Identify the stages of a series of counselling sessions
1 .1 Identify the stages of a series of counselling sessions
The beginning
The beginning of the counselling process starts when the client first meets the counsellor, the saying “first impressions count” is absolutely true for both the client and counsellor, the client will be very nervous and unsure what is about to take place.
The way the counsellor approaches the client in this infant stage is vital for the client to gain trust and has the willingness to open up in later sessions. Some clients may just rush into what is troubling them or say nothing, in both cases the counsellor will need to be patient, observe and listen to what is being said as there will be vital information given and without understanding this it could damage your relationship.
The counsellor will need discuss boundaries, this can be achieved by having an agreed Joint contract signed by both, which will show the client that each session will be approached in a professional and ethical way it will be the start of a professional relationship and a therapeutic alliance thus meaning a willingness to work together in a congruent way.
At the beginning the client will feel the power side of the relationship is with the counsellor, they will know the counsellor is professionally trained, also the counsellor will be on familiar territory if the session is at the counsellors choice of venue, but, by explaining to the client the therapeutic process they will quickly realise the counsellor is committed to shifting the power to the client thus assisting with the therapeutic alliance. By being totally congruent from the beginning will display to the client there are no hidden agendas, the counsellor is totally transparent, non-judgemental, the counsellor has empathy towards the client and understands them.
The middle
The working relationship should by now be established and the client will have the confidence and willingness to explore their own feelings without feeling uncomfortable, they
The beginning
The beginning of the counselling process starts when the client first meets the counsellor, the saying “first impressions count” is absolutely true for both the client and counsellor, the client will be very nervous and unsure what is about to take place.
The way the counsellor approaches the client in this infant stage is vital for the client to gain trust and has the willingness to open up in later sessions. Some clients may just rush into what is troubling them or say nothing, in both cases the counsellor will need to be patient, observe and listen to what is being said as there will be vital information given and without understanding this it could damage your relationship.
The counsellor will need discuss boundaries, this can be achieved by having an agreed Joint contract signed by both, which will show the client that each session will be approached in a professional and ethical way it will be the start of a professional relationship and a therapeutic alliance thus meaning a willingness to work together in a congruent way.
At the beginning the client will feel the power side of the relationship is with the counsellor, they will know the counsellor is professionally trained, also the counsellor will be on familiar territory if the session is at the counsellors choice of venue, but, by explaining to the client the therapeutic process they will quickly realise the counsellor is committed to shifting the power to the client thus assisting with the therapeutic alliance. By being totally congruent from the beginning will display to the client there are no hidden agendas, the counsellor is totally transparent, non-judgemental, the counsellor has empathy towards the client and understands them.
The middle
The working relationship should by now be established and the client will have the confidence and willingness to explore their own feelings without feeling uncomfortable, they
Bibliography: Tolan, J (2011) Skills in Person-Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy First Edition, Sage Publications