A commitment to open-mindedness and humility in respect to theory and practice. The client determines the goals of therapy overall. To be psychologically mature and fully functioning are common goals of therapy. A client can be mature and fully functional if the right conditions are present. Full functioning is characterized by among other things the capacity to prize oneself in spite of the appalling risks involved.
Psychological maturity involves openness, creativity, and responsibility.
A goal of therapy is to provide a climate of safety and trust. In Person Centered therapy the therapist is intensely mindful to respect and protect the autonomy and self-direction of the client. Because the therapists believe that unequal relationships are naturally hurtful or harmful they strive to share authority as much as possible. The way the client uses the relationship is also up to the client. The therapist does not use techniques.