What is contemporary person-centred theory?

When ‘contemporary’ is added to ‘person-centred’ it often seems to mean a move away from principled non-directivity and a licence for the practitioner to bring more of their frame of reference under the guise of congruence or ‘the relationship’. This day will consider other meanings of ‘contemporary’ within person-centred theory and practice. Specifically it will focus on the increasing need for principled non-directivity in our cultures today and how the notion of congruence has been developed. Perhaps most importantly, we will explore how a challenge to white, western psychology in general and person-centred psychotherapy in particular, may influence our way of being with those we are endeavouring to help in some way.

The day will include input from Sheila and a chance to dialogue and reflect with colleagues on these issues and perhaps others.

Sheila Haugh is Director of Studies for the Dip/MSc Contemporary Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Application at the Metanoia Institute, London. She maintains a practice in Prague, Czechia working in English. She is currently on the conference working party and Scientific Committee for PCE World Conference, Germany 2026. She was member of the Scientific Committee for PCE World Conference, Copenhagen 2022 and the Encounter Group Organising Committee a role she and her colleagues on the organising committee were asked to repeat for the PCE Athens 2024 World Conference.

Her latest publications include updates of ‘Carl Rogers And Person-Centred Therapy: A Historical Overview’ and ‘Classical Person-Centred Therapy’ in The Tribes of the Person-Centred Nation (3rd edition) due out in May 2024, and ‘Unconditional Positive Regard’ in the Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling (3rd edition) due out in Autumn 2024.

Tickets
£85 (concession £65 – these are limited and are available for students / unemployed and are sold on a first come first served basis). You will receive an e-Ticket from TicketTailor - the name on the booking will be added to the participant list on the door.

Cancellations
We do not offer refunds unless the workshop is cancelled by us. However, please let Jenn Payne-Gregory know if you are unable to attend (email: jennpaynegregory@gmail.com) as we may be able to re-sell your ticket if the event is full and then we can provide you with a refund.

Parking
We would suggest that you travel to the workshop on public transport where possible. There is an NCP carpark on Church Road, a few minutes’ walk from Community Base, but parking can be expensive for a whole day.

CPD
CPD certificates (6 hours) will be distributed to participants at the end of the workshop or via email afterwards.

Brighton Person Centred Community
This workshop is organised by volunteers through the Brighton Person Centred Community. Please go to our website for more information and other events www.brightonbapca.co.uk

On the day
The workshop is in the 5th floor conference room at Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG. Go to the South Wing entrance, buzz for the conference room and ask to be let in, there is a lift available. Doors open at 9.30am for a 10am start. We aim to finish at 4pm.