In our previous blog post, we explored the key factors that contribute significantly to successful therapeutic outcomes.
This post, our first collaborative work, reviewed by Counsellor Rohan Kenworthy, is on how person-centred psychotherapists can draw from their own experiences and emotions to establish a more effective therapeutic relationship.
Therapy, especially when following a person-centred approach, emphasises genuine connection, empathy, and understanding in the therapeutic relationship. While some argue that all therapy needs to be client-centred, would you as a client prefer if a therapist delves in to their own experiences and emotions, or would you even know how to decide? For therapists, authenticity in therapy means being genuine and true to oneself, rather than 'putting on an act' in trying to fit into a preconceived notion of what a therapist 'should' be. It is argued that authenticity allows therapists to relate to their clients in a more honest and meaningful way, fostering deeper connections and more effective therapeutic outcomes. As a client, would you expect your therapist to be transparent about their own personal life?
Some therapists may adopt a professional distance and focus on specific therapeutic techniques and interventions. This can involve following established protocols, and maintaining clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives. Here there is a similarity between therapists and 'traditional actors' who adopt a more standardised approach rather than engage more deeply with their own emotions. In contrast to method acting - a technique where actors draw upon their own lived experiences to bring authenticity and depth to their characters, the traditional acting approach involves performing a role (without necessarily drawing upon personal experiences or emotions). This would be similar to therapists who 'stick to the script', which some clients may prefer, especially for short term therapy.
Method acting (developed primarily by Konstantin Stanislavski and later popularized by practitioners like Lee Strasberg), is an approach to acting that is known to emphasize authenticity and emotional truth. Method actors immerse themselves fully into their characters, often drawing upon their own memories and emotions. Method actors believe that by accessing their own deepest feelings and experiences, they provide a performance that resonates more profoundly with audiences. Just as method actors draw upon their personal experiences, therapists following a person-centred approach can access their own deepest feelings and emotions which are grounded in real-life understanding, to connect with their clients. If you see your therapist as a human, 'fellow traveller', it can create a more equal therapeutic relationship, with more likelihood that you would feel understood and less judged. This connection can foster a sense of trust and safety, essential components of the therapeutic relationship.
Even if you would prefer a therapist who draws insights and perspectives from their own experience, it does not mean that your therapist can be lavish in their personal disclosure. The therapist should draw upon their own experiences only to empathize with and support you. It's your therapy, not theirs!
The challenge for therapists, much like for method actors, is to balance professionalism with authenticity. While it is crucial for therapists to maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients, it could be equally important to you that your therapy experience is with someone genuine and relatable. Some clients may be expect a more structured and less emotionally involved approach, providing a sense of consistency. However, for others, if an emotional connection is absent, it may hinder the development of an effective therapeutic relationship. Would you like your therapist to be more like a method actor or a traditional actor?
About our Reviewer, Rohan Kenworthy
Rohan is a qualified Counsellor with a postgraduate diploma in both Psychosynthesis Psychology and Counselling from The Institute of Psychosynthesis in affiliation with Middlesex University. Rohan offers online and in-person counselling for individuals from his private practice in North London. He is both BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and NCPS (National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) registered and accredited, fully insured and his work is governed by their code of ethics and standards of practice.
Rohan’s journey into Psychotherapy and Counselling was inspired by his background in the performing arts, which led him to various teaching and pastoral roles in the field of Education. After personally experiencing the transformative power of counselling in his twenties, he felt a deep calling to pursue training in this field.
Rohan’s website: www.rk-therapy.co.uk
A Few Questions for Our Reviewer
How did you decide to train as a Psychotherapist?
I decided to embark upon a training after having therapy and finding it to be a life-changing experience.
What do you do for leisure?
For leisure, in different ways, dancing, pubs and socializing, reading, cafes, writing, meditation and techno music all play a prominent part.
What is the most important book you read until now? What made it important?
Very hard to answer! Urgh... How about The Little Prince?... It is just profoundly beautiful, charming, sad, innocent, pure and transcendent.
Do you believe in fate?
I believe in there being entirely deeper underlying patterns and a linking to people and events on a soul level - so the answer is yes!
A proverb / quote that you find meaningful -
Life is change (from Buddhism)... connection to one (personal statement that represents spiritual awakening to me)...