The Power Of Love’s Presence in Counseling
by Pamela Welch, M.A., C.C.Ht.

Although I have training in several very effective psychotherapy and hypnotherapy methods, I am continually in awe of the healing power which lies, not in any specific technique, but within the client-therapist relationship itself. By allowing myself to be truly present with my clients in a state of loving consciousness, I witness the deep profound shifts and the transformative realizations that can emerge for people as a result. This is the type of healing and wholeness that comes forth from "being with" rather than "doing to" an individual in the therapy process.
John Welwood has stated that "all psychopathology springs from...failure to value ourselves unconditionally." This means that the most effective and powerful therapy will occur by creating the conditions for healing to take place through a state of loving presence. In fact, repeated research in such places as John Hopkins has shown that the therapeutic impact attributed to the psychotherapist is eight times greater than that associated with the treatment technique. (See the book, Human Change Processes by Michael Mahoney.) In other words, the consciousness and heartfelt presence of the therapist is far more transformative than any psychotherapeutic technique and aside from the client's own motivation for growth, it is the most dynamic and essential part of the psychotherapy process.

Obviously, individuals go to psychotherapists because they have certain tools and expertise to assist them. However, even the agenda of a particular therapy technique can limit therapists by giving them a type of tunnel vision which prevents them from seeing the true needs of the client in any given moment. I have found that when I let go of my own expectations and my concepts of how I think things will happen, it opens the space for unlimited possibilities and the profound miracles that are possible in the therapeutic process. This requires that the wisdom of the client's own innate healing force be trusted.

As an experiment once, I sat with a client and listened as she talked without interrupting with any questions, comments or analysis. Even at points where I was convinced that I needed more information to assist the client, I simply sat and truly received what the person had to say in a state of compassionate consciousness. I was amazed at what transpired. The questions that I had originally wanted to ask were all answered as the client’s process naturally unfolded through tender feelings and deep shifts, without my interference.

Obviously, specific therapeutic interventions and techniques are an essential part of the counseling process. However, this experience illustrated to me that, as a therapist, my state of consciousness alone can either enhance or hinder healing. This realization has transformed my relationship with my clients and has dramatically increased the effectiveness of my therapy work. Since this original experience, I have had the power of a loving presence shown to me, in various ways, again and again in client sessions.