While completing some admin in my van during my 9–5 job, I was approached by someone working in their garden. What started as a casual interaction quickly became a moment that reminded me of something vital — the quiet, profound power of talking and the impact of person-centred counselling outside the therapy room.

From Small Talk to Real Connection.

They put down their gardening tools and leaned on a nearby wall. I closed my notebook, set my pen aside, and gave them my full attention. Our short exchange turned into a much longer conversation — one filled with warmth, depth, and honesty.

I won’t share the details — they aren’t mine to tell — but by simply being present and open, this person shared parts of their life that clearly carried emotion, weight, and history.

We laughed, reflected on challenges, and talked for nearly half an hour. Before leaving, we shared a handshake, and I gently let them know that if they ever wanted to talk in a safe and confidential space, they could get in touch.

The Reminder: Presence Is Enough.

As I drove back to the office, I felt a wave of gratitude. It was one of those grounding moments — a reminder that what people often need most is not advice or analysis, but being present in therapy or simply listening in everyday life.

This person didn’t need a professional “solution.” They didn’t need statistics or a list of coping strategies. They simply needed another human being to listen — to truly hear them. A sounding board. A vessel.

And that day, I had the privilege of being that.

Trust, Stories, and Person-Centred Pride.

When someone trusts you with their story, there’s often a mix of feelings. In the therapy room, themes that arise can be deeply emotional, even heavy. But alongside that, there’s also a deep sense of honour, and quiet pride — that someone has trusted you enough to share part of their world.

It’s not my job to direct or fix. It’s my role to walk alongside someone while they explore — allowing them the freedom to take whichever path they choose, in their own time.

Supervision and the Call to Be Human.

A recent supervision session reminded me again how powerful it is to simply be human in the therapy room. Not perfect. Not all-knowing. Just present.

We can let go of the pressure to have all the answers. What one client brings will be totally different from the next. Instead, we offer ourselves — grounded, real, and available.

A Quick Note on Person-Centred Counselling.

Person-centred therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is based on the belief that people have the inner resources to grow, heal, and find their own answers — when given the right conditions. As a counsellor, I don’t give advice or direct someone’s path. Instead, I aim to offer a relationship rooted in empathy, acceptance, and authenticity — so clients can explore safely and in their own time.

That’s what I experienced during this encounter. It was a reminder that therapy isn’t about “fixing” someone — it’s about creating the space where they feel heard, seen, and valued for exactly who they are.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
— Carl Rogers

Being Human, Not the Expert.

Another voice that’s always inspired my approach is Tony Merry, who famously said:

“Being person-centred is not about doing therapy — it is about being a certain kind of person in a certain kind of relationship.”

This lands even more deeply when I reflect on the pressures of daily life — managing clients, relationships, work, and my own expectations.

The most healing thing I can offer is myself — honestly, fully, without pretending to have it all figured out. That’s congruence. That’s authenticity. And for many clients, that’s enough.

Final Words.

I take great pride in the work I do. And when working with clients, I remain committed to offering a real, human, and compassionate approach.

Whether it’s in a therapy room or during a surprise conversation on a quiet street, I believe in the healing power of being seen, heard, and accepted — just as we are.

If you’re looking for a safe, non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts, feelings, or challenges, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, grief, burnout, or simply need someone to listen, counselling can offer a place to feel truly heard and supported. You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just need a space to be yourself. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for person-centred counselling and mental health support.

Take care,
Nicole