A Collaborative Journey
The Client’s Role in Therapy
In person-centred therapy, you are the expert on your own life. This therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that, given the right conditions, every person has the capacity to grow, heal and make meaningful change. The therapist’s role is not to advise or to ‘fix’, but to offer a safe, accepting and empathic space in which you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace. Your therapist will guide and support you, but ultimately, you're the one doing the work. Therapy isn't something that's "done to you" — it's something you do, with your therapist walking beside you. The more you engage, the more progress you’re likely to see.
The following are important ways you can engage with the process that will help you get the most out of sessions and be an active participant in your own therapeutic journey.
Be Yourself There is no “best” way to present in therapy. You’re welcome to bring your own thoughts, confusion, silence, laughter or tears – everything is valid. The key here is to be yourself whatever that looks like: bringing openness and honesty is vital for therapy to assist you in your journey.
Share What Feels Important You set the pace and direction of the sessions. Trusting yourself to talk about what matters to you—even if it seems small or uncertain—is part of honouring your own process. Therapy is your space, and nothing is too trivial to bring into it.
Be Open to Self-Exploration Growth often begins with curiosity. Of course, you don’t need to have all the answers. A willingness to look inward and work on challenging internalised beliefs, patterns of negative thinking and self-reflection can open powerful pathways to insight and healing.
Be Patient Person-centred therapy is not about quick fixes. Some weeks you might feel breakthroughs; other weeks may feel quieter. Both are valuable. Change often happens in subtle ways before it’s felt outwardly.
Commit to the Process Attending sessions consistently helps build momentum. Even when progress feels slow or sessions feel emotionally heavy, showing up matters.
Bring your own Priorities You decide what to explore and when. Person-centred therapy is non-directive and the therapist does not set the content of the session. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you're ready. Your autonomy is deeply respected. If you ever need to pause, redirect, or express discomfort, that is always welcome.
Reflect Between Sessions Sometimes, the real work continues outside the therapy room. You might notice patterns, feelings, or shifts in awareness in your everyday life. Paying attention to these moments can help deepen your understanding of yourself and enhance the work done together in therapy sessions.
Be Kind to Yourself Along the Way The journey inward can stir up complex emotions. Self-compassion is a vital part of this process. Remind yourself: you are doing brave work simply by showing up and being willing to look within.
Person-centred therapy is a collaborative and respectful partnership. You bring the content and the direction—your real, lived experience. The therapist brings presence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Together, the therapeutic space creates the conditions for you to grow in your own unique way.
If you’re curious about starting or continuing your therapeutic journey, Unicorn Care is here to walk alongside you.