The Therapeutic Relationship
or the Therapeutic Alliance as it’s often referred to as is central to counselling.
My own experience of counselling has had a profound effect on me because it has shaped the way I work with clients as a counsellor.
I truly believe that the therapeutic relationship that is formed between client and counsellor is the vehicle that can help us to heal and bring about change.
This relationship is a unique alliance that is formed between yourself and the counsellor. It’s a space where you are able to express yourself freely without feeling the need to filter out what you think or feel.
We often do this in our everyday relationships because we fear being judged by others or that we might upset them or hurt their feelings.
The relationship with your counsellor is impartial as they do not have associations with your past or external relationships.
When you first speak to or meet your counsellor for the first time there should be a sense that the counsellor cares, has warmth and compassion and that they are genuine and empathic. It’s important that you feel heard and not judged.
All of these core characteristics will help to foster a trust in the counsellor, the therapeutic relationship and the process of counselling.
The counsellor should also be open to answering any questions or concerns you might have when you first meet and throughout the counselling process.
Counselling is a space where we can just be ourselves, who we are and where we are right now.
My Counselling space is a confidential place where you can speak freely. Within this space we can together explore and work through the difficulties you are experiencing.
Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what is causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
Where else in our everyday lives can we find such a space and unique alliance?
Irving Yalom is quoted as saying:
“It’s the relationship that heals, the relationship that heals, the relationship that heals-my professional rosary.”
Irvin D. Yalom, Love's Executioner
The most important aspect for you as a client is finding a counsellor that you are able to relate to.
If you feel counselling could help you please contact me for a free of charge no obligation 20 minute telephone consultation to see how I could help you.
Counselling is an investment in yourself because you matter!
