Actually…

As a therapist, it is an amazing feeling to witness the developmental journey of self-discovery in clients as well as myself.  Our experiences tell the story of self-actualisation.  The aim of the person centred therapist is to facilitate a clients exploration of the self-actualising process.  To support the communication of thoughts and feelings in the search for clarity of the story. To commit to the therapeutic process, therapists themselves prioritise their own professional and personal development.

Clients who bring their story, however complex the narrative, will eventually find clarity given time.  By strengthening and developing the therapeutic bond a therapist can gain a deeper understanding of the client story.  The co-creation of an honest open therapeutic relationship will give clients the space to unfold and make sense of their story.

Self-actualisation is the fulfilment of one’s talents and potentialities, therefore creatives are predisposed to be on a journey of self-discovery.  This is my opinion and not based on research but personal observations from my own experiences of the arts over the years.

The ability to communicate your story is a skill with strong links to creativity and wellbeing.  The feeling of being listened to has an internal and external gratification that is met by the viewer, listener, or audience, causing recognition of internal and external success.  The act of co-curation lends well to the process of actualisation, both participants and creatives share in a positive self-view, feeling valued by others and gaining diverse insights that can offer new holistic views.

Creatives are apt at the reinterpretation of various experiences through storytelling, which enables creatives to recover, change and personally develop without feeling a need to conform to the expectations of others.  Ultimately, our desire as humans is to fulfil our potential.

Can you answer the following questions honestly regarding your world view and how you place yourself within?

Do you have a positive self-view?

Do you feel valued by others?

Can you openly explore your self-concept?

Have you considered what reciprocal fulfilment means to you?

The drive for personal development is present in everyone, it’s not unique to creatives or artists.  It’s an individual process that differs from person to person.  Carl Rogers describes self-actualisation as a continuous lifelong process.  The work doesn’t end with therapy, it begins with the will to understand and communicate your story.