Here are some key principles of Person or Client-Centered Therapy:

Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist provides a nonjudgmental, accepting, and empathetic environment in which clients feel valued and respected regardless of their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. This unconditional positive regard creates a safe space to explore emotions and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection.

Empathy: The therapist strives to understand the client’s perspective by actively listening and empathizing with their feelings and experiences. Through reflective listening and mirroring, the therapist communicates understanding and validation, helping clients to gain insight into their own thoughts and emotions.

Congruence or Genuineness: The therapist is authentic and genuine in their interactions with clients, expressing their thoughts, feelings, and reactions openly and honestly. By being congruent, the therapist fosters trust and rapport with clients, creating a genuine and authentic therapeutic relationship.

Client-Centered Approach: Person-centered therapy is inherently client-directed, meaning that the client is seen as the expert in their own life and is responsible for their own growth and development. The therapist acts as a facilitator, providing support, guidance, and encouragement as clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

In person-centered counselling, the therapeutic process unfolds through a collaborative partnership between the client and therapist, with the therapist serving as a compassionate guide who helps the client to tap into their own inner resources and strengths. The focus is on the present moment experiences of the client, rather than dwelling on past traumas or future worries.

Techniques commonly used in a person-centered approach to therapy include active listening, reflection, empathy, and open-ended questioning. The therapist refrains from offering advice, interpretations, or solutions, instead allowing the client to lead the way and discover their own insights and solutions.

Welling Centre has a psychotherapist on staff that specializes in Person-Focused Therapy.

To learn more about her approach to therapy, read her profile below.

Deanna Clarke, BHSc, CCYC, CCAC, RTC

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Psychotherapist

I’m passionate about supporting meaningful transformation and helping individuals strengthen their relationships with themselves and with others, offering a grounded, empathic, and non-judgmental space for self-discovery. My approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the healing journey. I believe that true growth happens when we embrace both our strengths and our struggles, creating space for lasting change.

With over 13 years of experience in addiction recovery and supporting individuals impacted by childhood trauma, I take a holistic, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. Together, we’ll explore the emotional, mental, physical, creative, and spiritual aspects of your life to help you reconnect with your authentic self.

My own personal struggles led me to a place of deep desperation – and it was from that place that true healing began. Through working with my own childhood wounds, I’ve been able to transform the story of my life. Today, I live with openness, embracing life as it comes, free from judgment or rigid expectations. It’s from this grounded, lived experience that I hold space for my clients as they embark on their own healing journeys. I’ve learned that it’s often in the struggle and discomfort where growth happens, and in that growth, we discover the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Creativity and nature are central to my own grounding and healing. Whether it’s practicing yoga, playing golf, immersing myself in the outdoors, or simply finding stillness with a good book, I believe that cultivating wonder and creativity helps us reconnect with our truest selves. I bring that same sense of curiosity and reverence for the human experience into my work with clients.

I don’t see people bringing problems into therapy, I see them bringing bridges to healing and I’m here to help you build that bridge. Whether you’re navigating trauma, addiction, grief, life transitions, or simply longing for deeper self-connection, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion, empathy, and practical guidance as you move toward healing and fulfillment, rediscover your strength, and create meaningful change.

Each 50-minute session with Deanna is available for a $135 fee and is eligible for extended health benefits through some insurance companies. 

NOW OFFERS DIRECT BILLING FOR MOST INSURANCE PROVIDERS.

If you are interested in an appointment with Deanna, book online by clicking the ‘Book an Appointment’ button or call 780-222-7405.

Ready to book now? Call us directly at 780-222-7405 or book an appointment online here.