Ten Quotes on Psychotherapy

31 Jan 2024

Quote 1

“The relationship that is built in therapy is the vehicle for change.”

- Sue Johnson

Sue Johnson, a prominent figure in the field of couples therapy and the developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), emphasises the pivotal role of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating transformation. Johnson’s work centres around creating secure emotional bonds between individuals, fostering connection and resilience within relationships.

Quote 2

“Psychotherapy is a sanctuary; it is a battleground; it is a place I have been psychotic, neurotic, elated, confused, and despairing beyond belief.”

- Kay Redfield Jamison

Renowned for her expertise in mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, Kay Redfield Jamison acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the therapeutic journey. As a clinical psychologist and author, Jamison brings a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health to her work, offering insights into the diverse emotional landscapes traversed in psychotherapy.

Quote 3

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

- Carl Rogers

Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology and person-centered therapy, advocates for self-acceptance as a catalyst for personal growth. His client-centered approach revolves around creating a safe and empathetic space where individuals can explore their authentic selves, fostering a foundation for positive change.

Quote 4

“Therapy is first about recognizing; then about accepting.”

- Nathaniel Branden

Nathaniel Branden, a psychotherapist and author known for his work in the field of self-esteem, highlights the initial steps in the therapeutic process. Branden’s emphasis on recognition and acceptance aligns with his focus on fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance as fundamental components of personal development.

Quote 5

“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset.”

- Carl Rogers

In this poetic expression, Carl Rogers reflects on the beauty of human authenticity. As a humanistic therapist, Rogers encourages therapists to embrace the uniqueness of each individual, fostering an environment where clients can unfold naturally, much like the uncontrolled beauty of a sunset.

Quote 6

“Change is an ongoing process of renegotiation and reinterpretation of who we think we are.”

- Irvin D. Yalom

Irvin D. Yalom, a psychiatrist and existential psychotherapist, delves into the dynamic nature of personal transformation. Yalom’s work revolves around existential concerns and the therapeutic relationship, emphasising the continuous process of redefining one’s identity and renegotiating the meaning of one’s existence.

Quote 7

“The task of therapy is not to eliminate suffering but to give a voice to it, to find a form in which it can be expressed.”

- David R. Hawkins

David R. Hawkins, a psychiatrist and spiritual teacher, approaches therapy as a means of giving voice to the human experience. Hawkins’ work incorporates spiritual perspectives, focusing on elevating consciousness and helping individuals express and transcend their suffering through therapeutic dialogue.

Quote 8

“The relationship is the therapy. The relationship is the vehicle of change.”

- Yalom & Leszcz

Irvin D. Yalom, in collaboration with Molyn Leszcz, reiterates the centrality of the therapeutic relationship. Together, they emphasise that the quality of the connection between therapist and client serves as the foundation for therapeutic change, highlighting the significance of a supportive and authentic alliance.

Quote 9

“The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find one’s passion, embrace it fully and carry out the mission that results from it.”

- Viktor Frankl

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, intertwines existential philosophy with psychotherapy. His logotherapy emphasizes the search for meaning as a driving force in human life. Frankl’s profound insights guide therapists to help individuals discover and pursue their passions as a means of finding purpose and fulfillment.

Quote 10

“The art of being yourself at your best is the art of unfolding your personality into the person you want to be.”

- Rogers & Kinget

Carl Rogers, in collaboration with Richard Kinget, articulates the essence of self-actualisation. This collaborative perspective underscores the therapeutic journey as a process of unfolding and becoming one’s authentic self. The therapeutic environment, according to Rogers and Kinget, serves as a nurturing space for the individual to blossom into their desired identity.