One of the principles I try to bring into my work as a therapist is congruence. I prefer to think of it simply as being authentic.
Because I am a real person.
I have reactions. I smile, I laugh, I sometimes get emotional. I’m interested in what you’re telling me, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.
For me, being a therapist doesn’t mean leaving my personality at the door.
What does authenticity mean in therapy?
In person-centred therapy, the idea of congruence refers to the therapist being genuine and authentic rather than presenting a professional façade.
It’s something that resonates with me because I don’t believe therapy needs to feel like a performance.
I don’t believe a therapist has to sit with a completely blank face, robotically nodding at everything a client says.
Of course, therapy is not about making the session about me. You are the person bringing your experiences, emotions and difficulties into the room, and my role is to support you with those.
But I also think there is something important about genuine human connection.
When you are talking about something painful, frightening or deeply personal, I want you to know that there is a real person listening to you — not someone simply following a script or delivering rehearsed empathy.
Therapy is a human relationship
I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is an important part of the therapeutic process.
That doesn’t mean that we have the same role. I am there to provide a professional, confidential and supportive space, while you bring your own experiences, values and understanding of yourself.
But within that professional relationship, I want you to be able to feel seen, heard and respected as a person.
That might mean celebrating something that has gone well for you.
It might mean sitting quietly with you when something feels incredibly difficult.
It might mean gently challenging something when I think that could be useful.
And sometimes, it might mean laughing together.
Because life isn’t always serious. Even when we are struggling, there can still be moments of humour, warmth and connection.
I don’t think those things make therapy less professional. For me, they are part of being human.
What can you expect from working with me?
I work as an integrative counsellor, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on what you bring to therapy and what feels appropriate for you.
Alongside talking therapy, my background in body-based practices also influences the way I work. I have spent many years working with people through different aspects of health and wellbeing, including as a chiropractor and yoga teacher, and this has shaped my understanding of the connection between our emotional experiences and our bodies.
But perhaps just as important as the particular therapeutic approaches I use is how I show up in the room.
If you work with me, you can expect:
- Honesty and integrity
- Respect for your individual experience
- A therapist who can genuinely celebrate your successes with you and sit alongside you when things feel painful
- A direct but kind perspective when I think it might be helpful
- Space to explore difficult things without judgement
- And, sometimes, humour and laughter
I won’t always tell you what you want to hear. But I will always aim to be thoughtful about what I say, and to keep your experience at the centre of our work.
Finding the right therapist matters
I don’t believe that there is one therapist who is right for everyone.
You might read about my approach and think, yes, that sounds exactly like what I’m looking for.
Or you might think, actually, I’d prefer someone with a very different style.
And that’s okay.
Finding the right therapist is not just about qualifications or the type of therapy they offer. The relationship and the way you feel with that person matter too.
If you are looking for counselling in Norwich, whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, relationships, burnout or simply feel that something in your life isn’t quite right, it is worth taking some time to find a therapist whose way of working feels comfortable for you.
For me, the way I am is the way I work.
And I think therapy works best when there is room for both professional expertise and genuine human connection.
If this approach speaks to you and you would like to explore working together, get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
