For this part of the assignment I am using examples from a 50 minute session recorded within the learning environment. I play the role of the counsellor, and another student plays the role of the client. In order for me to answer the learning outcomes, I have watched the DVD recording.
2.1 - Open the session, explaining the working agreement including the following:-
What is on offer?
Limitations
Time boundaries
Ethical boundaries in line with professional code
What is on offer?
At the beginning of the session I introduced myself by first name to the client before outlining the counselling contract with her. I felt it was important for the client to know that I am a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy because it provides a framework of good practice when working with clients. Agreeing the contract allowed for client autonomy too. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy suggests that autonomy is respect for the client's rights to be self-governing. (2011, p.2 ) I mentioned I would be working with her in a Person-Centred way which meant that the client would not be led by me, we would be working in her way and that it was her space to talk about what was causing her concerns, and in her own time.
Limitations
It was very important that the client knew that confidentiality would be maintained throughout the session and beyond, unless she made references to being involved in acts of terrorism, money laundering and/or drug trafficking. I mentioned to the client that in this case I would be obliged to tell a 3rd party but I would tell her first. Any disclosure in client's confidences should be undertaken in ways that best protect the client's trust and respects client autonomy ( British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2011. p.2 )
Time Boundaries
During the opening of the session I informed the client that it was
References: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. ( 2010 ) Ethical Framework. Leicestershire BACP Evans, G. ( 2007 ) Counselling skills for dummies. West Sussex. John Wiley and Sons LTD Milne, A. ( 1999 ) Understanding counselling. Oxon. Bookspoint LTD Rogers, C. ( 1980 ) On becoming a person. London. Constable and Robinson LTD Sanders, P. ( 2011 ) First steps in counselling. 4th Edition. Ross-on-wye. PCCS Books Stewart, W and Sutton, J. ( 2008 ) Learning to counsel, 3rd Edition. Oxford. How To Books LTD