What is counselling?

 

That is a very valid question and one that is often asked. 

 

It can be quite subjective. Everyone has their own reasons and ideas as to what they might want from counselling.  

 

For the counsellor, when they think of this question, they might have a more reflective idea of what counselling is about.   It may also depend on the style of counselling the counsellor offers.  My training is in Person Centred Counselling which means that I take my lead from the client, putting them at the centre of the work.  I am an Integrative therapist which means that I draw on a range of counselling and psychotherapy models in client sessions.  It is important to me that I take my lead from the client first and foremost.  The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society which is a membership body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK, has this to say about what counselling might be defined as:-

 

“Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their feelings, needs and problems in a safe, structured, confidential setting. The foundation of effective counselling is providing clients with a professional therapeutic relationship based on non-judgmental respect and offering empathic understanding. Counsellors may employ a number of additional ways of working to further support their clients’ healing and development.”

 

Let’s see if I can break that down a little.  Talking Therapy is where the client will be able to talk about whatever is causing them issues in their life in respect of their feelings, thoughts and behaviours.  Counsellors work to a set of ethical principles usually set by their membership body.  These principles are strongly upheld and adhered to.  This includes creating a non-judgemental environment to allow the client to say whatever they are needing to in a way that suits them best.   Sessions are confidential.  However, if a counsellor feels that there is a significant danger to either the client or others, then to ensure everyone’s safety, it may be necessary to speak to other professionals.  The client, wherever possible, will be informed of what is going to happen.  Maintaining a respectful and collaborative relationship between the counsellor and client is as important as anything else so that the therapeutic relationship can be created and maintained.  I hope that you have found this helpful and feel able to contact me to discuss your counselling needs.  Linda