With increasing emphasis being given to the importance of the relationship in counselling, this paper is based on an initial exploration of counsellors' experiences of risk when bringing their own person into play, and the way in which these experiences relate to the quality of psychological contact. Qualitative interviews with eight practising…

The influence the counsellor has on his or her clients is problematic both theoretically and practically. This article explores how counsellors in six focus groups talked about counsellor influence in response to a series of scenarios and questions. The counsellors adopted three main, or "core", positions about influence: "counsellors shouldn't…

This paper explores the attitudes and conceptions held by trainee and practising counsellors towards people with disabilities. Awareness of counsellors' own views of disability and impairment can complicate the counsellor-client relationship when the latter is seen primarily from a deficiency model perspective or self-defined model of disability,…

This study investigated the emerging practice of online counselling. Although the traditional practice of counselling involves face-to-face interaction between counsellor and client, a growing number of practitioners are providing counselling or therapy services via the Internet. In the present study, a total of 67 online counsellors completed a…

The purpose of this study was to explore the help-seeking behaviour of a sample of counselling clients using a questionnaire and follow-up, semi-structured interviews with 20 counselling clients who were seen at a walk-in, affordable counselling agency located in a mid-sized city in New Zealand. Specifically, clients were asked if they had…

This article sets out a detailed commentary on the neglected end of the assessment centre, namely, the candidate. It highlights the variety of ways in which assessment centres do not always live up to their claims and can act against rather than in the interests of the candidate. It shares with assessment, counselling and guidance professionals an…

Increasing numbers of counsellors practise using social constructionist (e.g. narrative, collaborative language systems and solution-focused) approaches. Social constructionist theory holds that matters such as "understanding" are constructed and upheld in human interaction though counselling approaches derived from this theory offer…

A hermeneutic view of counseling attunes counselors to the particular meanings and meaning-making potentials clients and students bring to conversations. Accordingly, counselors' questions and proposed solutions can engage the meaning-making efforts of clients in ways counselors and clients both can learn from. Article explores ways to adopt and…

Examines the nature and characteristics of the concept of unconditional positive regard (UPR); discusses how an experience of conscious identification (CI) within a person-centered counselor may affect its levels and manifestations. Theoretical aspects of UPR are examined, with reference to potential threats or benefits to UPR when a counselor…

Individuals can be envisaged as living within a number of parallel universes of discourse, where different meanings and values may apply. The inner and outer worlds of the counseling client also constitute different universes. Decisions made with respect to one universe may have different meanings or adverse consequences in another; it beholds the…

This article differentiates shame from guilt, describes the link between shame and white identity development, and outlines how experiences of shame in white counseling trainees may limit their professional growth if not addressed by trainers. Steps for assessing, actively processing and following up with these experiences during training…

Investigates the perceptions Israeli secondary-school counselors have of adolescence. Results reveal that, in general, counselors have a favorable view of adolescents and do not perceive adolescence as a "difficult stage." Counselors also believe that they are perceived positively by their adolescent students. Identifies five types of…

Explores the role of narrative-based research with ex-clients as a celebration and extension of the counseling process. Renegotiates issues of power and control, ethics, and safety in establishing research relationships in light of concerns about dual relationships in counseling. Reflects on these issues within the context of conducting a…

Focuses upon sexual orientation as a counseling resource: a means by which to expand upon skills and understand the experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Considers the process of development from the perspective of the clients and explores the process of identity formation and the role of those professionals who provide support during…

Explores the experience of psychotherapists (N=100) working with suicidal patients. Findings indicate that suicidal patients can evoke intense feelings within the therapist. Commonly mentioned responses include feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and a sense of failure. Outlines measures vital to the support of therapists and discusses the…