Counselling Reflection

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As a successful professional counselling relationship develops and progresses, according to Pete Sanders the client and counsellor work through “three different stages”. This could be described as beginnings, middles and endings. In the beginning the counsellor shows acceptance, genuineness and empathy when exploring the issues while also building trust and establishing the relationship. In order to do this the counsellor must respond accurately. Observing and sensing what the speaker is feeling then reflecting and summarising back; in order to clarify understanding; but to also reassure the speaker they have the counsellor’s full attention. Once the relationship moves onto the next level all the same skills are used as in the beginning but…show more content…
I reflected this back and explained to the speaker I felt they were perhaps anxious and agitated about the topic being discussed. The speaker was not aware that they were expressing any from of body language and agreed with the feelings suggested. This reflection then enabled us to carry on and explore these feelings further. “Stereotyping and prejudice are natural human behaviours” (COSCA HANDOUT). In order to protect the speaker and the counsellor throughout the helping process, ensuring justice, fairness and non-discriminatory practice to both parties, a code of ethical framework is followed. The counsellor will also have regular supervision sessions to explore and address any conscious or unconscious feelings they may experience. The Counselling group I am part of developed a “Working contract” at the beginning of the course. This agreement is what the participants of the group expect from each…show more content…
Humans naturally form social groups and identities. These groups may have common conscious or unconscious values or morals. With this individuals are exposed and may become vulnerable to influencing factors encouraging them to conform or adopt the group values and beliefs. In the helping profession, in order for the counsellor to support the client effectively the counsellor must show and feel acceptance regardless of the issue; even if it contradicts or disagrees with their morals and values. On occasion there are self-awareness unexplored problem areas that the counsellor encounters with a client. This could be the counsellor struggling to show acceptance to the client as they are discussing a belief with the opposite opinions of the counsellor. Transference and counter transference (where the client or counsellor see traits of individuals personal to them for various reasons and experience conscious or unconscious feelings towards the other) is also a problem are in counselling which continuous training and supervision sessions are needed to reflect on and discuss supported clients. This is a chance for the counsellor to discuss and reflect on their work with a supervisor. An opportunity to explore feelings, prejudges or develop self-awareness is essential to empower the counsellor to support their clients safely, positively and
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