My Approach
I work from a humanistic perspective. I place importance on the therapeutic relationship and view this as the foundation in order to create a safe and confidential space where you can talk without fear of being judged.
Psychotherapy is a two-person project. It relies not only on my skills and knowledge but also on your willingness to participate in the therapy. A therapy session involves a give and takes between you and the therapist. It involves hard work, yes – but the benefits for you are enormous.
Your emotional difficulties do not have to be a long-term problem. With the help of a psychotherapist, you can move past your personal issues and build the strength to take them on again, should they return. When you find the right psychotherapist, you will know. You want a therapist who is able to connect with you, who listens and understands you.
Person-centred Psychotherapy
What is person-centred psychotherapy?
Person-centred therapy is a humanistic approach created in the 1950s by psychologist Carl Rogers. The person-centred approach ultimately sees human beings as having an innate tendency to develop towards their full potential. However, this ability can become blocked or distorted by certain life experiences, particularly those the experiences which affect our sense of value. The approach can help the client to reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth, thus enabling them to find their own way to move forward and progress. The person-centred approach recognises that a person’s social environment and personal relationships can greatly impact them, so therapy is offered in a neutral and comfortable setting, where a client can feel at ease, authentic and open to learning about themselves.
What is the purpose of person-centred psychotherapy?
The core purpose of person-centred therapy is to facilitate our ability to self-actualise – the belief that all of us will grow and fulfil our potential. This approach facilitates the personal growth and relationships of each person by allowing them to explore and utilise their own strengths and personal identity. As a Psychotherapist, I aid this process, providing vital support to each client as they make their way through this journey.
As a Psychotherapist, I am not the expert; rather I see you as an expert on yourself and I will encourage you to explore and understand yourself and your troubles.
In our work together I will provide an environment where you will feel both physically and emotionally free from threat. There are three conditions believed to help achieve this environment, particularly in the therapy room.
- Congruence – I will be completely genuine, self- aware and congruent in the work we do together. This does not imply that I am totally perfect, but that I will be true to myself within the therapeutic relationship.
- Empathy – As your therapist, I strive to understand and appreciate your experience. I will demonstrate empathic understanding and recognize emotional experiences without getting emotionally involved.
- Unconditional positive regard – Your experiences, positive or negative, will be accepted by me without any conditions or judgment. In this way, you can share experiences without fear of being judged.
What are the benefits of person-centred therapy?
Generally, person-centred counselling can help individuals of all ages, with a range of personal issues. Many people find it an appealing type of therapy because it allows them to keep control over the content and pace of sessions, and there is no worry that they are being evaluated or assessed in any way. The non-direct style of person-centred counselling is thought to be more beneficial to those who have a strong urge to explore themselves and their feelings, and for those who want to address specific psychological habits or patterns of thinking.
The approach is said to be particularly effective in helping individuals to overcome specific problems such as depression, anxiety, stress and grief, or other mental health concerns. These issues can have significant impact on self-esteem, self-reliance and self-awareness, and person-centred therapy can help people to reconnect with their inner self in order to transcend any limitations.
