If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy but wondered “What do I even say?” or “Is talking really enough?”, you're not alone. It's a question I hear often — and it's a completely valid one.
In a world full of quick fixes, self-help hacks, and performance-driven solutions, it can feel strange — maybe even uncomfortable — to sit down with someone who isn't going to give you a to-do list or “solve” your problem. So what exactly happens in person-centred therapy? Let’s explore.
A Space to Be, Not Perform
Person-centred therapy isn’t about advice, judgment, or expert opinions. It’s about you — showing up just as you are. Whether you come in with a tangled thought, a heavy heart, or nothing to say at all, the space is yours.
There’s no pressure to perform, explain everything clearly, or even make sense of it all. Many people begin by saying “I don’t know where to start” — and that’s often the perfect place.
You Lead the Way
Unlike more directive forms of therapy, person-centred work is client-led. That means you decide what matters most. You might talk about:
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A recent experience that left you confused or hurt
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Childhood memories you can’t shake
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A feeling that’s been lingering with no clear cause
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Relationships, grief, anger, numbness, identity, dreams
Or maybe, you just want someone to sit with you while you figure out what you're feeling. That’s welcome too.
What the Therapist Does (and Doesn’t Do)
Your therapist isn’t a guru, a fixer, or someone with a script. In person-centred therapy, we bring three core conditions:
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Empathy – deeply and genuinely understanding your world from your point of view
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Unconditional Positive Regard – accepting you completely, without judgment or agenda
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Congruence – being real and present, not hiding behind a professional mask
We don't lead the conversation, interpret your every word, or steer you toward goals you didn’t ask for. Instead, we listen — actively, attentively — and reflect with compassion and care. It might sound simple, but for many people, it’s the first time they’ve been truly heard.
But Does “Just Talking” Really Help?
It’s a fair question. We're so used to doing something to feel better: taking medication, following steps, chasing progress.
But something powerful happens when you’re given the freedom to explore without interruption, correction, or expectation.
Talking without fear of judgment can lead to:
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Clarity
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Emotional release
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Greater self-awareness
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Increased self-acceptance
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A sense of agency and empowerment
Sometimes, what we need isn’t a solution — it’s space to hear our own voice again.
Final Thoughts
So yes, in person-centred therapy, you really can just talk. And that talking — raw, unfiltered, and often messy — becomes a path to healing.
If you’re unsure where to start, you don’t have to know. Just bring yourself. That’s more than enough.
Nicola Dilenardo
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