Unconditional positive regard is a value I hold central in my treatment room that I feel could be of boarder use in these increasingly divisive and uncomfortable social times.

Developed by humanist physiologist Carl Roger who developed theories on “client centred care”, unconditional positive regard is showing support and acceptance of a person exactly as they are. It is a way to acknowledge that everyone is inherently human and inherently worth of love and healing despite difference in values, morality or harms done.

Some ways we can practice this:

With oneself - what shifts might occur in my thoughts, behaviours and body sensations when I practice unconditional positive regard for myself and my body for the next 15 mins? For one hour? As a daily intention?

In our treatments together - what would it be like to hold unconditional positive regard for each other in the treatment room, the process unfolding interpersonally and the healing your body is engaging with?

With others - How might my conflicts with others transform when I hold unconditional positive regard for them despite our differences? How might my thoughts, actions and sensations change with my neighbours, the cashier at the checkout, the person who cuts me off in traffic when I meet them with unconditional positive regard?

The point is not to excuse harm done but to create conditions for change and healing through safe, respectful relationship that we are innately wired for.