Presence in Therapy
- Sep 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Welcome to Conversations from the Yellow Chair!
This video, geared towards a clinician /professional audience, is a conversation about presence in therapy with host, Andrea Bryk (owner-director Waves of Harmony) and Greg Roberts (PhD, owner-director Grief and Trauma Support).
This topic was especially attractive due to it's holistic connections. The sense of presence comes forth through mental, emotional, spiritual and physical connections. We explore the idea of 'being' rather than 'doing' and how this comes forth in the therapeutic relationship.
The content is presented in 3 main sections- some of the features of presence described in recent research, how it presents in practice, and why it is important. This vlog leans on recent research on the topic. As the conversation unfolds, Greg and Andrea tease out the topic that promotes some questions about professional and personal growth as clinicians. Presence, not only staying in awareness of the other person, but also staying in awareness of ourselves, with a back and forth flow that invites some level of mutual connectedness.
The purpose of these conversations is to generate open and constructive discussion about holistic therapy with the wider community. We speak openly about topics relevant at the time of recording. We look forward to your support by engaging in comments and sharing! Enjoy~
The references for this talk are as follows:
Bradshaw, C. (2024) Presence in Therapy: Feeling Safe and Challenged to Grow. A study asked clients what they experience of therapist "presence". https://share.google/mm6fnwLkf2hlD3sfU
Geller, S. M. (2025). How Does Therapeutic Presence Promote Real Change? How Polyvagal Theory neurophysiological safety enable growth through therapy. American Psychological Association.
Geller, S. M. (2017). Introduction. In S. M. Geller, A practical guide to cultivating therapeutic presence (pp. 2–14). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000025-001
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