Question 1

What is Person-Centred Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Person-Centred Therapy is a way of working that places you, rather than a diagnosis or problem, at the heart of the therapeutic relationship.

Together, we can make sense of your experiences, feelings and relationships, and perhaps begin to understand yourself in new ways.

Question 2

Will you tell me what I should do?

Accepted Answer

No. Person-Centred Therapy isn’t about me telling you what decisions to make or giving you a list of solutions. Instead, I will listen carefully and without judgement, helping you explore what feels right and meaningful for you. Sometimes, having the space to hear yourself properly can help you find answers that already exist within you.

Question 3

What happens in the optional introductory session?

Accepted Answer

The optional first introductory is an opportunity for us to meet and see how it feels to work together. We can talk about what has brought you to therapy and anything you would like me to know. You don’t need to prepare anything or tell me your whole life story. You can ask me questions too. Finding the right therapist is important, and it is perfectly okay to decide whether I feel like the right person for you.

Question 4

If I go ahead, what happens in the first full session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is a deeper chance for us to begin getting to know each other more and what has brought you to therapy with me. We can take our time and start wherever feels right for you. I’ll explain a little about how I work, the practicalities, how I will manage your information and create a safe space for you and me. You can ask any questions you have.

Question 5

Do I have to know what I want to talk about?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. You might arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about, or you might simply know that something doesn’t feel right today, yesterday or within a certain part of your life. There may be days when you have lots to say and other days when you don’t know where to begin. That’s okay. We can start wherever you are each time.

Question 6

What if I cry?

Accepted Answer

That’s absolutely okay, I have tissues, plenty of tissues. There is no need to apologise for crying in therapy. Sometimes tears are simply part of what happens when we finally have somewhere safe to talk about things that have been difficult. You don’t have to hold yourself together for me. I know when I am moved it feels a release to not try and control the emotional flow. I have tissues, no need to worry.

Question 7

What if I don’t or cannot cry?

Accepted Answer

That’s okay too. Not connecting to emotions can be a learnt behaviour that has kept you safe for a long time. That still helps us to understand and you to work through that as a valid experience too.

Question 8

What if I don’t know what I’m feeling?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes feelings are confusing, overwhelming or difficult to even put into words. We don’t have to rush to find an answer. Language and words are very personal to an individual’s own experience. I can help you find your emotional language, and that may not even be words — it may be a physical sensation or even a numbness. We can sit with it all and gently explore what is there.

Question 9

What if I don’t like something you say or do?

Accepted Answer

I hope you will tell me. This is the congruence that I commit to you, and I offer for you to do the same. The therapeutic relationship is something we create together. Being able to talk openly about difficulties between us can itself become an important part of therapy.

Question 10

Can I stop therapy whenever I want?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Therapy is your choice, and you remain in control of whether you continue. Where possible, I would encourage us to talk about ending therapy together so that we have an opportunity to frame what that looks like and reflect on the work we have done. This allows us to bring things to a meaningful close.

Question 11

Do you give advice?

Accepted Answer

My approach isn’t about giving you instructions or telling you what you should do. I may sometimes ask questions or offer an observation about something I’ve noticed, always from a place of curiosity, never judgment. The intention is to help you explore your own experience rather than direct you towards a particular answer.

Question 12

What if I’ve never had therapy before?

Accepted Answer

That’s not an issue and is actually very common. We all begin somewhere. You don’t need to know how therapy works, what you’re supposed to say, or how you’re supposed to behave. You simply need to come as you are and we can take it from there.

Question 13

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

You don’t have to be certain. Sometimes the first step is simply wondering whether talking to someone might help. We can have an initial conversation, and you can get a sense of what it is like to work with me. There is no pressure to commit to therapy, or to therapy with me, before you feel ready.

Question 14

What if I feel embarrassed about what I’ve done or experienced?

Accepted Answer

You can bring difficult things into therapy. My role isn’t to judge you or decide whether you are a “good” or “bad” person. I will meet you with curiosity, compassion and respect. We will spend a little time in the first session talking about the ethical bounds that I work within and the importance of confidentiality. If I think it will help, I will reinforce that at times over our work together to assure you of its ability to create a safe space for you. You may find that saying something out loud for the first time changes how you feel about carrying it on your own.

Question 15

Do I have to talk about my past?

Accepted Answer

No. We can talk about what feels important to you today. Sometimes understanding our past can help us make sense of the present, but we don’t need to go anywhere you aren’t ready to go.

Question 16

What if therapy makes me feel worse before I feel better?

Accepted Answer

Therapy isn’t always comfortable, and sometimes exploring difficult experiences can bring up strong emotions. I am living proof that talking about the difficult stuff is hard at times, but that you will get to the other side. We will pay attention to how therapy is affecting you and work at a pace that feels manageable. You don’t have to push yourself beyond what feels safe or useful.

Question 17

What happens if we don’t “click”?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between therapist and client matters enormously. If you don’t feel that I’m the right therapist for you, that’s okay. Finding someone you feel comfortable with is important, and I would rather you find the right therapeutic relationship than feel obliged to continue with me.

Further Questions You Might Have

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