Tag Archives: autonomy

Ending of counselling relationship

You will often read about contracting at the beginning of a counselling relationship – creating safe boundaries and ensuring that the clients are aware of the expectations of the counselling sessions. You do not hear much about ending of the counselling relationship.

Endings are just as important to think about. After a strong therapeutic relationship, clients may struggle with endings. Some may choose to end by not coming to more sessions.

Endings in time limited work

To maintain client’s autonomy, Continue reading →

Boundaries in counselling

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With the recent report of two therapists being abused by another counsellor in a counselling relationship, I can imagine it has made people wonder if they are safe with their present therapist. It could also make potential clients wonder how to ensure that their therapist will not take advantage of them. It was clear in this case that the boundaries in counselling were broken. The topic does open the debate of whether the professional organisations, such as British Association of Counselling (BACP), should be regulated to ensure all clients are protected in counselling. At the moment regulation appears to be not on the immediate agenda. It is therefore important for us therapists and counsellors to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what to expect from us.