A longitudinal analysis of person-centred therapy with suicidal clients

Background There have been substantial research efforts demonstrating the effectiveness of person-centred therapy. However, little research has investigated whether person-centred therapy is effective in facilitating psychological growth amongst clients experiencing suicidal ideation and serious mental health difficulties. Aim This study aimed to determine whether suicidal clients who received person-centred therapy experienced increased levels of authenticity, well-being and psychological distress. The predictive validity of authenticity and well-being upon psychological distress was also tested. Method The study utilised quantitative, longitudinal methodology. Data were collected from a clinical sample of clients receiving person-centred therapy at a counselling research clinic (N = 56) over the course of 20 sessions. Results There were statistically significant improvements in levels of authenticity, well-being and psychological distress over 20 sessions of therapy; a minimum of 15 sessions were required for significant change to be observed. Authenticity and well-being were negatively associated with psychological distress, whilst authenticity and well-being were positively associated with each other. Early authenticity and well-being predict levels of distress later in therapy. These results provide initial evidence to support Rogers' theory of therapy, which is suitable for clients experiencing both mild and severe distress; the findings refute the view that person-centred therapy is only suitable for the "worried well." Implications There is now preliminary justification for person-centred therapy being suitable for suicidal clients. Person-centred therapists could consider offering suicidal clients at least 15 sessions to achieve meaningful change; ethical considerations pertaining to this are explored.