From a philosophical perspective, withness speaks to the deeply relational nature of being—it’s about being with, rather than doing to or standing apart from. It reflects an ethical, embodied presence where one person accompanies another in their experience, without judgment or the urge to fix. Rooted in ideas from phenomenology, existentialism, and dialogical philosophy, withness honors the interconnectedness of human experience, the mutual shaping of self and other, and the sacredness of presence.

Thinkers like Martin Buber spoke of the I–Thou relationship—where people meet one another in their full humanity, not as objects to be analysed or controlled. Similarly, Emmanuel Levinas emphasised responsibility to the other as a foundational ethical act. Withness, then, is a mode of presence that is relational, responsive, and attuned—a kind of shared being that fosters healing, empowerment, and transformation.

Aided by the secure therapeutic connection alongside reconnecting with your intuition and body, you will have the space to develop a deeper understanding of and esteem in yourself.

I chose the word withness for my practise because it implies presence, attunement, and a deep relational stance. Not fixing, not analysing from a distance—but accompanying you in your experience.