Rogerian therapy, created by Carl Rogers, is a therapeutic technique in which the client takes an active, autonomous role in therapy sessions. It is based on the idea that the client knows what is best, and that the therapist’s role is to facilitate an environment in which the client can bring about positive change.

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Rogerian therapy is sometimes called nondirective therapy because of the autonomy given to the client. The client, not the therapist, decides what is discussed. As Rogers explained, “It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried.”

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Carl Rogers believed that all people have the capability to bring about positive change in their lives. He developed person-centered (or Rogerian) therapy as a technique for giving clients greater autonomy in therapy sessions. Rogers’ approach to psychotherapy is considered humanistic because it focuses on individuals' positive potential. 

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Key Components of Rogerian Therapy

According to Rogers, successful psychotherapy always has three key components:

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• Empathy. Rogerian therapists attempt to develop an empathic understanding of their clients' thoughts and feelings. When the therapist has an accurate understanding of the client’s thoughts and restates what the client says, the client is able to figure out the meaning of his or her own experiences.

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• Congruence. Rogerian therapists strive for congruence; that is, being self-aware, genuine, and authentic in their interactions with clients.

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• Unconditional positive regard. Rogerian therapists show compassion and acceptance towards the client. The therapist should strive to be nonjudgmental and accept the client non-contingently (in other words, their acceptance of the client doesn’t depend on what the client says or does).