The Power of Presence

Absolutely, finding a therapist who embodies therapeutic presence can make a profound difference in the therapeutic process. Therapeutic presence is indeed a fundamental aspect of effective counselling. It's about more than just being physically present; it involves being fully engaged and attuned to the client's emotional and psychological state.

Being seen and heard at the deepest level is a powerful experience. It's about feeling understood and accepted for who you truly are, without judgment or reservation. Therapeutic presence creates a safe space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of rejection or invalidation.

The reciprocal relationship you mentioned is crucial. As the therapist extends themselves to the client with genuine presence, it encourages the client to open up and engage more fully in the therapeutic process. This mutual presence strengthens the therapeutic alliance and facilitates deeper exploration and healing.

For many, the experience of therapeutic presence can be transformative. It allows them to tap into their inner resources, gain new insights, and develop healthier ways of coping with life's challenges. It's about creating a therapeutic environment where growth and healing can flourish.

In essence, therapeutic presence is the foundation upon which effective counselling is built. It's about creating a space where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood, enabling them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

So How Does a Therapist Do This?

According to Shari Geller, “Therapeutic presence involves being fully in the moment with a client on a multitude of levels, physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. A therapist's presence provides an invitation to the client to feel met, understood, and safe which allows movement towards natural wholeness.

A therapist's experience of therapeutic presence involves being (a) grounded in a healthy sense of self, while (b) being receptive and immersed with what is poignant in the moment and (c) with a larger sense of spaciousness and expansion of awareness and perception. This grounded, immersed and expanded awareness occurs with (d) the intention of being with and for another, in service of the client’s healing process.”

PRESENCE

This acronym is courtesy of Geller and Greenberg (2012):

Pause (put aside what you are doing to just rest in this moment) 

Relax into this moment (soften your facial and body muscles) 

Enhance awareness of your breath (take 3 deep inhalations and exhalations) 

Sense your inner body (bring awareness to what you are feeling in your physical and emotional body)

Expand sensory awareness outwards (seeing, listening, touching, sensing what is around you) 

Notice what is true in this moment (both within you and around you, without judgment)

Centre and ground (feel your feet on the ground and the centre of your body) 

Extend and make contact (open your eyes and ready yourself to approach the next moment or open the door for your client, while staying connected to your self and your breath)