COUNSELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY

Running head: COUNSELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY
COUNSELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY
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COUNSELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY1
Introduction
The success of counselling lies in the development of a therapeutic relationship between
the counsellor and the client (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). The following sections will briefly
discuss upon the importance of a therapeutic relationship in counselling.
Discussion
Part A
It must be asserted that, indeed, “the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone” for
success in counselling (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). For better understanding of the argument in
support of this assertion, it is imperative to first understand the basic principles underlying a
therapeutic relationship. A therapeutic relation, named also as a ‘working alliance’ or
‘therapeutic alliance’ is characterized by the development of a relationship between a client and a
healthcare professional, in this case, the counsellor, for the purpose of positive client-counsellor
engagement and fulfilment of overall objectives of inducing positive change within the client
(Flasch et al., 2019). An optimum therapeutic relationship between a counsellor and a client is
characterized by feelings of mutual respect, trust and collaborative agreement to achieve
treatment goals. It is worthwhile to remember that the foundational goal of counselling is
targeted towards improvement of the client’s existing mental health status. To ensure the same,
the development of a therapeutic relationship is essential since it will encourage positive
perceptions where the client will feel that his or her personal grievances are being respected
which in turn, will facilitate the client to better communicate his or her mental healthcare needs
and expectations (Nienhuis et al., 2018).

COUNSELLING IN PSYCHOLOGY2
In criticism, it has been evidenced that psychotherapy, and not therapeutic relationship, is
the true determinant of counselling practice (Holm, Bevly & Prosek, 2018). However, it must be
recalled that the true benefits of psychotherapy can only be reaped, after establishing a
therapeutic relationship of consent, trust, respect and mutual respect between the client and the
counsellor (Nienhuis et al., 2018). Thus, with this respect, the statement, “the therapeutic
relationship is the cornerstone” for success in counselling, is truly justified (Norcross & Lambert,
2019).
Part B
The following five micro skills are instrumental in the development of a therapeutic
relationship (Staniforth & Booysen, 2016; Hill, 2019):
 Attentiveness and active listening: The counsellor must demonstrate that he or she is
actively listening and paying details to the subtle details shared by the client. This
encourages the client to feel that his or her concerns are being prioritized, which in turn
facilitates the therapeutic relationship.
 Questioning: Open ended questioning asked by the counsellor to the client regarding
subjective lived experiences and opinions, makes the client feel that his or her unique
concerns are being respected.
 Eye Contact: Maintenance of direct eye contact by the counsellor when the client is
speaking, encourages the client to feel that he or she is genuinely being listened to and
thus facilitates the therapeutic relationship.
 Body Posture: A body position or posture which is relaxed, open and attentive indicates
to the client that the counsellor is genuinely interested and is patient enough to listen to
his or her concerns which in turn, develops positive therapeutic relationship.