What would you suggest? Print

The notion of non-directivity is important to many therapists who are influenced by the work of Carl Rogers. Rogers introduced the term non-directivity in the 1940’s to distinguish his approach to therapy from the existing forms of therapy at that time. At that time the main therapies were based on the idea that the therapist is like a doctor who is able to offer expert advice to the patient. In contrast, Rogers proposed that people need to rely less on the judgements of others and instead turn inwards to themselves as the best expert on what to do. In short, he believed that people are their own best experts. Many therapists still use the term non-directive but it can be a difficult concept to grasp, and more difficult to put into practice, as many of us so used to giving advice and trying to solve problems for others. It also doesn’t mean that people can quickly come up with all the answers but in a therapeutic relationship where they feel valued, listened to and understood, they have the opportunity to turn things over in their mind, reflect on their problems, and seek new solutions. It might take some time but the ownership of the process is theirs.