Person-centred approach (PCA)

What does ACP mean in psychology?

ACP stands for “person-centred approach”. This approach to psychotherapy was developed by the American psychologist Carl Rogers in the middle of the 20^e century; in English, it is referred to as person-centred approach (PCA). It is based on the principle that each person possesses the resources to grow, even when their values or choices differ from what those around them expect.

The therapist welcomes you as you are, without judgement, with care and attentive listening. Their primary role is to understand how you experience your situation, rather than categorising you. You remain the driver of your own journey: you set the direction, and the therapy helps you find it.

For what difficulties?

ACP can be offered for various difficulties, for example:

• a depressive state or persistent low mood;
• anxiety and stress;
• a loss of meaning, existential questions;
• the onset of a difficult period or a life crisis (separation, bereavement, major change);
• the need to be recognized in one's uniqueness: one's values, experience, and feelings.

To benefit from it, it is helpful to be able to connect with one’s emotions and sensations, and to be willing to reflect on oneself. However, ACP is less indicated for obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and phobias: a more structured approach, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (TCC), is then generally offered. The first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss this and, if needed, to guide you toward another approach.

How does ACP therapy take place at Almaval?

1. 1
   

   Getting to know each other

   ACP is based on the relationship. The initial interview serves to get to know each other, to talk about what brings you here and what you expect from therapy.

2. 2
   

   The sessions

   Sessions leave ample room for your voice. The psychotherapist practises active listening and welcomes emotions, including when they are intense: it is possible to cry, to remain silent, and to express intimate feelings. The work is collaborative: together, you look for what helps you, based on your life journey.

3. 3
   

   Tools tailored to your needs

   ACP is an integrative approach. Depending on the situation, it can draw on techniques that connect the body, experience, and feelings, such as focusing, the life line, or cardiac coherence, and on elements from other approaches: systemic therapy, TCC, psychodynamic, emotion-focused therapy, movement or meditation approaches.

4. 4
   

   The duration

   A few sessions can sometimes be enough. However, PCA is not inherently a brief therapy: it takes time for the relationship to develop and is often part of a longer-term process. The pace and next steps are reviewed regularly with you.