Professor Gendlin’s Warning About Over-Professionalism in Therapy

‘There are no qualifications for the kind of person I must be. What is wanted for the big therapy process, the big development process is a person who will be present… That—I think—is the first job we have. That is so necessary in a field that is becoming more and more “professional,” which is to say useless and expensive.’ Professor Eugene Gendlin.

In the above statement, Professor Eugene Gendlin emphasised the importance of presence and authentic human connection in therapy, as opposed to the increasing professionalisation and technicality of the field. His words criticise the shift towards a more expensive and impersonal approach to therapy, which he believed is counterproductive to the developmental process. Gendlin’s message suggests that the most essential factor in effective therapy is a genuine human connection between the therapist and the client, rather than adhering to specific qualifications or credentials.

Professor Eugene Gendlin was a significant figure in the field of psychotherapy and philosophy. He developed a therapeutic approach known as Focusing, which emphasises the importance of attending to one’s bodily felt experience in the therapeutic process. Gendlin believed that attending to this inner awareness could help individuals access new insights and resolve personal issues. His statement reflects his belief in the value of genuine human presence in psychotherapy, rather than relying solely on formal qualifications.

In his statement, Gendlin underscores the importance of presence in the therapeutic process, stating that there are no qualifications for the kind of person one must be to engage in this work. By ‘presence,’ he refers to the therapist’s ability to be fully attentive and empathically attuned to the client during sessions. This empathetic engagement not only fosters a sense of safety and understanding for the client but also creates an environment conducive for growth and self-discovery.

Gendlin’s criticism of professionalisation in the field centres around the notion that it may lead to a more impersonal approach to therapy. As the field becomes increasingly driven by professional standards and objectives, it runs the risk of losing the human touch that Gendlin argues is essential. Furthermore, Gendlin points out that this professionalisation may lead to rising costs for therapy, potentially making it inaccessible to those who need it most. By focussing on obtaining credentials or meeting specific professional standards, therapists may lose sight of the human connection that lies at the heart of their work.

When Professor Eugene Gendlin said, ‘there are no qualifications for the kind of person I must be,’ he was emphasising the importance of presence and human connection in the therapeutic process. Gendlin warned against the pitfalls of an overly professionalised and impersonal approach to therapy, asserting that it may render the practice useless and expensive. In his view, the most essential qualifications for a therapist are the ability to be present, empathic, and attuned to the client’s needs—qualities that transcend formal credentials and professional standards.