If you are new to therapy or considering counselling, it is important to understand the process and have a good connection with your therapist, in the same way that it is important to have a good association with your GP or specialist. Where you have a strong rapport, feel comfortable in their presence and at ease to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns.
I practice ‘person-centred’ counselling, which means that the counselling sessions are driven by YOU the client. They are non-directive. And as the counsellor, I walk along side of you as you ‘talk things through’ and together we generate new possibilities for action through sharing and talking.
A person might seek counselling or therapy because a situation maybe overwhelming their usual problem solving/coping skills resulting in emotional distress, anxiety or stress. A counsellor facilitates a person’s self-development, providing opportunities for them to gain a better insight and understanding of self, where they want to be, and how they can get there through building skills, strategies or therapy.
As a counsellor, I don’t ‘diagnose’ or ‘label’ people. I create a safe, non-judgemental, confidential environment allowing you, as the client, to drive the counselling sessions in a safe and conducive environment, walking through the crisis or problem(s) that has brought us to meet.
Attributes Of A Good Counsellor:
• Is an active listener.
• Easily connects and builds rapport with their clients.
• Asks both ‘open’ and ‘closed’ questions at appropriate times.
• Understands what the client is conveying and is able to paraphrase and summarise this for you.
• Observes verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Has good ‘responding’ skills to encourage continual in-depth story telling or story clarification.
• Continues to learn and is abreast of latest evidence-based research.
• Is able to suggest and teach appropriate strategies to support and empower the client.
• Engages in a professional, non-dual relationship.
• Is bound by their code of ethics.
Counselling should not cause more stress to your life. You should leave counselling better than when you arrived.
