Therapeutic presence (TP) is a way of being that optimises the doing and techniques of therapy. Presence includes a balance between attunement with clients as well as with oneself. Therapeutic presence provides a neurophysiological sense of safety in clients that allows them to be seen, heard, understood, and “feel felt.”

In this conversation, Dr. Shari Geller will introduce an empirically validated model of therapeutic presence as a map to build and strengthen the skills of presence with clients and in life (Geller, 2017; Geller & Greenberg, 2002, 2012, 2022).

The neurophysiological principles to creating safety with therapeutic presence, based on concepts such as co-regulation and neuroception of safety stemming from Polyvagal Theory (Geller & Porges, 2014) will be discussed. Shari will offer an experiential practice for cultivating presence.