klientenzentrierter

Klientenzentrierter refers to an approach in psychology and counseling that centers the client’s perspective, experiences, and intrinsic capacity for growth. The term is the German equivalent of client-centered or person-centered therapy, a framework developed in the mid-20th century by Carl Rogers. In German-speaking literature it is found as “klientenzentrierte Therapie” or “personenzentrierte Therapie,” and it is often discussed in relation to counseling, psychotherapy, and educational settings.

The core idea is that change emerges from the therapeutic relationship rather than from direct advice or interpretation. The therapist aims to provide a facilitative climate in which the client can explore thoughts and feelings, discover solutions, and develop self-understanding. Three widely cited conditions are considered essential: empathy (accurate understanding of the client’s experience), unconditional positive regard (acceptance without judgment), and congruence or genuineness (authenticity on the therapist’s part). The approach is generally non-directive; the therapist encourages self-directed meaning-making rather than prescribing techniques or interpretations.

Applications extend beyond psychotherapy to counseling, social work, and education, where the emphasis is on supporting autonomy, self-efficacy, and personal growth. In practice, techniques include reflective listening, paraphrasing, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space. While valued for its respectful stance toward clients, the klientenzentrierter approach is sometimes criticized for its limited structure in certain clinical populations and for varying levels of empirical support across conditions. It has also been integrated with other modalities to address specific needs, maintaining a focus on the client’s inner resources and self-directed change.