Health · Mental Health · 2 days ago
Some Therapists Focus on Clients’ Inner Wisdom Over Advice
Some therapy approaches put less emphasis on the therapist giving advice.
Instead, therapists help clients notice their feelings, thoughts and physical reactions.
The goal is to understand why someone may be stuck, while still taking responsibility for their actions.
This can help clients take an active role in finding their own path toward change.
The therapist says approaches informed by Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS) changed their view of a therapist’s role.
Rather than relying mainly on a therapist’s interpretations and advice, these approaches aim to help clients access their own inner wisdom.
The therapist contrasts this with more direct approaches, including “tough love,” while noting that directness can sometimes be helpful.
In sessions, the therapist invites clients to slow down and notice internal experiences such as emotions, physical tension, impulses, memories, and beliefs.
The therapist says this work can help clients understand what may be driving their behavior and experience shifts during a session.
- Who
- A therapist and their clients
- What
- An account of approaches to therapy that emphasize clients’ inner experiences and self-discovery
- When
- The therapist says they encountered these approaches around COVID; the article was published on 2026-10-09
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- To help clients understand internal conflicts and experiences that may make change difficult
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
My role began to feel more like that of a midwife, helping clients bring forth and integrate what is already within them.
This doesn't mean avoiding accountability. It means understanding the internal conflicts that can make change so difficult.
One difference I appreciate about this way of working is the opportunity for clients to experience shifts during a session, rather than leaving with only another explanation of why they feel the way they do.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Outlet
- Psychology Today
- Publication date
- 2026-10-09
- Approaches named
- Hakomi and Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed therapy
- Alternative approach discussed
- Direct approaches, including “tough love”
Sources
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