Reflection In Counselling

Register to read the introduction… In matching Janet’s posture, language and tone, I reflected back to Janet her external behaviours. When I commented to Janet “and because you know that at the base of it’s not you it’s him” I put into my words her thoughts regarding his behaviour. Janet’s response of “well that’s the thing, I don’t let it affect me anymore…” allowed her to then explore why her reactions to her ex-husband had changed. I found this skill of counselling particularly difficult in this session due to our friendship. In my introduction I alluded to an internal battle, this was at the core of my internal battle. As a friend who has also gone through a separation and divorce as well as being a mum who deals daily with children suffering from a lack of contact with their father, my tendency is to sympathise with Janet. Throughout the session I was aware of working on multi planes whilst being in the moment with Janet, I was also conscious of not appearing sympathetic rather to be …show more content…
In working on skills, knowledge and awareness we give our clients to chance to explore strategies that could work in their lives. I took from Janet the opportunity to set her own goals and to explore the process leading to this. The fact that in the hour after this session Janet’s ex-husband rang and in the course of their discussion Janet raised to him the suggestion that they maybe see a counsellor to try and work out their differences, does not reflect I believe entirely on this session. At first her ex-husband told her there was nothing wrong it was all in her head. Shortly thereafter he rang back and agreed to see someone. Janet reports they have their first session later next week. I believe that Janet would perhaps have come to the concept of parent counselling herself. I let the friend side of myself take over momentarily. In the future I will be more than aware of the need not to suggest or goal set for the client, it is their healing journey and not