By Fiona Yapp, Clinic Director

This year, we’re thrilled to have a phenomenal team of psychologists and counselors, who specialize in helping children, teens and families. Though diverse in many ways, one thing they have in common is their approach to therapy. Using what is generally called the “person-centered approach”, they believe that the therapist should not guide the client towards a specific goal, but rather that “the individual has within themselves vast resources for self-understanding, for altering their self-concept, attitudes and self-directed behavior” (Carl Rogers, one of the founders of this approach). The ability to find within oneself the resources needed to thrive can be brought out by therapists who create a therapeutic environment conducive to growth and self-actualization.

This is the main goal of the person-centered approach: to help the client achieve personal growth and reach full potential. To do this, the therapist supports the person in achieving balance between self-image (how we see ourselves, including physically, which has an impact on how we feel and behave) and ideal self (the person who we want to be at different life stages, which is constantly changing). People who reach a healthy balance also have a higher sense of self-worth (how we think about ourselves, which is closely influenced by early childhood relationships with caregivers), which in turn makes people more likely to self-actualize.

In order to ensure such a healthy process for all our clients, we work with you to find a therapist most suited to you and your needs. Our team uses a variety of approaches and techniques in their work; they hail from many different places in the world and have professional experience working in a diverse range of settings. Please contact us if you are looking to find the right fit for you or your child.