Approaches / Compare
CBT and person-centred therapy
CBT and person-centred therapy take different views on structure, formulation and direction in the consulting room. This page sets out those differences as they are usually described.
| Aspect | Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) | Person-centred therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Who sets the direction | Therapist and client agree an agenda and a shared description of the problem. | The client chooses what to bring and at what pace; the therapist does not set an agenda. |
| Therapist stance | Active and collaborative, introducing structured exercises, questions and between-session plans. | Non-directive, offering empathy, genuineness (congruence) and unconditional positive regard. |
| Use of techniques and homework | Central to many forms of CBT, including thought records, behavioural experiments and graded exposure. | Generally avoids set exercises or homework unless requested by the client. |
| View of change | Change often comes through examining interpretations and trying different behaviours in daily life. | Change grows from experiencing oneself more openly within an accepting, non-judgemental relationship. |
| Origins | Behavioural and cognitive traditions developed from the 1950s to the 1970s. | Humanistic psychology developed by Carl Rogers from the 1940s onward. |
| Open questions | How well structured manuals fit individual and cultural circumstances. | Whether relational conditions alone are sufficient for every person and problem. |
This comparison describes emphasis. It does not say which approach is more effective, and it is not advice on treatment.
Sources are listed on the CBT and Person-centred entries. Back to all comparisons.
Educational draft · Subject review pending