Glossary

Person-Centred Counselling

A type of talking therapy where you’re treated as the expert on your own life. The counsellor listens without judging and helps you explore your thoughts and feelings so you can find your own answers.

Core Conditions

Three key attitudes your counsellor will offer you at all times:

Empathy – Really trying to understand how life feels for you, from your point of view.

Unconditional Positive Regard – Accepting you just as you are, without judgement or criticism.

Congruence – Being genuine and honest with you, rather than hiding behind a professional mask.

Active Listening

When your counsellor listens with their full attention—not just to your words, but also to your tone, body language, and feelings—so you feel truly heard.

Non-Directive Approach

You lead the conversation. The counsellor won’t tell you what to do but will support you in exploring what feels most important to you.

Self-Actualisation

A fancy term for your natural ability to grow, heal, and become the version of yourself that feels most authentic and fulfilled.

Unconditional Acceptance

Knowing you won’t be judged for your feelings, mistakes, or past experiences—everything you bring is welcome.

Reflecting

When the counsellor says back, in their own words, what they’ve understood you to mean. This helps you feel heard and can sometimes make your thoughts clearer to you.

Holding Space

Creating a safe, calm environment where you can talk openly, even about difficult things, without fear of criticism or unwanted advice.

Conditions of Worth

The rules or beliefs we pick up—often from others—about what we have to do or be to feel loved or valued. Counselling can help you recognise and gently challenge these.

Authenticity

Being your true self, without having to hide parts of who you are to please others.

Therapeutic Relationship

The trusting, respectful connection between you and your counsellor that makes it safe to open up.

Processing

Taking time to think about, feel, and understand your experiences, often with your counsellor’s support.

Inner Resources

The strengths, skills, and coping tools you already have inside you—even if you don’t feel like it right now.

Growth-Promoting Environment

The safe, accepting space your counsellor creates so you can explore and grow at your own pace.