PERSON-CENTERED PSYCHOLOGICAL LISTENING: DEMOCRATIZING PUBLIC ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGY IN THE MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS OF SUMÉ – PB

Abstract

Access to psychological services in Brazil reveals significant inequalities, favoring more privileged populations and limiting care for vulnerable groups. In schools, psychologists contribute to well-being, learning, and socialization through listening, counseling, and psychoeducation. The project in question was based on Psychological On-Call Support and Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach (PCA), emphasizing empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. This approach enables the welcoming of immediate distress and supports students, teachers, and families in situations of crisis or adaptation difficulties. Developed as a university extension project at UNICIR, it involved students trained to provide individual sessions and collective activities such as discussion circles, lectures, and group dynamics—always under supervision and guided by ethical principles. The actions strengthened bonds within the school community, promoted mental health, reduced suffering and isolation behaviors, and provided the participants with practical experience and the development of professional and ethical competencies. Thus, the project demonstrated that psychological listening integrated with psychoeducation democratizes access to Psychology and contributes to the holistic development of the school community.