“Why Is the Initial Consultation so Important?

2365 Words10 Pages
Student Name: Deborah Hopper Course Code: READI1A 13 Course Tutor: Amreeta Chapman Word Count: 2,173 Essay Title: “Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time? “Therapists of any kind are in a powerful position” (Heap and Dryden:1991) due to the fact that anyone seeking help will already be in a vulnerable place. It is up to the therapist to ‘help’ that individual and yet protect themselves. Therefore, it is essential for any professional therapist to ensure that they follow a safe and recognised protocol for the protection of all involved. This begins at the Initial Consultation, a ‘mandatory’ part of the process according to Karle and Boys (2010). However, there is currently no legislation with regard to public control of practitioners including counsellors, psychotherapists and hypnotists. The only formal control on such an individual is the common law ‘duty of care’ and commercial law (Heap and Dryden:1991). There are several accredited bodies to which practitioners may choose to become members, but it is not obligatory. Also there is a Code of Ethics of which the regulations ‘are designed to avoid the misdirection of clients’ (Code of Ethics: National Hypnotherapy Society: Accredited Voluntary Register). Following the code of ethics is not a legal requirement. In this essay I will explain what is meant by an initial consultation and describe how it assists both client and therapist. I will then demonstrate some of the ethical issues therapists are challenged with and how these can relate to the initial consultation. Finally I will highlight the importance of the initial consultation and what factors a therapist shall incorporate in order to remain professional and ethical at all times. First impressions are made in the first few seconds

More about “Why Is the Initial Consultation so Important?

Open Document