The Person-Centered Approach in Germany: To Cut a Long Story Short / Der Personzentrierte Ansatz in Deutschland—um es kurz zu machen / El enfoque centrado en la persona en Alemania: Resumiendo una larga historia / Une courte histoire de l'approche centrée sur la personne en Allemagne / A Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa na Alemanha: Breve resenha /

Abstract

This article outlines the history and development of client-centered therapy in Germany against the background of the evolving professionalization of psychotherapeutic care. Representatives of the approach had neglected to assert their interests in health policies for years. As a consequence, client-centered therapy (CCT) failed to achieve a secure position within the German medical care system, which de facto led to the exclusion of CCT until now. The resulting practical consequences for client-centered psychotherapists and training activities are exemplified. Finally a critical analysis investigates if traits inherent to the person-centered approach have provoked the described situation. Proposals for the future of CCT in Germany are discussed.