2067 words WHY IS THE INITIAL CONSULTATION SO IMPORTANT? WHAT FACTORS WILL AN ETHICAL THERAPIST COVER AT THIS TIME? BY “Sometimes you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.” Y Woon The initial consultation before therapy is one of the most important parts of the whole procedure, as this will form the basis of therapy. This Essay is written to address some of the ethical issues which may arise at the time of the initial consultation. It is the most important meeting and these issues addressed should be of benefit to both parties.
Isla Mills Cardia 12 Word count 2176 Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time? This essay will determine the reasons why the initial consultation is so important and will discuss the factors that an ethical therapist will cover during that time. The initial consultation is probably one of the most crucial aspects in hypnotherapy as it can determine the dynamics involved in, and the eventual success of the hypnotherapy. The initial consultation can be a very powerful tool for both the client and the hypnotherapist (Allen P Roger 2004).
Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time? Introduction The initial consultation is probably the most crucial aspect of Hypnotherapy. Everything from the interpersonal dynamics to the eventual success of the intervention has a basis in the first meeting between client and therapist. The client’s decision to remain engaged with the therapeutic process will be determined by factors from this early stage.
This information will aid the hypnotherapist in building a rapport with the patient; also allow a connection trust to be formed. Of course the information acquired on the patient is the key to the initial assessment and to establish if the therapist is necessary but inevitably it comes down to the therapist and their manner. The reason why an ethical therapist would offer a free initial consultation is because it would show the commitment to the client through devoting their time to them, to talk, get to know them and make them feel comfortable. A hypnotherapist can find out why the client has come to see them, what their problems are and whether or not hypnotherapy is right for them, and whether they have had hypnotherapy before if not then the therapist can explain to the client what hypnotherapy is and how it can help them, they also will need to find out whether they are on medication or not, and to see if they will need their gp’s permission before giving hypnotherapy. The first consultation can be free and last up to 30 minutes.
“Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time? The initial consultation is probably one of the most crucial aspects in counselling and hypnotherapy. This is because it can determine the dynamics involved in, and the eventual success of, the ensuing therapy sessions. This essay will determine the reasons why this preliminary meeting, discussion and assessment is so important and will discuss the factors that an ethical therapist will cover during that time.
ESSAY Building rapport is often considered one of the most important aspects of a hypnotherapists work, discuss Building rapport with your client begins the instant you meet them. We all know about first impressions and how they shape what someone thinks about us but in terms of a therapist/client relationship there are no second chances at the first impression. If you are to successfully build rapport between you and your client then you must be aware of and address any initial obstacles that could hinder the rapport building process, for example the therapist must ask themselves questions such as ‘’am I dressed appropriately?” If the therapist is dressed in a sharp black suit for instance, then this would portray power (we have all come across the term ‘power dressing’) and the client would feel immediately intimidated. To facilitate the building of rapport the therapist’s aim would be to make the client feel equal. In the same respect, how we conduct ourselves as therapist is also key to this.
Both clients and therapist benefit from the treatment plan as it helps both to focus and think about the therapy outcomes. As clear objectives are set ones client can channel their efforts into achieving specific changes that will lead to long term goal or problem resolution. The assessment process is an integral part of beginning to formulate a treatment plan. Noticing how the client is along with what they are saying, and recognising that the real reason that brings one to therapy may not emerge until much later in the relationship with the client. Berne emphasised the importance of the very first moments with a client (Berne, 1961).
For the Hypnotherapist the Initial consultation is really about gathering Information, exploring the client’s history and really deciding ‘can I treat this person?’ So let’s take a look at each aspect of the initial consultation and the how each in term plays itself within this first meeting. The Ethical Factors (Within Initial Consultation) I feel that the primary ethical question that as Hypnotherapist is ‘Should I be treating this person’ Responsible, reputable Hypnotherapists will be able to answer this question once an initial consultation has taken place. Its why asking the right questions which we will look at later plays such an important role, for its only by gathering the correct information that both the client and the hypnotherapist will feel confident to progress to having treatment. Hypnotherapists need to be aware of their limitations of their training and experience and work within these limits and when available take advantage of professional support. In most cases the hypnotherapist will be able to help the client, if not they need to be able to have a system in place where they can refer clients to
For the hypnotherapist the initial consultation is all about gathering information, exploring the client’s history and most importantly deciding on an ethical level ‘can I treat this person?’ So let’s take a look at each aspect of what the initial consultation entails and how each in turn takes place within the first meeting. The Initial Contact between the Hypnotherapist and the Client. Meeting someone for the first time in a therapeutic setting can be daunting for some, so it is the hypnotherapist’s responsibility to ensure that the client feels at ease at the very first point of contact. I feel also by congratulating them for seeking treatment in the first place sets the conversation on a positive note. The client needs to feel that they are dealing with a professional and that they are interested in what they have to say and accepting of their situation, but also important that they feel they can trust in the abilities of the hypnotherapist and that the treatment shall be kept confidential.
Whether this is more effective and produces better results is a question open to debate. During a hypnotherapy session it is key that the client feels relaxed and comfortable, and the therapist needs to enable the client to have confidence in the process. Heap describes hypnosis as an ‘interaction between two people’ and also goes on to suggest ‘ therapists’ actions and communications should contribute to the creation of appropriate expectations, thus maximising the patients receptivity to suggestion’ (Heap, 2010, pg.2). A trusting relationship between therapist and patient is important to understand the client and their needs to resolve the issues they have sought your expertise. When undergoing hypnosis, an induction is required to ensure that the subject is sufficiently relaxed to experience the process fully.