PRINCIPLED AND INSTRUMENTAL NONDIRECTIVENESS IN PERSON-CENTERED AND CLIENT-CENTERED THERAPY

Abstract

Nondirectiveness is a focal point in the debate about the nature of person-centered and client-centered therapy. In my view, the debate is essentially about the morally best way of doing therapy. Conceptions of nondirectiveness differ primarily in whether they emphasize pragmatic concerns for promoting growth and meeting needs or respect for persons. Two conceptions of nondirectiveness — instrumental and principled — are described and compared. Principled nondirectiveness is elaborated, and a justification for it is sketched.