STUDY NOTE 1 for PYC3705
Theme: Principles of checking-in, building rapport (relationship) confidentiality and informed
consent within counselling
Counselling is a professional activity and as such it is important that at the beginning both parties are clear
about what is on offer. Rapport can be understood as a harmonious or empathic relationship. The
development of rapport starts with the initial contact and continues throughout the counselling process.
Effective rapport is crucial for individuals seeking counselling, as this may be the first encounter with a
professional counsellor and this interaction may either encourage or discourage the client from seeking
counselling in the future or following up for subsequent counselling sessions.
So after meeting your counsellor and chatting through what your difficulties are, the counsellor will invite
you to make a ‘contract’ this is basically an agreement which can be verbal or written, it sets out clearly
what the counsellor is offering so you the client can make an informed decision on whether to proceed or
not.
o Engaged with the client during initial contact
o Opening up the counselling space
o Making an assessment on the client
o Negotiated of the counselling contract together with the client
o Preparation for the session both internally and externally
Contracting issues to be considered in order to set the terms of engagement between the counsellor and
client:
A contract will usually cover the following areas;
Time and day/s of session/s.
Duration of the session
How many sessions are available
What approach the counsellor uses
Fee (if a paid service)
Cancellation policies
How long you notes will be kept for, who can see them, and how they will be disposed of.
Complaints procedure
Confidentiality
Checking and verifying client expectations:
As a client you would expect a counsellor to offer confidentiality; however there are some exceptions to
confidentiality. Exceptions are disclosures such as:
Harm to self, harm to others, (this is usually the policy of organisations who employ counsellors).
Money laundering, Acts of terrorism, Drug Trafficking’ Child protection issues’ which the counsellor has a
legal obligation to disclose.
Theme: Principles of checking-in, building rapport (relationship) confidentiality and informed
consent within counselling
Counselling is a professional activity and as such it is important that at the beginning both parties are clear
about what is on offer. Rapport can be understood as a harmonious or empathic relationship. The
development of rapport starts with the initial contact and continues throughout the counselling process.
Effective rapport is crucial for individuals seeking counselling, as this may be the first encounter with a
professional counsellor and this interaction may either encourage or discourage the client from seeking
counselling in the future or following up for subsequent counselling sessions.
So after meeting your counsellor and chatting through what your difficulties are, the counsellor will invite
you to make a ‘contract’ this is basically an agreement which can be verbal or written, it sets out clearly
what the counsellor is offering so you the client can make an informed decision on whether to proceed or
not.
o Engaged with the client during initial contact
o Opening up the counselling space
o Making an assessment on the client
o Negotiated of the counselling contract together with the client
o Preparation for the session both internally and externally
Contracting issues to be considered in order to set the terms of engagement between the counsellor and
client:
A contract will usually cover the following areas;
Time and day/s of session/s.
Duration of the session
How many sessions are available
What approach the counsellor uses
Fee (if a paid service)
Cancellation policies
How long you notes will be kept for, who can see them, and how they will be disposed of.
Complaints procedure
Confidentiality
Checking and verifying client expectations:
As a client you would expect a counsellor to offer confidentiality; however there are some exceptions to
confidentiality. Exceptions are disclosures such as:
Harm to self, harm to others, (this is usually the policy of organisations who employ counsellors).
Money laundering, Acts of terrorism, Drug Trafficking’ Child protection issues’ which the counsellor has a
legal obligation to disclose.
