As a therapist, witnessing clients embark on transformative journeys is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work. Change in therapy is deeply personal and multifaceted, influenced by a client's unique story and their readiness to explore and grow. Drawing from person-centred and psychodynamic modalities, I aim to provide a space where clients feel empowered to connect with their authentic selves while gaining insights into their internal world and relationships.

In this blog, I'll share how these two therapeutic approaches complement each other and create a dynamic process for fostering positive change.

The Person-Centred Approach: A Foundation of Empathy and Acceptance

Person-centred therapy, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasises the innate potential within every individual to move toward growth and healing.

Central to this approach are three core principles:

1. Providing non-judgmental acceptance allows you to feel valued and understood, creating a safe space to explore your vulnerabilities.
2. Deeply understanding and reflecting your experiences fosters trust and will help you feel truly heard.
3. As your therapist, it is my practice to be genuine and transparent, which models authenticity and encourages you to connect with you own truths.

By embracing these principles, you'll feel empowered to explore your feelings, make sense of your experiences, and develop greater self-awareness.

The Psychodynamic Lens: Exploring the Unconscious and Relational Patterns

Psychodynamic therapy, rooted in the work of Freud and expanded by others, delves into the unconscious mind and the ways past experiences shape present behaviours and emotions.

Key elements of this approach include:

• Uncovering Unconscious Conflicts: Exploring unresolved experiences and emotions allows you to gain insight into behaviours that may feel confusing or self-defeating.
• Understanding Relational Patterns: Examining early attachments and dynamics helps you to recognise how these patterns influence your relationships today.
• The Therapeutic Relationship as a Mirror: The therapeutic relationship becomes a space where you can re-experience and rework relational dynamics in real-time.

This process of deep exploration brings unconscious material to light, enabling you to work through it and move toward healthier ways of being.

Integrating the Two Approaches: A Synergy for Change

While person-centred therapy offers a nurturing and supportive environment, psychodynamic therapy provides the tools to explore the deeper layers of the psyche. Together, these approaches create a balance between acceptance and insight, fostering a comprehensive pathway for growth.

For example:

• A client may begin therapy feeling stuck in self-doubt and fear of judgment. Using a person-centred approach, I create a space of unconditional acceptance where they feel safe to share their experiences.
• As trust builds, we might explore the origins of these feelings through a psychodynamic lens, examining early relationships or internalised beliefs that contribute to their current struggles.
• Throughout, I remain attuned to their emotional experience, allowing the interplay of past insights and present feelings to guide our work.

This integration honours both your autonomy and the depth of your inner world. It empowers you not only to understand why you feel the way you do but also to embrace your capacity for growth and self-compassion.

Positive Change in Action

Change in therapy is not linear. It unfolds as a process of discovery, healing, and empowerment. By blending person-centred and psychodynamic principles, I can offer support as you:

• Recognise and challenge limiting beliefs that no longer serve you.
• Develop healthier relationships by understanding your relational patterns and needs.
• Build a stronger sense of self-worth through self-acceptance and empathy.

The beauty of this integrative approach lies in its flexibility--which will enable your weekly therapy sessions to meet you where you are while guiding you toward where you want to go.

Growth and Resilience

Positive therapeutic change is a collaborative process that thrives on trust, compassion, and courage. By combining the warmth and acceptance of the person-centred approach with the depth and insight of psychodynamic therapy, I can help you to navigate your challenges and rediscover your capacity for growth and resilience.

And Finally... As a therapist, I feel privileged to walk alongside my clients on this journey
--witnessing their transformation as they embrace their fullest selves.

Together, we are able to create a space where positive change feels not only possible but inevitable.