The counsellor-client relationship is important for the therapeutic process. It is crucial that the client trusts their counsellor so they can easily discuss issues. The counsellor provides a safe, regular space for the client to support them through difficult emotions. If personal information is kept confidential, the client will feel safe sharing more with the counsellor. The counsellor's role is to gently encourage exploration of the client's life and feelings through open conversation in a non-judgmental way. Without confidentiality, the counsellor-client relationship lacks a firm foundation.

1. The counsellor and client
The relationship between the counsellor and client
is very important for the therapeutic process. It is
crucial that the client feels that they can trust their
counsellor – this will enable them to discuss any
issues more easily.
The counsellor can offer a safe, regular space
to support the client through any difficult
emotions that may come up. If the client
knows that personal information discussed
is held in confidence they will feel safe and
comfortable with the counsellor and self-
disclosure is much more likely to happen.
The counsellor’s role is to gently encourage
the client to explore aspects of their life
and feelings, by talking openly and freely.
Talking in this way is rarely possible with
family, friends or support workers who may
be emotionally involved and have opinions
and biases that could be unhelpful to the
therapeutic benefits of counselling. Without
confidentiality the client/counsellor relationship
has no firm foundation.
The therapist works with a person-centered approach
– they will support the client to realise their own ability
for self healing and personal growth. The counsellor will
not give advice, criticise or judge. They will treat the client with
acceptance, respect, empathy and honesty. They are a member of
the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) and
adhere to its ethical framework for good practice in counselling.
Talking Therapy for the Supported
COUNSELLING
WHAT IS COUNSELLING
Counselling is a talking therapy that enables a person
to talk about any issues that are troubling them.
A counselling session offers a safe and confidential
place in which a client can explore difficult feelings
that may be confusing, stressful or painful.
It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears
with someone. The act of focusing on uncomfortable
emotions or experiences in a non-judgmental space
can enable the client to see things more clearly and
encourages positive change.
The aim of counselling is to empower the client to
give them the confidence to make their own choices
and decisions.

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Confidentiality
Counselling requires a relationship
of trust. Confidentiality is paramount
to successful counselling and the
wellbeing and safety of the client is first
and foremost.
Counsellors have a policy on
confidentiality so they may be required by
law to disclose information if they believe
that there is a risk to life. The policy will
be explained at the beginning of the
client’s first session and the counsellor
will support the client to understand the
confidentiality agreement.
The counsellor is monitored by a
external supervisor. This is to ensure
safe practice and is a requirement of the
BACP regulations. They attend regular
supervision meetings in which the client
may be mentioned. If they are, no names
will be given and only information relevant
to their specific concern will be discussed.
If the client discloses abuse or the
counsellor believes the client or
others are at risk they will report their
concerns. The counsellor will endeavour
to obtain the client’s permission so
they can have their input and that their
wishes are upheld. If permission is not
possible the counsellor will continue
with the safeguarding procedure.
If you have any questions regarding
confidentiality please do not hesitate to
contact us.
What to expect
During a counselling session the
counsellor may encourage the client
to examine parts of their life that they
may have found difficult or impossible
to face before. The therapist will offer a
safe, welcoming, confidential space for
them to talk.
Therapy is a very personal process
– talking about painful feelings and
making difficult decisions. The client
may go through a period of feeling very
low before they start to feel better. It is
important that they continue with the
therapy so that it can enable them to
feel better. They may feel awkward or
nervous but it will get easier. Sometimes
they may feel upset, angry or sad – the
therapist will support them through
this. It may take a few sessions before
counselling starts to make a difference.
• The client can come to talk to the
therapist at a set time.
• Sessions are usually 50 minutes but
times can be arranged to suit the needs
and requirements of the client.
• Some people see their therapist once a
week but a routine can be agreed that
is right for the client.
• The therapist can offer a range
of therapeutic approaches to suit
the client.
• This can include: face-to-face talking
therapy, creative therapy using art
materials and eco therapy, which
involves taking advantage of the
wonderful outdoor environment
by walking or spending time sitting
outside.The sessions can be tailored to
suit the individual needs and requests
of the client.
Counselling can help with:
• Abuse • Family issues
• Anger • Low self-confidence
• Anxiety • Low self-esteem
• Bereavement • Relationship issues
• Bullying • Self harm
• Depression • Stress
• Fear • Suicidal thoughts
Counselling can help the client feel
less stressed and less anxious and
therefore more confident and in control
of their life – so they can have better
relationships with family and friends.
When clients are referred to therapy it is
often for a specific reason – for example,
challenging behaviour. It may be the
intention of the referrer to reduce this
behaviour. This may not be the aim of the
client or the counsellor!
The aim of the counsellor is to encourage
the client to express themselves and share
their worries. In doing so it is hoped that
any internal conflicts and distress the
client is experiencing will be reduced – in
turn lowering any anxiety or stress that
can lead to challenging behaviour.
Useful links
www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk
www.bacp.co.uk
www.facebook.com/communitylifedesign
www.newleaf.uk.com
We have produced, and made available,
an accompanying leaflet to help explain
counselling to the supported.
Community Interest Company Registered No. 8652565
To organise a meeting with a
counsellor, the supported can contact
us directly or their carers can call on
their behalf.
Carers can attend
the first meeting
if this makes the
client feel more
comfortable.
You will receive
a warm and
friendly welcome.
07590 684888
email: communitylifedesign@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/communitylifedesign