IAPCA - The Irish Association for the Person Centred Approach

Principles, Philosophy and Ethics

The Irish Association for the Person Centred Approach is a non-religious, non-profit making and non-politically aligned association. 

It seeks to be inclusive, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive. 

It recognises the value and the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, cultural, social and financial background.

 Members therefore are expected to hold, display and promote these values and attitudes in their professional undertaking.

 The Association embraces a philosophy grounded in Rogerian principles: 

• Each individual is the expert on his or her self.
• Each individual has the capacity to change.
• Each individual has the capacity to make choices.
• Each individual has the inherent capacity to grow and develop physically and psychologically in a positive, life enhancing direction.
• It is the presence of deep understanding, total acceptance, genuineness in self and others that is critical to the individual achieving their true potential.
• A relinquishing of the expert stance and embracing of equality in personal and professional relationships.
• A genuine commitment to the striving of developing and maintaining of these skills and qualities.