Counselling Session

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ADVANCED COUNSELLING SKILLS 1.Understand the process of a series of counselling sessions. 1.1Identify the stages of a series of counselling sessions. The counselling relationship should have a clear start middle and an end, the beginning is when the relationship starts and trust is built forming a working alliance for the client to start sharing their anxieties and concerns that have bought them to the counselling room, the middle is when the counsellor explores with the client the feelings, beliefs and patterns that have been noticed by the counsellor, then looking for a way forward that the client feels is achievable for them, also to identify any areas that are causing problems might allow the relationship to move forward , including…show more content…
A working agreement is very important and imperative that it is put in place and consists of a contract given at the beginning of the relationship between the counsellor and client which will take place at the very first session together, explaining the times of the sessions, how long they will run for, and how many sessions there will be, a contact number if a counselling appointment should have to be cancelled, checking understanding with your client that they are aware what will happen each week will avoid any misunderstandings occurring , a working agreement provides professional and safe boundaries for the counsellor and client to work within, with the structure and guidelines also from the ethical framework to follow, this ensures the counsellor can assist their clients on their journey, If there were to be no working agreement or boundaries set in place the relationship could not be held professionally in place, with both parties not knowing where they stood with no structure to follow, mistakes could be made from boundaries being crossed, either party taking advantage of one another through manipulation leaving many areas unprotected and open to disaster that may never be…show more content…
I felt that the opening of the session could have been conducted in a much more relaxed way I felt very nervous and shaky, I will defiantly look into how I could be more relaxed in this situation as it does affect the way in which I put myself across, I felt my face go red with embarrassment when I started as I fiddled with my hands, and I said erm quite a lot whilst going through the contract. A few minutes in I did feel myself begin to relax more and was able to forget I was being filmed so under the circumstances I surprised myself that I was able to remember everything and cover all the relevant points within the contract and put it across effectively, making sure that I mentioned that I was a student counsellor and would be following the ethical framework, explaining confidentiality and the only reasons that it would have to be broken, making sure Michelle was aware of the housekeeping facilities, during the health and general welfare questions Michelle said that she had received previous counselling which she felt had helped, generally no medical concerns were shared. I checked with Michelle that she had understood each section, which I felt was good as I was then aware that Michelle was clear about what had been explained to her and what to expect from our sessions and the counselling relationship. I feel that the opening of the session was effective, covering all the relevant points, I felt that Michelle
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