Why Person-Centred Practice Isn’t a Tone of Voice, It’s a Structure

Posted on 25/06/2025 by Shirley Appleby

By Shirley Appleby

We talk a lot about person-centred practice in education, healthcare, and support settings.

But too often, it’s mistaken for a tone of voice:
Friendly. Warm. Empathetic.

And yes, that matters.
But person-centred practice isn’t just how you speak.
It’s how the whole system is built.

Being nice isn’t the same as being inclusive

You can have the loveliest, kindest professional in the world, and still end up with a support plan that doesn’t work.

That’s not a personal failing.
It’s often the result of systems that don’t leave space for nuance, flexibility, or real partnership.

This isn’t about blame.
It’s about structure.

Because without the right scaffolding, even the best intentions can fall flat, and that helps no one.

What does real person-centred structure look like?

It means:

• Time is protected for listening, not just processing

• Forms and reports leave space for nuance, not just tick boxes

• Support pathways adapt to individuals, not just conditions

• Training goes beyond awareness to true embodiment

• Power is shared, so the person being supported feels seen, not assessed

These things aren’t easy to build in overstretched systems.
But they are possible, one thoughtful interaction, one small shift at a time.

For professionals: You’re doing more than you realise, and you deserve tools that support you

If you’re in education, healthcare or student support, you may already be doing the invisible work of holding emotional weight, translating need into policy, and adapting within constraints.

You’re not the problem.
You’re often the one holding things together in spite of the system.

But even so, it’s okay to pause and ask:

• Where do I still have influence?

• Is this process serving the person, or just the paperwork?

• What small shift could create more space for trust, choice, or dignity?

We don’t always need an overhaul.
Sometimes we just need space to reflect, and permission to try something different.

For individuals and families: You’re not asking for too much

If you’ve ever felt dismissed or labelled “complex” for needing more space, more clarity, or more flexibility, you’re not the issue.

You’re navigating a system that often runs on speed, standardisation and short appointments.

It’s okay to ask: What does person-centred mean here, today, for me?
And it’s okay to discuss this with professionals, with respect, not confrontation.

Final thoughts

Person-centred practice is more than a tone, it’s a shared responsibility.
It’s a structure that needs care, reflection, and collaboration to build.

Let’s get there together.

Learn why person-centred practice is a structure, not a tone.