This document explores the concept of congruence (genuineness) in counselling its importance in the therapeutic relationship, and practical ways counsellors can develop this essential core condition.
This document examines congruence, also known as genuineness, as one of the core conditions in person-centred counselling. It covers the definition, historical origins, the difference between incongruence in clients and congruence in counsellors, and provides practical guidance for developing this essential therapeutic attitude.
Congruence, also referred to as genuineness, represents an essential attitude that counsellors must develop and demonstrate throughout the therapeutic relationship. Feltham and Dryden (1993) define congruence as genuineness, honesty exhibited by the counsellor as an essential part of her person and her work; likewise, the genuineness of the client.
This core condition is perhaps the most important basic skill for counsellors because clients possess an intuitive ability to detect whether the counsellor is authentic or merely ‘going through the motions.’ When genuineness is absent, the therapeutic relationship suffers, and progress becomes unlikely.
The concept of congruence emerged in the mid-1950s when psychiatrist Carl Whitaker and colleagues, working in Atlanta, USA, developed the therapeutic attitude of genuineness or wholeness. Carl Rogers later integrated this concept into person-centred therapy through his seminal 1957 article in the Journal of Consulting Psychology, where he outlined the six necessary and sufficient conditions for therapeutic personality change.
Rogers’ approach represented a significant departure from the prevailing psychoanalytical method of the 1940s, which positioned the therapist as a blank canvas. Instead, Rogers emphasized that therapists should be congruent and integrated within the therapeutic relationship.
When congruence is lacking, clients may perceive the counsellor as inauthentic, leading to a breakdown in trust. Without trust, clients are unlikely to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This breakdown hinders the therapeutic process and prevents meaningful progress.
Rogers recognized that clients are more likely to disclose what troubles them when they perceive the counsellor as real and genuine. This perception of trustworthiness establishes and deepens the therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space for exploration and growth.
When counsellors demonstrate congruence, they model this genuineness for clients. This modelling serves as a powerful therapeutic tool, supporting clients in developing their own congruence. The counsellor’s authenticity becomes a living example that clients can observe and potentially emulate in their own lives.
Incongruence refers to the discrepancy between actual experience and the self-picture an individual holds regarding that experience. Tudor and Merry (2006) explain that incongruence develops and persists through selective perception of experience based on conditions of worth.
According to Tudor and Merry (2006), incongruence manifests through three process elements:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| General Vulnerability | A broad and pervasive sense of being at risk or exposed |
| Dimly Perceived Tension | An underlying anxiety that may not be fully conscious |
| Sharp Awareness | Clear recognition of the discrepancy between experience and self-concept |
Understanding these elements helps counsellors recognize incongruence in clients and work appropriately within the therapeutic relationship.
Genuineness stems from a sincere desire to help clients find solutions to their problems. It is not driven by the counsellor’s need to be liked or perceived as competent. Congruence is strongly linked to unconditional positive regard and requires counsellors to be authentic rather than adopting a facade.
Important
Suspending judgement increases both genuineness and unconditional positive regard, creating a stronger therapeutic foundation.
Feltham and Dryden (1993) emphasize that congruence has long been regarded as an essential quality in counsellors, as clients are sensitive to insincere or role-bound behavior. Clients are unlikely to benefit from counsellors who model a false self or defensive style.
Authenticity forms the foundation of congruence. Counsellors should avoid hiding behind professional facades or academic language. Counselling is fundamentally a person-to-person relationship, and when clients experience the counsellor as a real person, trust naturally develops.
Hiding behind theory or becoming defensive when clients ask questions is sometimes referred to as ‘defensive psychotherapy.’ This defensive stance can cause clients to become anxious or disengage from the therapeutic relationship.
As human beings, counsellors inevitably make mistakes. These mistakes represent valuable learning opportunities for personal and professional development. The first step in addressing errors is acknowledging them, admitting them, and when appropriate, apologizing.
Covering up mistakes or hoping they will disappear can lead to greater difficulties. Offering a timely apology may strengthen the therapeutic relationship and prevent formal complaints.
Note
The BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018) emphasizes candour by requiring counsellors to be open and honest about anything going wrong and to promptly inform clients of anything that places them at risk of harm or has caused harm.
When clients ask questions that cannot be answered, saying ‘I don’t know’ is preferable to pretending to know or fabricating information. As Socrates remarked, the wisest person is the one who says ‘I don’t know.’ This honest acknowledgment of limitations demonstrates congruence and builds trust.
Counsellors should believe in their own adequacy and allow clients to see their authentic selves. This confidence in being ‘good enough’ supports genuine therapeutic engagement.
