If you are thinking about seeking counselling in Basingstoke or online, you might feel anxious about the process of getting in touch. The idea of sharing personal feelings with a stranger can feel daunting, and there are bound to be some nerves to start with. This is perfectly normal. 

You are not expected to speak completely freely to start with. Getting to that place takes some time, and that sense of comfort is the most important part of our work together. Developing that relationship - one grounded in mutual trust and understanding - is so crucial, because without it meaningful progress cannot really be made. To help you learn more about the counselling process before reaching out, here are three reasons why I place the client-therapist relationship at the centre of my work. 

Speak Truthfully 

Your sense of safety in the practice room - or over Zoom if you prefer - is something I always take care to cultivate during our time together. When we meet someone new, it is common to put up a bit of a mask, but eventually we get comfortable and start being more like our true self. This is also the case in counselling, and I take great care to be responsive to your needs, creating an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard that allows you to unapologetically be yourself. When you feel this way, you will feel more comfortable and be more willing to properly open up about your deep-rooted feelings and issues. 

Relational Knowledge 

A strong client-therapist relationship is not just important in terms of making you feel safe. It also has a directly practical therapeutic function. This is because, for many therapists, the relationship developed with a client over the course of therapy serves as the primary route towards understanding their wider interpersonal struggles and the resultant impact they have on mental health. 

During sessions, the therapist will learn about the client’s strategies for disconnection, as well as how they present themselves in general. Once these relational aspects have been identified, the therapist and client can explore the potential reasons behind the use of these strategies, giving them a clearer perspective on why they feel the way they do in social situations. 

Shared Decision Making 

Counselling is not just about being told what to do or not do. Working in this way is extremely limited, because the client will never develop the tools for self-empowerment that are key for overcoming issues like anxiety or low self-esteem. They may receive some comfort, along with some useful perspectives, but they usually won’t integrate these teachings into their daily life. 

Having a close relationship with your counsellor makes it much easier to be collaborative - to take an active role in the healing process. This is a much more effective form of counselling than simply voicing how you feel and being prescribed ‘solutions’. It allows you to feel more in control of your therapy. You begin to tap into your own inner potential for growth, which is such a crucial part of moving to a better place. 

If you would like to know more about counselling in Basingstoke or online, feel free to get in touch with me at any time. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.