Feeling safe in counselling

Feeling safe in counselling is very important. Clients need to have confidence in their relationship with their counsellor to be able to open up about the challenges that they will be facing. However, building trustworthy relationships requires commitment, time and dedication and cannot be rushed. Clients feel safe with their counsellors when they feel connected, listened to and understood.

Another thing that helps clients feel safe about counselling is that what is said during the sessions remains confidential. Clients are reassured by the counsellor that unless there is harm to self or harm to others, whatever is said during the session is said in utmost confidentiality. Confidentiality and privacy allow clients to express themselves freely without fear.

Clients also feel fear of being judged by the counsellor as we live in a judgmental society where people have strong opinions. Often we also get judged when we confide with family members and good friends and are given unwanted advice or criticism. For clients to feel safe in counselling, the counsellor must provide unconditional acceptance of whatever the client says or does.