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.
The initial consultation will usually be the first time that the client and therapist meet and therefore represents an opportunity for the therapist to assess the client and assimilate relevant information regarding a treatment strategy. Based on this, the therapist will be able to make an informed decision, firstly as to whether to proceed with therapy, and secondly how to proceed with therapy. The initial consultation is therefore vitally important if therapy is to be effective, beneficial and ethical. Clearly the more information that can be gathered regarding the client’s problem, the more the causes can be understood and the better the problem can then be defined and resolved [4]. As well as the initial consultation providing an assessment forum for the therapist, it should be remembered that the client will also make judgements relating to the therapist.
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 such an important factor in the treatment of clients because it allows an insight in to the client’s needs and reasons for attending for treatment. The more information that can be gleaned at the initial interview the better it will be for the therapist to provide the most effective treatment for that particular individual. The initial consultation is a chance for the person receiving therapy to understand is going to happen during hypnosis and what they can expect from the treatment An initial consultation form could be sent to clients to fill and return before the interview in order to give the therapist a better idea of the questions to ask when they meet.
The initial consultation can be a very powerful tool for both the client and the hypnotherapist (Allen P Roger 2004). First impressions will be formed during the initial conversation between the client and the hypnotherapist. It is where the client can tell the hypnotherapist about themselves and can also learn about the hypnotherapist therefore leading the client to decide whether hypnotherapy is the right cause of action for them. Potential clients may be hesitant, nervous, and or sceptical about the idea of hypnosis (Allen P Roger 2004). They may have certain preconceptions of hypnotism from how it is often portrayed in the media and for entertainment purposes etc and so the initial consultation enables the therapist to walk the client through the processes involved in hypnotherapy and to explain how it can help the client and hopefully alleviate any fears that the client may have so that the client feels comfortable and safe (Allen P Roger 2004)..
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.
Through this identification, the reader will attain a greater understanding of the requirements needed for competent mental health counseling. Role of Researcher Mental health counselors aside from specializations must be informed about the people whom they work for. Understanding the characteristics of their clientele, counselors seek to understand interests, attitudes, personalities and intelligent quotients (Sherpis, et.al., 2010). One method used to attain reliable and accurate data can be demonstrated through research within these areas. Variables within data both quantitative and qualitative must be approached from an unbiased perspective aimed at seeking relevancy to these clients.
When I look into the future and envision my career as a human service professional, I hope to be an effective and successful clinician. My personal model of helping includes pieces from several person-centered theories and includes high-lights from behaviorism, rational-emotive therapy, and reality theories. My view point was formed from multiple techniques and methods that I have chosen. I used several different theories and therapies since I feel that one theory or one form of therapy does not encompass everything that I believe to be important for a clinician to successfully treat a patient in need. In order to be an effective helper and human service professional, one must be open to many different schools of thought.
We not only look different but we have different characters built on base of genes preferences, as well the influences of our parents and friends, schools, age and life experience. This is why it is so important when making the first contact with our clients. We have to be able to gain their trust and get as much information about their history, their likes and dislikes, background, hobby’s, fears, allergies, history of illness and if possible medication. Initial consultation is a time for acquiring information and finding out client’s history in order to personalize an induction. A person's preferences and modalities are not always stable and can change in order to a situation.
Some individuals enjoy having their own space and no one to answer to, thus making a relationship seem irrelevant. The single lifestyle is unique and welcomes all ages and isn’t prejudice against race, gender, class, or religion. Being single gives the individual a perception of ‘freedom’ and the capability to regulate their schedule as they see fit. A common observation of someone who is single entertains fewer relationship responsibilities, aggravations and or stress-related issues than a person in a committed relationship. The single option gives the opportunity to focus on possibly a career and or pressing wants and needs.