Feedback from the Person-Centred Counselling in Action Workshop with Susan Stephen, 18th October 2025

This was PCT Scotland’s fourth and final workshop of our 2025 series, and twenty seven of us gathered to spend some time listening to and discussing Susan’s presentation, questions and ideas in relation to being other-oriented: connecting the non-directive attitude, cultural humility and power. It was an excellent day with powerful, thought-provoking discussions and interactions. Here's the feedback we received about the day:

Clare
Susan was great; she spoke with such depth and knowledge and kept me engaged throughout. Her slides were excellent, and I really valued the stimulating and challenging discussions within the large group, which she held with skill and care. I came away with a renewed awareness for non-directivity and humility - feel inspired to explore more and keep learning!

Charles
“I nearly didn't get up for it - but most of me is glad that I did" And you can quote me on that.

Gavin
I really enjoyed Susan's Workshop.  There seemed to be a good buzz around the room all day.  I liked the way it was split into two parts and the information was presented very clearly.  As you are aware, this generated some good discussion.

Carol
Thank you for all that you do to make the day run so smoothly. I found the workshop provided such an inviting and stimulating space to explore important elements of person centred practice that may not get the same attention as other principles and which I was maybe less certain about. I have come away with greater self-awareness about how my relationship with power might be impacting my practice. I also really connected with the idea that non directiveness is rebelling against societal expectations and norms and this has energised and reinforced my beliefs. As always it feels so nurturing to be in a truly person centered space.

Colin
I thought it was a wonderful day in that it really caused me to think about my own practice, and I intend to take much of my subsequent thinking as a result of the day to my next supervision session. 

I was also grateful for the discussion about gender in the afternoon which I thought was so important and, again, made me think about my way of being as a man, as a gay man and more generally about my male privilege within our society. I wonder what it would be like to have a training day like that, followed the next day by an encounter group. Just a thought. 

Anonymous
For a long time I haven't been involved in attending courses or workshops. I had been put off by the territorialism that seemed so  apparent or the ethos and intentions seldom fit for me. Not positive for my professional or personal development.

I found the content of Saturdays workshop very stimulating and the culture established for an easy flow of learning. I felt the group was facilitated very delicately and held by us all, excellent modelling for the content. I felt theoretically and emotionally engaged throughout and would have liked more. I look forward to next year’s series. 

Anonymous
I learnt a lot from the workshop and am ‘reliving’ parts of it today.  Huge thanks to you and Susan. I look forward to attending more workshops in the future.

Anonymous
Really enjoyed what Susan had to offer and what the PCT Team contributed.  Looking forward to 2026.

Anonymous
Thank you for this and for your organisation of everything. I very much enjoyed the workshop, which was extremely thought-provoking and helpful for my developing practice. I appreciated the way Susan adapted the day to the group’s needs and I’m continuing to reflect on my own blind spots about the power I hold, and the intersections of individual, relational and structural forms of power in relation to person-centred therapy. 

If you are interested in joining us for the workshops we are planning for 2026 please contact Barbara Malinen on bookings@pctscotland.co.uk and keep an eye out for the upcoming publicity.