Introduction A safe space for a client could be described as a place or space in which a client feels secure and free to express him/herself in a real, true and open way. This could mean a number of things to different clients, it is very individual. What makes a person feel safe? The list could include some or all of the following; Not feeling judged or criticised by the counsellor or that the counsellor is likely to not accept you if you share something ‘bad’ Feeling that the counsellor accurately understands you, what you are saying or trying to say and what you are feeling or experiencing Feeling that the counsellor is ‘true’ and genuine in the relationship, his/her real self Knowing that …show more content…
Many people will go to therapy because they have had previous bad or traumatic relationships which have left them damaged or traumatised in some way, quite often these relationships were with their parents when they were children. They have learned the danger and not to trust the very people they believed should most be trusted. I believe it can be even more fundamental and damaging than this still, they have also learned not to trust in themselves- to have the ability to know who is safe to trust or not. The relationship with the therapist then can become something like a ‘re-parenting’ or a re-learning of how a trusting relationship should/could have been with one’s parents. Most people will agree that parents should (in a perfect world) give their children unconditional positive regard, empathy and be relatively non-judgemental with them, also show them respect and allow them to keep their dignity. Unfortunately this is not always the case. It is therefore even more important that the therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client show all these things to the highest of degrees. However, if this aspect of trust and safety is not present it can actually do more harm than good to clients that are already vulnerable and anxious. It can, in fact be retraumatising and compound their possible views of themselves as being unlovable or unworthy etc,
This is why it is important for both the client and the therapist to be open and honest with each other from the very start when discussing the initial problems/issues.
It is confirmation that a counsellor validates the client, by acknowledging what is being said, and by providing further opportunity to talk. A client may find that they are unable to express themselves freely, due to fear, lack of confidence or other overwhelming feelings.
To begin with, of the therapist/counselor is to apply a vast area of methods when dealing with clients, by providing them with the necessary tools using various existential-humanistic approaches. The reason is that there are no two people alike in the world. With this in mind, people’s problems, beliefs thought process, and their ‘here and now’ is a representation of our individuality and how each of us handle things. Therefore, when a person comes to see a therapist, it is important for that therapist to be able to help and address their issues, in the best way possible. This involves, the therapist/counselor to be knowledgeable, with various
In this essay I will be exploring the various issues raised when a therapist initially meets a new client, including ascertaining personal circumstances and applying ethical and safe practise. I will also be looking at the importance of communication and understanding between client and practitioner.
In therapy or counselling the client has the opportunity to experience a relationship in which her or his emotional state can be understood, tolerated, recognized and felt in a way which they have not been before.
As a counselor one should have an appreciation for cultural diversity and eliminate judgmental thoughts. Suspending thoughts and judgments in the effort to hear a client’s feelings and understand their perspective of their world, is a form of empathy. The counseling environment needs to be a safe place for a client to share their most intimate concerns. Unconditional positive regard is an essential characteristic also. “Emotional warmth, appropriate reassurance, the communication of confidence and interest in the client (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014). Congruence, the characteristic that provide clients with clear and honest communication is effective in
The therapist would want to relate to the clients in a meaningful, positive way (Gehart, 2014). The therapist would move away from advice giving, diagnosis and labeling, and away from the therapist being in the expert of their life. The clients are the only people that know what they are experiencing, and the therapist would take a stance in understanding and asking questions about their experience.
with any type of client, I think it is imperative to establish and enforce personal boundaries;
The responsibility a counselor must have to their client, is to help the person leave treatment in better frame of mind then when they arrived. Although, often the person will experience feelings and emotions they may have suppressed so it may get worse prior to getting better. Therefore, our primary goal is to cause no harm to the people we are working with. It is the counselor’s responsibility to provide a safe environment for the client and counselor can build a confidential therapeutic relationship. Therefore, allowing the person to have the trust and confidence in the counselor that they can disclose their innermost personal details of their live knowing they are in good hands. Although, there are numerous disorders people may be seeking help for, therefore, the counselor is required to know exactly what they are competent in treating, and have resources available for issues they are not qualified to
I think it is crucial to keep this in mind when working with clients, as therapists provide hope for those that seek counseling services. In addition, therapists also empower clients to take risks, and reinforce to them that they have the wherewithal to change into someone new. I think this is extremely powerful, and is a firm representation of the significance of this profession. Chapter 1 also discussed the importance of therapists being culturally mindful when working with clients. Throughout the journey of being a therapist, these individuals will
Is therapy a beneficial thing or not? That is an age-old question that deserves an answer. There are those that say it most definitely is. Therapy is not something that should be made fun of. Talking to a mental health professional helps people manage their emotions. If someone is feeling down for a long period of time, it may be a sign of a mental health problem and they should talk about it in a confidential environment. In addition, therapy prevents suicide and dangerous activity from taking place altogether. If an individual is experiencing harmful thoughts they should speak to a mental health professional. Also, if a person is not acting their normal self and doesn't participate in activates that used to bring them happiness, they can fix the underlying problem. The reasons given are just a few of the many reasons why therapy is a beneficial thing for many people. Holmes, L. (2017, March 10). 11 Very Good Reasons To Go To Therapy. Retrieved October 22, 2017, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/reasons-to-go-to-therapy_us_58bf1299e4b0f0c1cf96dc32
Listening is a skill and counselors understand it may help them identify past, present and future issues. It is essential for a counselor to practice their theory according to the guide or studies. Therefore, a counselor may prevent or lessen the likelihood of boundary crossing. The risk of misusing terms, mis-diagnosis and other unethical liabilities stimulating to cause a theory for the client’s best interest to become detrimental to the client. I believe the passion a counselor have for the need to assist others. In return for the well-being is a significant and needs to apply the identical passion to maintain their health, utilize all of their resources when it becomes over barring. Possibly to prevent a counselor’s from experiencing burn-out
My hypotheses were the counsellor could impose an espoused theory, Argyris and Schön, (1978) explains where the actions of the counsellor will differ in enacting the theory in use, which may impose implicit thoughts that are assumed and decided. There could be consequents from a blind spot or wound of the counsellor and this could predetermine the relationship before any therapeutic benefits have
Having the ability to show authentic concern for the client and their tribulations is paramount in building trust. Freeburg (2007) explains that being able to empathize and respond in a manner that is not judgmental, allows the counselor to make the client feel safe. The sense of safety allows the client to share into thought and feelings that may have previously been off-limits to the client. It is important when working with clients to keep one’s own opinions about a particular situation at bay, so that the client can come to their own conclusion. Too much empathy can lead to the counselor projecting their feelings and views on to the
I believe that what is truly important in therapy, is the ability to empathize with the patient, it is essential to continue a successful therapeutic process. Empathy must be built from the first meeting and in many cases when we fail to this, it could be very difficult to build it for the next meetings, however, it can be achieved. This can happen often with adolescents, I would say that teenagers are the most difficult population to establish rapport, since this is the shortest stage of life in which we all feel that we know everything, and also nobody understands us. In addition, some teenagers think that therapists are outdated and old fashioned dinosaurs, but when empathy has achieved in therapy, the result is truly rewarding.