What Does Phenomenological Counselling Look Like?

As a phenomenological counsellor, my approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that each person’s experiences are unique and invaluable. From the moment a client walks into my office, my primary goal is to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and understood. Trust is the cornerstone of our journey together.

I start our sessions with active listening, a skill I’ve honed over years of practice. I listen attentively, not just to the words spoken but to the subtle cues in tone, pace, and body language. My aim is to grasp not only what my client is saying but how they’re experiencing their thoughts and emotions.

Utilising open-ended questions encourages one to engage in self-reflection. I use them to invite clients to dive deeper into their thoughts and feelings to explore the intricacies of their experiences. Questions like ‘What does that experience mean to you?’ and ‘How do you feel about it?’ gently guide our conversations.

A fundamental aspect of my work is to suspend any assumptions or preconceived judgments I might have. It’s not about me interpreting their experiences; it’s about them exploring and understanding their own world. I embrace empathy and validation to make sure my clients feel heard and respected.

Phenomenological reduction is a concept I often introduce. It’s a process where we, together, set aside presuppositions and look at their experiences as they truly are, without filters. We navigate ‘epoché,’ the suspension of judgment, to help them observe their experiences from a fresh and unbiased perspective.

As we progress, I offer reflective feedback to help clarify and summarise their thoughts and feelings. It’s a tool for insight, a way to help them see connections they might have missed on their own.

Our sessions aren’t just about talking; they’re about uncovering meaning and insight within their experiences. We explore emotions, beliefs, and values and how these elements influence their understanding of their situation. The goal is a holistic understanding of their experiences, considering all aspects of their life that may be relevant. Through this process, we work together to foster self-awareness and personal growth. My role is to support them in making choices aligned with their authentic selves. I encourage them to find their own answers and their own unique paths.

While phenomenological counselling is at the core of my practice, I also acknowledge that sometimes, different perspectives are needed. In those cases, I may integrate elements from other therapeutic approaches, such as Gestalt Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family System (IFS), and Existential Therapy to ensure my clients receive the comprehensive and individualised support they require.

laso: The Greek Goddess of Healing

The captivating portrayal of Iaso, the revered goddess of remedy and healing modalities, showcased prominently on the main page, is a masterpiece by Nadia Batool. She is an Australian/Pakistani talented artist who finds inspiration in her own life experiences and distinctive interactions with the intricacies of the human condition, translating them into thought-provoking conceptual art. She shared with us valuable insights concerning this piece of art:

“This painting portrays a serene and compassionate goddess of healing, holding a person in a state of trauma within a protective hair nest. The goddess exudes a sense of calm and nurturing care. Her eyes are gently closed, conveying a deep focus on the healing process. She dons a radiant crown that resembles a blooming flower, symbolising life and

rejuvenation. The crown’s golden spikes may represent rays of hope and healing energy emanating from her. Her attire is classical, reminiscent of ancient healer deities, with a purple cloth that suggests nobility and spiritual depth. Ornate golden bracelets adorn her wrists, adding to her divine status.

The person she cradles is encapsulated in a hair nest, which suggests safety and recovery. The nest may be symbolic of the careful and structured support the goddess provides. The individual is shown in a tranquil fetal position, highlighting vulnerability and the need for care. The background is subtle, with smoke or spirit-like forms that could represent the intangible power of healing or the presence of a divine force. The overall composition evokes a profound sense of peace, protection, and the hope for healing.”

How Does Phenomenological Counselling/Psychotherapy Help?

Phenomenological counselling is a therapeutic approach that focuses on an individual’s subjective experience of the world, particularly their perception, thoughts, emotions, and actions. It aims to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their experiences, and their relationships by exploring the meaning they attach to their experiences. This approach emphasises the importance of being present at the moment, focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The fundamental principle of phenomenological counselling is the belief that individuals have the capacity to find their own solutions and answers to the problems they face. Rather than offering direct advice or solutions, the counsellor’s role is to facilitate the client’s self-exploration in a non-judgmental space.

Phenomenological counselling helps individuals in several ways, including:

1. Developing self-awareness: By exploring their experiences, individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This self-awareness can lead to greater insight into one’s own motivations, values, and beliefs. Here, phenomenological counselling (PC) can integrate EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) interventions to facilitate emotional relationship exploration, resolution and transformation.
2. Enhancing personal growth: Closely related to existential therapy, PC enables the client to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals embedded in relationships. Tackling the fundamental questions of existence, meaning, and the human condition can result in a greater sense of self-acceptance, self-efficacy and positive life changes.
3. Improving relationships: Phenomenological counselling can help individuals understand how their experiences and perceptions affect their relationships with others. This understanding can lead to developing greater empathy, improved communication and conflict-resolution skills.
4. Coping with challenges: Emphasising Gestalt principles of here-and-now experience, awareness, and integration of all aspects of self, Phenomenological counselling, individuals can learn to better cope with challenges and difficult situations, leading to increased resilience, post-traumatic growth and emotional regulation.

Phenomenological psychotherapy can serve as a foundational approach, incorporating elements of EFT, DBT, CBT, Gestalt, or existential therapy as necessary to create a tailored and effective therapeutic process. This integrative approach allows therapists to address the complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, and the individual’s subjective experience.