What is Counselling?

The key aspects involved for counselling in an ethical manner are those of confidentiality, objectiveness, and the freedom to explore deep feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. 

To paraphrase Carl Rogers, the pioneer of person-centred or humanistic therapy, a counsellor acts as a confident companion in their client’s world, where they journey together overcoming any blockages or obstacles they might meet, working in collaboration together.

A trained and qualified counsellor will have the ‘tools’ and experience to help unlock unresolved issues by being able to delve into them without constraints, but with the liberty of a confident, objective and supportive companion. 

Additionally, a counselling session provides the time; a defined period in which the other interruptions and distractions of life are set aside, so that the focus is solely on the client and their emotional needs.

There are many carefully scripted definitions of what counselling is through governing bodies such as the BACP (www.bacp.co.uk) or providers such as the NHS (www.nhs.uk) which we would wholeheartedly support.

Research has shown that whatever theoretical model is being employed it is the therapeutic relationship between the client and the counsellor that is the most important aspect in achieving a successful outcome.

Given the importance of this relationship, Carl Rogers identified three core conditions that would enable this relationship to flourish in a therapeutic setting:

CONGRUENCE: Congruence is regarded as a principal attribute of an effective therapist. By being congruent, the counsellor demonstrates authenticity, and this allows the building of trust in the relationship while also serving as a model for the client. The counsellor exemplifies genuineness, expressing their thoughts and feelings honestly and openly.

UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD: The acceptance of the client by the counsellor without precondition or judgement enables the client to be valued as an individual and acceptance and genuine care to be established. 

EMPATHY: This is the capacity of the counsellor to respond to the feelings and experiences of the client with sensitivity, as if they were experiencing the private world of the client as their own.