On Becoming A Person: A Therapist's View on Psychotherapy, Humanistic Psychology, and the Path to Personal Growth

Excellent and ground breaking book in the field. HIghly recommended

Highly recommend, especially for therapists or aspiring therapists. Apparently, it was very popular when it was written, selling a million copies in the 60s when books didn't do that. So others may like it too. Carl Rogers' writing often makes me smile. I've heard things here that I didn't hear in my BA or in my theories class in my masters. One of my favorite essays in the bunch was about the process of change for the client in person centered therapy. I also learned the phrase 'non-possessive caring' which seems like an important concept that I haven't heard of elsewhere. In addition to explaining his ideas more, he also talks about the research on the theory. It's a feel-good technical read.

I've been a fan of Carl Rogers for a long time. By fan, I mean I watched a ton of YouTube videos and read a few articles here and there. I finally got myself to buy a few books. I think I've read 3 or more at this point. This includes some of A Way of Being and one or two short ones on active listening. This book is the one to buy! I brought my understand of Carl Rogers's work to another level. It was also a pleasure to read. Only one or two chapters lost my interest, but this is only because all the chapters are more or less academic papers he published (or didn't publish) and you're bound to eventually have a boring one with the way academia is. A Way of Being is a close second, but this one felt way more organized and easier to understand than Way of Being. You really feel like you're being invited to his world and are being guided by Carl Rogers himself with On Becoming A Person. It was a true pleasure reading this.

This book is a standout in its field — deeply thoughtful, humanistic, and full of valuable insights for understanding therapy and personal growth. For anyone interested in psychology, helping professions, or self-exploration, it’s definitely worth picking up. 🔹 Rich, Inspiring Content Carl Rogers shares powerful ideas about the importance of authenticity, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship. The stories and reflections from his practice feel genuine and help bring theory into life. Reading it reminded me of why people seek therapy in the first place—not just to fix problems but to become more fully themselves. 🔹 Thought-Provoking and Lasting Some of the concepts changed how I think about my own growth and relationships. The ideas around “unconditional positive regard” and personal acceptance stay with you. It’s far more than a clinical manual—it invites introspection. 🔹 Where It Gets Challenging Because the book was originally published decades ago, some of the language and examples feel dated. It’s not always an easy read—it’s dense in places, with longer passages and fewer quick takeaways. If you’re looking for a light, modern self-help format, this might feel heavy. 🔹 Great for Deep Study, Less for Casual Browsing If you want to dip in occasionally, you’ll get value. But to really absorb the material, you need time, focus, and maybe a notebook to jot down reflections. It’s less “flip-through” and more “invest time”. ✅ Pros: Deep, meaningful insights into therapy and transformation Authentic, human-centered approach that resonates Inspires self-reflection and lasting change ❌ Cons: Dense writing and older examples Not always easy for casual readers or light use Overall: A strong 4-star book—powerful, impactful, and deeply meaningful if you commit to it. It may require effort, but the payoff is genuine growth and insight.

A classic in the school of humanistic psychology, Rogers discusses the method and results of his client-centered approach to psychotherapy. The title might lead one to believe that this is a self-help book, but don't let that fool you. This is a collection of rigorous essays -- mostly previously published papers -- that are largely scientific in nature.

I have loved reading this book and gaining a new perspective. I learned so much and challenged some of my own bias. It is a really good book to understand the mindset of Carl Rogers

Carl rogers ideas are so fundamental that its patterns he has illuminated permeates every single facet of human life. I am eternally grateful. I know this is a book I will come back to read multiple times.

This book changed the way I think about life, living it, and other people. I've heard people describe Rogers' philosophy like this: people are like flowers, and given the right environment, sunlight, water and nutrition, they will thrive. This book is a combination of many of his essays and/or speeches, organized into sections that all relate to how his central humanist philosophy plays out in the way we live, and the way we deal with other people. I've spent years applying these ideas to the way I think and live, and I could not possibly endorse this book more strongly.

In principal i agree with Carl Rogers about his Therapy practice and analogy drown about finding a personal self. But i think this is more like a Modern Wold (European) problem more than a general Human issue. I know Carl represent European culture and may be writing this book he have more European world in his mind. If we look more in indigenous civilizations or cultures, this is known from quite some time that Human are in principle good in nature. It is some time the environment which leads to some behavior which looks negative.

livro fundamental para todo mundo que estuda saúde mental ou para a vida num geral mesmo

Brilliant man, great writer. His ideas are explained simply and so far he has not posed to be all knowing but states his limits and opinions clearly and persuasively

Buon libro per chi lavora in psichiatria e psicologia. Una lettura interessante.

Brilliant book. One of my all time great books. Read it slowly. Savor it. Imbibe it. And be what the book says.