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How do you start a counselling session with a client?
Greet the client with a smile and, if you feel comfortable, small talk, but keep it very brief. They may have something big on their mind they want to discuss, so avoid distractions by keeping it light and simple. Keep your pace slightly behind the client, allowing yourself time to think before you intervene. Remember the skill of silence – make sure the client is leading the session. Trust that the client will find their own way when given the space and patience they require. Reflect and summarize. Another way to end a session gracefully is to reflect and summarize. Reflect the important message in the client’s last statement, tie that back into the overall theme(s) of the session or relevant takeaways, and then translate that into a practical action step or question to ponder for the week. In summarising, the counsellor attends to verbal and non-verbal comments from the client over a period of time, and then pulls together key parts of the extended communication, restating them for the client as accurately as possible.
What do you say at the beginning of a counselling session?
In my teletherapy sessions with first-time clients, I’ll greet them by name, introduce myself, and tell them it’s great to see them. I’ll also ask where they are and if anyone else is in the room with them, just to ensure their privacy. “Thank you for trusting me with this. That really means a lot.” “This must be hard to talk about. Thanks for opening up to me.” Over the years, I’ve learned that helping clients understand what is going to happen during their first appointment (often called the “intake session”) can be greatly helpful in putting them at ease and starting our relationship off on a warm and welcoming note.
What is the introduction of counselling?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment. A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes). They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings you have. Counsellors listen to, empathise with, encourage and help to empower individuals. The nature of problems encountered varies according to the setting and could include, for example, depression, anxiety, the need to manage harmful emotions and behaviours, or difficulties with coping with traumatic experience and events. The counsellor listens to the person’s concerns in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. Together, the counsellor and the client try to find ways for the client to cope and/or feel better about themselves and their situation. This may result in a more satisfying and manageable life. Supervision in counselling is when a counsellor uses the services of another counsellor or psychotherapist to review the way they work with their clients. Supervision is a requirement by the BACP to ensure all counsellors in practice are keeping their skills up to date and that they work in a safe and ethical way. Developing an empathetic connection with each client is key to moving forward in the therapeutic process, and is the core of an effective counselor-client relationship. Being able to sense what clients are thinking and feeling and relate to them by showing warmth, acceptance, and empathy are cornerstones of effective therapy. You can learn about and improve interpersonal skills and empathy by downloading our Emotional Intelligence Exercises.
How do I start a counseling session with students?
In the first counseling session, make sure students know why they are coming to counseling and the purpose of the activities. Ask yourself, is it something that they want to work on or something everyone else wants them to work on? In that first session, work with students to set goals they are motivated to meet. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. When school counselors are accountable for their programs, this supports the effectiveness and necessity of school counselors in all schools. School counselors conduct needs assessments to identify areas to address in their programs. A counselor is a qualified individual who uses counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues. Their duties include listening to patients, developing treatment plans, and creating coping strategies. Effective counselling will be successful when the mental health practitioner can connect with the person who is going through difficulties. And to achieve that connection, it is essential to be respectful and non-judgmental. As a Counsellor, you’ll always need to respect your patients’ beliefs and struggles.