The Magic of Encounter: The Person-Centered Approach and the Neurosciences

The theoretical foundations of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) were laid by Carl Rogers more than 60 years ago. Neuroscientific research findings support his theories to a remarkably high degree. The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the PCA and concepts of neurosciences. In the first step, basic concepts of person-centered personality theory are related to neuroscience. The next and main focus is on the basic therapeutic principles of person-centered psychotherapy. Particular ways are suggested in which findings in the neurosciences can contribute to explaining the relevance of the therapeutic principles of empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard and congruence. The supportive relation of the two distinct areas works both ways. It is argued that the PCA offers a powerful meta-theory for an integration of neuroscientific research findings into psychotherapy.