Own It!: The Organisational Therapy Catechism

Own It!: The Organisational Therapy Catechism

As an organisational therapist, I have a simple catechism that I adhere to: “The client always owns the problem, the client always owns the solution”.

This is a fundamental principle in my approach to therapy and is based on the teachings of the famous psychologist, Carl Rogers.

According to Rogers, “the only person who can change the client is the client themselves. The therapist’s role is to create a space for change to happen.” And “the good therapist is congruent, genuine, empathic, and non-judgmental”.

This means that as a therapist, I must be authentic, understanding, and non-judgmental when working with clients. I must also be congruent, meaning that my words, actions, and feelings must be in harmony with each other.

This principle is important because it recognises that the client is the expert in their own life and has the power to solve their own problems. By holding the space for the client to surface their own experiences, I can help them to reflect upon the root causes of their issues and find their own unique solutions.

For example, when working with an organisation that is facing a problem with low employee morale, I would not offer my own opinions or prescribe a solution. Instead, I would work with the organisation to explore the underlying causes of the problem, such as poor leadership, lack of communication, or an unclear company vision. By doing this, the organisation can develop its own solution that is tailored to its specific needs and culture.

I also understand that the client is not just an organisation, but also its employees and all the Folks That Matter™. This means that I choose a holistic approach to therapy, taking into account the different perspectives and experiences of all involved.

In conclusion, my catechism “The client always owns the problem, the client always owns the solution” is a key part of my approach to organisational therapy. By focusing on the client’s own experiences and working with them to find their own solutions, I can help organisations to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.