Thus far I have noted several featu

Thus far I have noted several features of therapeutic presence based on readings of two secular helping disciplines—nursing and psychotherapy. Therapeutic presence is intersubjective and fully relational, and has a Trinitarian quality in which not only the counsellor and client but also the divine are involved. Moreover, the involvement is nowistic; it is an encounter characterized by the qualities of non-judgmentality and openness. Yet, the selves of both the client and therapist do not dissolve. Instead, in presence, the selves are firmly and holistically grounded. From an experiential standpoint, therapeutic presence connects the client (and the therapist) to the divine healing source or grace, which is experienced as something larger. In the midst of this, therapeutic presence spiritually transforms the ongoing therapy and is itself experienced as spacious, indescribable, transcendental, unexpected, transformational, mystical, moral, religious and spiritual. Although therapeutic presence is authentic, non-strategic, creative, and an event belonging to the present moment, which sounds like a gift given to the therapist and client from an external source, it can be cultivated in daily life. Therapists (and clients) can be oriented to this habit through meditative practice.