The democratic ethos of PCE: examples from the 2024 PCE World General Assembly

Abstract

Person-centered and experiential psychotherapies have a democratic ethos stemming from foundational principles of the person-centered approach. This paper traces some of those foundational roots through Rogers’ early cross-cultural relationships and inspiration from progressive education and discusses select early research in person-centered therapy and education and encounter groups and community meetings. Likewise, PCE World has its own history, guidelines, and practices related to democratic functioning. The paper posits that extensional maturity characterized by empathy, acceptance, the nondirective attitude, and vulnerability are key points to that ethos. It utilizes three discussion-decision points from the PCE World 2024 General Assembly to explore these concepts. This paper posits that ideal democratic functioning is not just structural but attitudinal, characterized by concepts such as the nondirective attitude and the spirit of motivational interviewing.

Department(s)

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1080/14779757.2025.2497932

Keywords

decision-making process, Democracy, group dynamics, PCE therapies, person-centered approach, power

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal Title

Person Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS