Counselling

Counselling Definition - Talk therapy (used in OT wherever we are developing relationships) - Involves the use on verbal, non-verbal and relationship skills in order to facilitate change o Person being helped can feel better and discover new ways of thinking and behaving ‘Peeling the onion’ analogy 1. Private information never shared with others 2. Information that may be risky to share with others 3. Sensitive personal information that may be shared with a trusted person 4. Information shared in social and work situations 5. Information which is openly shared Counselling and OT - Counselling encourages self-reliance (confidence to make own decisions) - Unpredictability in O session may require the use of counselling skills Effective Counselling requires: - Self-awareness - Good psychological health - Sensitivity to and understanding of cultural factors in self and others - Open-mindedness - Objectivity - Competence - Trustworthiness - Friendly, warm, down to earth, sense of humour Purpose: - Talking about things and being listened to - Help people solve problems for themselves - Validation of experiences/issues What we bring: Client Values Expertise on own life/experiences Preconceived ideas about therapy

Therapist Goals Genuineness Empathy, warmth and sensitivity Non-judgement Unconditional positive regard Professional skills and clinical knowledge Values and self-awareness Objectivity Reflexion and reflexivity (in the moment)