judgmental, warm, accepting and authentic relationship ,facilitates that person growing into a sense of self in which their potential as a person can be fulfilled.

At one level, Rogers' theory and work is very simple to describe but as many people would attest, both those using the approach and those working as person-centred therapists, it can be very difficult to put into practice because the approach does not use any techniques or tools but relies on the personal qualities of the therapist to build a non-judgmental and empathic relationship.

What means to be non-directive?

Non-directivity does not mean “no direction”: it means “the client's direction”. The therapist and the client must have faith that the client can and will discover self-direction.

Wilkins (2003) stated, “Just what it means to be...