The Role of a Counsellor

What is the role of a Counsellor

“What does a counsellor do?” is one of the most difficult for a counsellor to respond to. Simply answering “I listen” does do a counsellor justice. Counsellors do in deed listen but they do so in a scientific and very deliberate and structured way. In a general conversation both parties will contribute. However, the listening in a counselling relationship is much more one-sided. The basic act of listening can be profoundly therapeutic.

Counsellor’s try to read their clients to enable them to create a setting in which they will feel safe to explore their most inner thoughts. A counsellor will concentrate their attention solely on the client, so that, in effect, what is personally concerning to them becomes personally concerning to the counsellor. It is important that a counsellor doesn’t bombard the client with a lot of questions. Offering a response that is reflective, even meditative at times, can help deeper concerns rise to the surface, and can gradually inform the client that this is not a setting in which a counsellor is going to be making judgements about right and wrong.

Clients seeking counselling for the first time can feel blissful relief at receiving such full and much-needed attention; others may feel very anxious about revealing their most inner thoughts and experiences for fear of being judged. It is important to remember that as a counsellor it is their role not just to listen to the actual words spoken by the client, but to also read the hidden meanings, verbal, intuitive or physical, that the client is communicating, and to feed them back in a form this is not judgemental, but emphatic and understanding of the real, original cause of the presenting problem. It is important that a counsellor builds a relationship with their client.

Book An Appointment

Please note: All therapists are self-employed and availability will depend on each individual.

How you can obtain counselling

Counselling can be received in a variety of different formats. Seeking help can be difficult for clients that’s why at The Regency Practice our counsellors offer a wide range of counselling formats to ensure we can cater for your needs.

If you are considering counselling in Cheltenham, useful information can be found by visiting The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

counselling in cheltenham
counselling cheltenham