Nosotros

About

18th International Forum

PCA 2026 Madrid, Spain

September 24–29

We would like to invite you to the upcoming PCA 2026 International Forum in Madrid, Spain (September 24–29, 2026), so we can come together to experience and celebrate one of the most powerful spaces for human and professional exchange.

This Forum offers an open space for all those who feel drawn to the ideas of Carl Rogers and Humanistic Psychology in general.

Our proposal is to co-create a program of lectures, workshops, round tables, individual talks, and symposia where presenters can share their research, professional practice, or simply offer proposals that provide a unique embodied or experiential learning opportunity.

In addition to the various presentation formats, the Forum will also offer a daily large group session for all participants—an opportunity to experience the group processes inspired by Carl Rogers himself, in which he also took part.

We are deeply aware that we live in a turbulent world, facing many challenges and changes that threaten the future of humanity. That is why we have chosen the theme of this Forum: “For More Peace in the World.”

We want to support students, young people interested in helping relationships, invite professionals from diverse fields, future researchers, and include individuals from every corner of the globe.

The call for abstracts for all conference formats is now open.

See you in Madrid!

Carl Rogers attended a meeting in 1982 at the very venue hosting this Forum, the Casa San José del Escorial.

Thus, the workshop in El Escorial, near Madrid, brought together 170 people from 22 different nationalities over ten days—Marxists and capitalists, priests and atheists, young and old. Although national and ethnic tensions, and above all hostility toward “American imperialism,” were palpable, over time, under the influence of a facilitative climate, participants began to truly listen to one another and then, little by little, to understand and respect one another. Gradually, the group transformed— in every sense of the word—into a harmonious community. This does not mean, by any means, that all viewpoints merged, but rather that each person, in their individuality and difference, in the diversity of their opinions and convictions, was understood, appreciated, and respected, and strengthened in their ability to take personal risks and engage in constructive social practices.

—Carl Rogers (1982), A Psychologist Looks at Nuclear War: Its Threat, Its Possible Prevention, Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 9–20.

Nuestra Visión en la Organización

These conditions shape our vision and drive the identity and quality of the organization of this 18th Forum that we are offering.

Horizontal and non-directive structure

There are no pre-assigned facilitators. The organizers participate on equal footing with the rest of the attendees, which encourages the group’s spontaneity and creativity.

Human encounter and unfolding

The focus is on person-to-person encounter, allowing participants to build new relationships, deepen their connection with themselves, and experience the unfolding of a human community in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.

Co-creation and shared responsibility

The forum program is built through the presentations, workshops, or talks offered by the participants themselves, which emerge from their practice and reflection on the PCE approach, valuing personal experience as a source of learning.

Large group or community gathering

There is usually at least one daily gathering of the entire community to share practical matters, communicate experiences, propose activities, express emotions and feelings, or simply be together in silence.