Skills in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy

by Janet Tolan

This book has already helped thousands of beginning practitioners understand the subtleties of the person-centred approach and develop skills in person-centred counselling practice. Now in its second edition, this step-by-step guide takes the reader through the counselling process, providing advice on how to structure and manage therapeutic work in ways which are thoroughly grounded in person-centred principles.

Janet Tolan defines the key tenets of the approach - psychological contact, congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard - and demonstrates how they are used effectively in a range of counsellor-client interactions. Describing all aspects of the therapeutic relationship from the initial meeting to ending the relationship well, this new edition contains new chapters - 'Debates and Developments in Practice' and 'Edgy and Ethical Issues'.

This book is an ideal introduction for beginners and for more experienced therapists who want to extend their range.

Janet Tolan is a Consultant and Private Practitioner in Manchester. She has worked extensively in education and training, most recently as leader of the Counselling and Psychotherapy Masters programme at Liverpool John Moores University.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2003

Reviews

[Afifa Afreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Approach Unlocked 🔓

[Luke Mohnasky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel skeptical of this book. I felt like it severely missed it. That a book on the "skills" of person-centered counseling is essentially a twist and contortion away from the art of encounter. However, after reading the initial chapters, the empathy and honesty of the authors broke through at times. It was a refreshing divergence from the rest of the book. The story of chapter 6 is powerful.

"The listener is also developing the habit of voicing what they hear from the speaker. In everyday communication, we often bypass this stage, moving straight to a question or a suggestion" (19).

"What we say is only one aspect of our client's experience of us. We can express things clumsily or say what, in retrospect, seem totally inappropriate things and our clients will often perceive the good intentions behind the words. Conversely, our disapproval will 'leak out', even if the words are straight from a textbook" (51).

"When we classify or label someone, we are often disguising our own worries and insecurities. We try to make it their problem and not ours" (78).

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few introductory PCC books that properly covers the contradictions, social contexts, dynamics of power in the relationship, newer research, debates and radical approaches. I'd say it's more essential than a lot of students are made aware of.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, without question, one of the most comprehensive and practically useful books on person-centred therapy I’ve come across. It manages to hold the depth and integrity of the person-centred approach while also being incredibly grounded and applicable in real client work. something that isn’t always easy to find in PCT literature.
What I appreciated most is how hands-on it feels. Rather than staying at a purely theoretical level, it consistently bridges concepts into the therapy room, offering a way of working that feels alive, responsive, and usable. It has genuinely shaped how I sit with clients and think about the therapeutic relationship.
The final section particularly stayed with me. The respectful and open stance towards other therapeutic modalities feels both mature and necessary. There’s no defensiveness, no need to position PCT as “better,” but instead a quiet confidence that allows for dialogue, plurality, and mutual respect. That felt deeply aligned with the core values of the approach itself.
A book that not only informs but also softens, expands, and refines how you practise. For me, this stands out as one of the best PCT resources out there.

[Ahlam Tariq · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explains the basic concepts of person-centred therapy fairly well, and gives a philosophical overview of the importance of person-centred therapy. It has many useful examples such as how to deal with clients who lie about something important in their lives and examples such as these add to my understanding of a therapeutic relationship and are quite helpful, but I would not recommend this book as an introductory text to students new to this technique.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid step-by-step introduction to person-centered therapy. Tolan and Cameron provide ample material to think about, exercises to stretch the therapist, and strategically developing ideas throughout the book. However, some chapters are much more simplistic than they should be overall it's a strong addition to any therapist from the PC modality. It's also organized in a lively and easy-to-digest way.

[VintageScorpioQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite person-centred counselling book so far. Informative, covered all aspects of theory, incorporating new research into the 'other characteristic'.

[Molly Riordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely helpful

[Lena Nisula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and easy to follow. Very interesting but it left me wondering if person-centred counselling or psychotherapy is effective. It seems a bit "soft" and vague. As a credit to the book it made me want to know more.