Most people at some time in their lives will take on the role of a Mental Health Counsellor. A friend may ask for advice. This can cover relationships; breakups or bullying. Even the loss of loved ones. In fact just about every subject a professional counsellor would cover.
There is a difference in asking a friend for understanding or advice. Rather than asking the help of a Professional Counsellor. It is not just the specialist training of the professional. More importantly, it is their successful ability to not get emotionally involved.
A counsellor in their professional development draws on a vast range of counselling resources. Resources, that create the correct conditions to help the client.
This article provides an attempt to define the concept of counselling outcomes. Together with the role played by the counsellor.
Successful Mental Health Counselling demands commitment. It is such a broad term because of its diversities. Counselling can mean different things to any individual.
Perhaps turning to the Oxford Dictionary will provide a good definition. `The provision of professional help and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems.`
Still quite vague content for defining mental health and clinical practice. What about one of the professional counselling bodies how do they define it? The European Association for Counselling has a definition that reads. `Counselling is an interactive learning process contracted between counsellor and client. Be they individuals, families, groups or institutions. Approaching in a holistic way, social, cultural, economic and/or emotional issues.`
As you can see this is a two-way contract between the professional and the client on an equal basis. It is not like going to the doctors expecting an analysis of your condition. Followed by a recommendation how to put it right.
The whole basis of a counselling session is to help the enquirer see things more clearly. Possibly from a different point of view.
Why is this the concept of counselling?
It is the role of the counsellor, although situated in a clinical practice, to create an environment of trust and confidence. To help the client to focus on their feelings and or experiences to facilitate a positive change in their behaviour or expectation.
The most important experience a person must have is confidentiality. A good professional will explain their policy covering confidentiality. What is said in the therapy room stays in the therapy room?
Is there a time this may not be the case?
A counsellor during research, training and professional development gain knowledge of a range of therapies. They cannot specialise in every one. In explaining information about the business when covering confidentiality the counsellor may explain that they could need to refer the client on to another therapist. This would be only after discussing, why, with the client and agreeing with them that it is in their best interest to do so. Such an action would only be carried out if they give their express permission to be referred.
There is another situation where the general rule of confidentiality may be considered inappropriate. The counsellor may be required by law to disclose information if they think that there is a risk to life.
These explanations are given to strengthen the bonds of trust and confidentiality. At all times full disclosure is given. The client is encouraged to express their feelings about any action before it is taken.
What a counsellor should not do?
They do not give advice by drawing on their experience of how they reacted to a situation like that of the client.
A good counsellor will never be judgemental no matter what factors the client reveals. They will never encourage them to behave in a way another client may have behaved when faced a similar situation. Unlike when talking to a friend or a relative a counsellor will never get emotionally involved. The counsellor will never look at the situation from their own perspective. They will have empathy and this will be expressed by encouraging the client to talk openly and frankly about their feelings and emotions.
