Transformative counselling Assignment #1
QUESTION 1 What is a helping relationship in Counselling ?
The helping relationship is a persistent process in counselling. There must be a relationship present
from the first meeting and should continue through to termination. The helping relationship has four
developmental stages. Initial development to termination and a follow-up. An important attribute of
the helping relationship is the basic conditions by which all sessions should focus on would
contribute to the relationship. The fundamental conditions should include: empathy, understanding,
respect and cultural awareness (Brammer & MacDonald, 2003)
Purkey and Schmidt (1987) researched established three stages in building the helping relationship.
First: preparation, includes having the desire for a relationship, expecting good things, preparing for
the setting, and reading the situation. Second: initiating responding, which includes choosing
caringly, acting appropriately, honouring the client, and ensuring reception. Third: follow-up which
includes interpreting responses, negotiating positions, evaluating the process, and developing trust.
(Purkey, 1987)
QUESTION 2 Why is Counselling different to other helping relationships?
According to the British association of counselling and psychology-"Counselling takes place when a
counsellor sees clients in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having,
distress they may be experiencing, their dissatisfaction with life, or their loss of a sense of direction
and purpose." (BACP, 2020)
Counselling is a professional activity which is based on a contractual relationship where the client
has provided consent and both parties understand their role. Counselling happens at the request of
the client
Counsellors can’t enforce their own ideas or have their emotions interfere There should be no
conditions or expectations on their clients.
QUESTION 1 What is a helping relationship in Counselling ?
The helping relationship is a persistent process in counselling. There must be a relationship present
from the first meeting and should continue through to termination. The helping relationship has four
developmental stages. Initial development to termination and a follow-up. An important attribute of
the helping relationship is the basic conditions by which all sessions should focus on would
contribute to the relationship. The fundamental conditions should include: empathy, understanding,
respect and cultural awareness (Brammer & MacDonald, 2003)
Purkey and Schmidt (1987) researched established three stages in building the helping relationship.
First: preparation, includes having the desire for a relationship, expecting good things, preparing for
the setting, and reading the situation. Second: initiating responding, which includes choosing
caringly, acting appropriately, honouring the client, and ensuring reception. Third: follow-up which
includes interpreting responses, negotiating positions, evaluating the process, and developing trust.
(Purkey, 1987)
QUESTION 2 Why is Counselling different to other helping relationships?
According to the British association of counselling and psychology-"Counselling takes place when a
counsellor sees clients in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having,
distress they may be experiencing, their dissatisfaction with life, or their loss of a sense of direction
and purpose." (BACP, 2020)
Counselling is a professional activity which is based on a contractual relationship where the client
has provided consent and both parties understand their role. Counselling happens at the request of
the client
Counsellors can’t enforce their own ideas or have their emotions interfere There should be no
conditions or expectations on their clients.
