Person centred approaches to learning hold a potential for a mature depth of understanding and engagement as opposed to the traditional 'transmission of knowledge' approach to learning
AimsDo students experience a person-centred experiential (PCE) approach to learning in a university context differently to transmitted knowledge learning from prior education, and if so, how?BackgroundThe person-centred approach, as defined and developed by Carl Ransom Rogers, remains on the margins of practice in the UK. The approach sustains a non-medical stance. All of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Person Centred Experiential Counselling (APT PCEC) workforce require a qualification in person-centred experiential counselling. In order to attune to Roger's hypothesis regarding the conditions required in order to facilitate psychological growth, person-centred learning is a principle stance.Researching experiences of PCE learning through anonymous feedback from students attending different levels of training (BA, MA and post qualification PCE-Counselling for Depress (CfD) License) is an initial test of the hypothesis .Counselling education in the UK is increasingly highly standardised and driven by competency frameworks. This work begins to uncover person-centred students’ evaluation of undertaking person-centred qualifications. Modules and continuing professional practice were constructed to facilitate a person-centred learning environment wherein the curriculum was designed by students or the experiential aspect of the learning drove the agendaMethodThe sample was made up of (N = 30) students. 8 students were studying for a Master's degree in person-centred experiential psychotherapy, 10 students were studying a BA in humanistic psychotherapy, 12 students were attending a mandatory IAPT Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training in PCE therapy. The evaluation responses were subject to a thematic analysis.ResultThe emerging themes parallel each other and indicate that degree students were very aware of the difference from their previous learning experience in education.68% of MA Students experienced psychological maturation through the process of training.83% of BA students became more agentic in their approach to learning.83% IAPT therapists noticed the nurturing, compassion and humane approach to the learning, despite the mandatory nature of the offer and empowered them in regards to their non-medical stance within an NHS context.ConclusionOur findings point to the significance and impact of person-centred learning for person-centred psychotherapists’ development during and post-qualification. Implications can be drawn in regards to engaging with person-centred learning in public sector and health contexts.Person centred approaches to learning hold a potential for a mature depth of understanding and engagement as opposed to the traditional ‘transmission of knowledge’ approach to learning.