If you are new to counselling and particularly to the person centred model you may want to know more about how it works and why it is so beneficial in improving our mental and emotional health.
Given the vast number of different theoretical schools and the seemingly infinite number of books and articles on counselling and psychotherapy, you might be surprised to learn that the simplest elements of what are known as ‘talking therapies’ are actually the most effective.
In contrast to other personal relationships, person-centred counselling means working together with with a qualified professional who, by their very nature, has no other agenda in your life aside from the agreement to work with you toward your developmental goal. By actively listening and reflecting with empathy, honesty and without judgement the counsellor will join with you on a journey toward coming to know and positively accept who you truly are.
The basic understanding of all counselling is that you, as the client, have a desire to feel more confident and at ease or perhaps to think more clearly. While we may feel anxious or become angry in specific social, family or work relationships, we almost always find that these uncomfortable or distressing thoughts and feelings are alleviated when we develop a more accepting relationship with ourselves.
An important framework in integral person centred therapy is what is known as the ‘triangle of insight’. The concept of this being that coming to understand and accept ourselves often involves looking at our relationships with significant people in our lives. By looking at how we feel/ have felt about relationships in our past, in our present outside of the therapy room and indeed between ourselves and counsellor.
In short, the unique experience of being truly heard and understood and of being given a safe space to honestly explore who we are and who we want to be can open a us to a new life free from anxiety and self-doubt.
Please get in touch by email text or call if you would like to book a consultation.
