Person-centred care is a healthcare approach that puts the client at the center of the care process, making them an active partner in their own care. This approach is based on the work of Carl Rogers, a prominent humanistic psychologist who developed a theory of client-centered therapy in the mid-20th century. In this blog post, we will explore the basic principles of Carl Rogers and the benefits of person-centered care.
Carl Rogers believed that individuals are inherently good and that people have the ability to heal themselves when given the right conditions. He developed three basic principles that underpin person-centered care:
1. Unconditional Positive Regard
Unconditional positive regard is the idea that a person is valued and accepted for who they are, without judgment or criticism. In healthcare, this means that clients are treated with respect and empathy, regardless of their background, beliefs, or lifestyle choices. This creates a safe and trusting environment that encourages clients to share their thoughts and feelings openly. Cultivating this quality can take a considerable degree of time and may be argued that it is never fully achieved, as in the more challenging moments such as external life stressors that impact an individual’s patience and capacity for complete empathy. Regardless, the intentional forward-stretching anchor point of unconditional positive regard is a useful guiding light, applicable in almost any social interaction.
2. Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. In health and disability care, empathy means that providers take the time to listen to clients, understand their concerns, and communicate with them in a way that is sensitive to their emotional needs. This creates a strong therapeutic or nurturing relationship between the client and service member, which can lead to better outcomes.
3. Congruence
Congruence means that the provider is genuine and authentic in their interactions with clients. This means that they are honest and transparent about their own thoughts and feelings, which helps to build trust and rapport. Likewise, this principle encourages clients to be more honest and open about their own thoughts and feelings, which can lead to a deeper understanding of their wants needs.
Person-centered care is an approach that is based on these principles. It is a holistic approach that recognizes that clients are individuals with unique needs and preferences. This approach involves working collaboratively with clients to develop a tailored care plan, something of an ethos in the world of the NDIS as per the websites of many providers.
The benefits of person-centered care are numerous. First, it can lead to improved client satisfaction. When clients feel that they are being listened to and understood, they are more likely to be satisfied with their care experience. This can lead to better client outcomes, including faster recovery times during crises and improved overall mental and physical health.
Second, person-centered care can lead to improved communication between healthcare providers and clients. When providers take the time to listen and communicate with clients in a way that is sensitive to their emotional needs, they are more likely to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. This can lead to better client engagement and adherence to NDIS-related goals as well as those of a more personal nature.
Finally, person-centered care can lead to improved quality of life for clients and service members. When clients are involved in their own care and are empowered to make decisions about their health, they are more likely to feel in control of their health outcomes and have a greater sense of autonomy. Those providing the service are also empowered with more accurate knowledge and understanding of the relationship and the directions for growth.
As with many other providers, we live and breathe the person-centred approach and hold it as our own anchoring light as we develop and grow into the future.
Thank you for your time and attention to reading this post, please reach out if you have any thoughts or questions!
Check out a short interview with Carl Rogers linked below:
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