Interesting research results indicate that sixty percent of private practice dynamically oriented psychotherapy clients feel that their therapy either lasted too long or ended too soon. Is it the case that money, or patience, run out?
One of Carl Rogers’ most important contributions to counselling theory and practice was to give up the idea of having goals, and be open to following whatever direction the client might uncover, wherever it might lead. What about Item 4, then: “It is important to discuss your goals with you. What brought you here? What do you hope to achieve?”
Finding, cultivating, even celebrating an ability to accept ourselves in all our messy imperfection is a major element of counselling. The idea of the perfect counsellor is one which we need to dispel, rather than apologising for not living up to it.
More thoughts on the Counsellor’s Creed. Item 2: I will make my values known to you, and will endeavour to be professionally competent at all times.
Thoughts on the Counsellor’s Creed, which has been making the rounds. Item 1: I will give you my undivided attention. However, I cannot be your parent, spouse, or lover, nor can I be master or servant. I’m just me, and I’ll be as real as I can.
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