The Encounters Podcast

In this encounter we take the person centred-approach out of the therapy room and into a junior school, where Trees Dowson uses music, creativity, and a love of nature to work with children in a person-centred way. We also reflect on the deep importance music can have in times of personal distress. 

Rachael speaks to Trees Dowson (she/her), a person-centred learning support assistant in a junior school, and a musician.

In this encounter, Stephen Joseph reflects on a life working within the person-centred approach, from his first encounter with its radical potential, to his work on trauma, and reflections on how to bring the approach beyond the world of therapy. “It’s about people, whatever role they have in life, going out there and being person-centred.”

Rachael speaks to Stephen Joseph (he/him), author, researcher, and fellow of the British Psychological Society

This encounter imagines therapy smashing norms and being re-wilded. It explores how the radical roots of the person-centred approach might flourish in nature, and in spaces which are neurodivergent, queer, or otherwise labelled ‘different’ – and how to reclaim its radical potential for all of us. 

Rachael speaks to Sonny Hallet (they/them), a counsellor, supervisor, and trainer, whose work is focused on neurodiversity, nature, and difference.

At the heart of person-centred therapy lies a great mystery. Can we ever truly know or connect with another human, and what can person-centred psychology offer in a complex, uncertain and chaotic world? We attempt to unravel the mystery of therapy, in a rich and personal encounter.

Rachael speaks to Sheila Haugh (she/her) a person-centred therapist, supervisor and consultant.

Is it possible to have training which is truly student-centred? At its best, person-centred training can be transformative, but there are a lot of watered-down versions out there. We look at the threats and opportunities on the horizon.

Rachael speaks to Chris Molyneux (he/him) a person-centred therapist and trainer.