This article describes a client-centered and experiential psychotherapy approach in which
interpersonal issues as well as intrapsychic self-related disturbances of clients with interpersonal
trauma are processed through the interaction with an emotionally engaged and
empathically attuned therapist.
With the helping presence of the therapist, these seriously
injured clients start exploring and processing their maladaptive, blocking or overwhelming
anxiety and the underlying experiences; and they start experimenting with seeking closeness
and intimacy in order to get comfort and reassurance. In doing so, their self becomes
stronger, their capacity for self-soothing grows and they begin feeling safer within themselves
and in their interpersonal relationships.
anxiety, relational trauma, empathic attunement, fragile process, attachment
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.