During a counselling session, Andy made some remarks that were extremely homophobic. Ray, the counsellor, felt angry and said that he found the remarks unpleasant and discriminatory. Was Ray being genuine/congruent or not?
Think about how you would react if you were in a similar situation. Would this be the right way?
If I were in a similar situation, I would also feel uneasy hearing homophobic remarks. However, rather than correcting the client or telling them how to speak, I would try to stay calm and explore what is being said and why, what lies underneath the emotions the client is expressing. At the same time, I would hold my own boundary by gently expressing my concerns that discriminatory language is not acceptable in the counselling space.
If you were Ray, would you lean towards using a person-centred or psychodynamic approach to address Andy’s homophobic feelings? If you think neither would be suitable, look into other approaches that you think could work.
If I were Ray, I would not rely fully on either a person‑centred or psychodynamic approach. The person‑centred approach supports acceptance and empathy, but it may not directly challenge harmful beliefs. The psychodynamic approach could explore deeper emotional roots, but it may be too long‑term for this issue. A more suitable approach might be CBT, as it allows the counsellor to gently challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and help the client examine the beliefs behind their homophobic remarks. This would keep the relationship safe while still addressing the discriminatory attitudes in a structured and ethical way.
Important
Ray was being genuine and congruent. If he hadn’t voiced his feelings about the remarks, they could have seriously affected the relationship with Andy, because Andy would have sensed Ray’s change of feelings and attitude but not known why. Andy would have begun to question Ray’s sincerity.
Congruence stands as one of the most critical core conditions in person-centred counselling. It represents an attitude of genuineness and authenticity that counsellors must cultivate and demonstrate throughout the therapeutic relationship. When counsellors are congruent, they establish trust, model healthy behavior, and create the conditions necessary for meaningful therapeutic change. By being authentic, owning mistakes, acknowledging limitations, and avoiding defensive practices, counsellors can develop and maintain the genuineness that enables clients to explore their concerns and progress toward their goals.
When congruence is lacking, several negative outcomes occur:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| A. General Vulnerability | 1. Clear recognition of the discrepancy between experience and self-concept |
| B. Dimly Perceived Tension | 2. An underlying anxiety that may not be fully conscious |
| C. Sharp Awareness | 3. A broad and pervasive sense of being at risk or exposed |
A-3, B-2, C-1.
(3) Congruence is strongly linked to unconditional positive regard and requires counsellors to be authentic rather than adopting a facade. Genuineness stems from a sincere desire to help clients find solutions to their problems, not from the counsellor’s need to be liked or perceived as competent.
Suspending judgement increases both genuineness and unconditional positive regard, creating a stronger therapeutic foundation.
True. Suspending judgement is a key practice that enhances both congruence and unconditional positive regard, allowing counsellors to be more authentic and accepting in their therapeutic relationships.
When counsellors make mistakes, they should:
Covering up mistakes or hoping they will disappear can lead to greater difficulties, while offering a timely apology may strengthen the therapeutic relationship and prevent formal complaints.
(3) Always providing definitive answers even when uncertain contradicts congruence. Counsellors should acknowledge limitations and say ‘I don’t know’ when appropriate, rather than pretending to know or fabricating information.
When counsellors demonstrate congruence, they:
Clients are sensitive to insincere or role-bound behavior and are unlikely to benefit from counsellors who model a false self or defensive style.
True. Feltham and Dryden (1993) emphasize that congruence has long been regarded as an essential quality in counsellors precisely because clients can detect insincerity and role-bound behavior, and such behavior undermines the therapeutic process.
(3) Rogers recognized that clients are more likely to disclose what troubles them when they perceive the counsellor as real and genuine. This perception of trustworthiness establishes and deepens the therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space for exploration and growth.
| Practical Tip | Underlying Principle |
|---|---|
| A. Be authentic | 1. Honesty about knowledge gaps builds trust |
| B. Own mistakes | 2. Self-acceptance enables genuine engagement |
| C. Acknowledge limitations | 3. Person-to-person connection requires realness |
| D. Trust in self-worth | 4. Transparency strengthens the therapeutic relationship |
A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Congruence. Counselling Tutor. https://counsellingtutor.com/counselling-approaches/person-centred-approach-to-counselling/congruence-in-counselling/
BACP (2018). Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Available from: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/3103/bacp-ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018.pdf
Feltham, C. and Dryden, W. (1993). Dictionary of Counselling. London: Whurr.
Rogers, C. (1957). The Necessary and Sufficient Conditions of Therapeutic Personality Change. Journal of Consulting Psychology. 21, 95-103.
Tudor, K. and Merry, T. (2006). Dictionary of Person-Centred Psychology. Ross-on-Wye: PCCS Books.