"Person-centred therapy is based on a deep respect for the person, and the belief that the relationship between counsellor and client is of primary importance. It is taken as given by person-centred therapists that it is the client who knows best what hurts, that the client has within herself or himself the capacity to begin a healing process and that that process can be helped to unfold within the safe, nonjudgemental, understanding type of relationship that person-centred counsellors are trained to offer." (from Person Centred Therapy Scotland)
The person-centred approach to counselling puts emphasis on the client being at the centre of their process. I believe that the relationship between the counsellor and the client is one of the single most important factors in clients getting the positive outcomes they want from their therapy. I work in an empathic, warm, non-judgemental and genuine way to help build that important foundation of trust between us.
What to Expect
Person-centred counselling is a non-directive form of therapy. I believe that you are the expert on your own life and that exploring your problems with me in a therapeutic relationship based on trust, authenticity and compassion can help you to get to where you need to be at this time. In our work together I try to understand your life and experiences by seeing them through your lens. This involves me listening, asking questions, making connections, offering observations and - sometimes - challenging thoughts or beliefs that may be unhelpful so we can explore alternative ways of thinking.
What Not to Expect
I have a strong belief that that every individual knows what is right for them, but that sometimes everyday life can get in the way of us being able to tap into that. And that, for me, is another foundation of the person-centred approach. I won't tell you what you should do, what you should think, or that what you are saying, thinking or feeling is wrong, I won't give advice, although sometimes we might explore suggestions, options and possibilities.
How Can I Try This?
If it sounds like my style of therapy is something you'd like to try for yourself, please contact me to arrange an initial discussion.