For this method to work, there needs to be a safe environment set, because the client, not the counsellor, leads it. Emotional and physical threat needs to be removed for raw openness, comfort and personal growth.

Therefore, there are key concepts and principles which encourage conditions believed to help achieve this environment, particularly in the therapy room.

These three key concepts in person-centred counselling are:

1. Empathic understanding: the counsellor trying to understand the client’s point of view
2. Congruence: the counsellor being a genuine person
3. Unconditional positive regard: the counsellor being non-judgemental