An Exploration of Congruence

With Louise Wilson.

Congruence is arguably the most complex of the therapist attitudes and a variety of definitions exist within person-centred literature including from Rogers himself. However, there is widespread agreement that therapist ‘realness’ or ‘genuineness’ is central to the therapy relationship and Rogers emphasised the need for therapists to remain self-aware and open to experience. What does this look like for the person-centred therapist and how self-aware are we? The notion of ‘expressed congruence’ is even more complex. Does it include self-disclosure? To disclose from our frame of reference could be seen as imposing on client process or alternatively viewed as facilitative congruent expression that could be beneficial to the client. Rogers said very little about self-disclosure although it is often discussed among person-centred therapists. We will also explore how much we disclose to clients about the way we work. In private practice person-centred therapists have little option but to select ‘issues’ based on medical model language on their profile page that suggest we have expertise is particular areas of human experience and have a ‘parts’ view of the person. The therapy relationship in the context of therapist directories therefore begins with incongruence as we can present a muddled view of the way we work that can lack transparency. This workshop is open to anyone with an interest in the concept of congruence from a person-centred perspective. 

Louise Wilson is a person-centred counsellor and supervisor working in Edinburgh. She is a member of the Persona Training and Development staff team and a trustee for the Person Centred Association.

This workshop is the second of PCT Scotland’s 2026 programme. As before, each of the workshops will be a stand-alone event but the series as a whole is designed to develop, enhance and promote understanding of the Approach. Each of the presenters will be attending the workshops as facilitators of the group process. It is possible to attend any or all of the workshops.

The cost of each workshop is:

PCT Scotland Members: £50
Non-members: £70
PCT Scotland student members: £20
Non-member students: £30

For all enquiries and for bookings, please contact Barbara Malinen at bookings@pctscotland.co.uk

It is possible to join PCT Scotland and this will reduce the cost of the workshops as well as allow access to other benefits of membership. More information at https://www.pctscotland.co.uk/about/membership 

All of the events will be held at The Spark, 100 Wellington Street Glasgow G2 6DH. It is a dedicated training space close to both Central and Queen Street stations giving easy access to public transport.

Cancellation Policy

It will be possible to cancel your booking up to 15 days before each event. After that we will not be able to refund any tickets unless someone else is able to take your place.