The fundamentals of the Person-Centered Approach in the work of Carl Ransom Rogers and their relevance to the clinical practice of Family and Community Medicine

Abstract

The Person-Centered Approach (PCA) is a structuring clinical tool of Family and Community Medicine (FCM), and its teaching is an essential part of Medical Residency Programs in this specialty. The theoretical foundation of PCA is based on the work of the North American psychologist Carl Ransom Rogers, considered the precursor of Humanist Psychology. The purpose of this article is to present the fundamentals of PCA in Rogers’ work and their relevance to the clinical practice of FCM. The main concepts are presented in three points: 1) Actualizing (or formative) tendency; 2) PCA and the production of insight; and 3) The three key concepts (or key attitudes) of PCA: congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. The perspective of construction and improvement of the humanist clinic, through Roger’s work, is alive and, precisely for this reason, this reference offers enormous potential for qualifying the FCM clinic.