How do you make a client feel at ease on face to counselling session?

Establishing a comfortable and trusting rapport with your client is crucial to creating an environment where they can feel at ease during a face-to-face counselling session. Here are several tips to help you achieve this:

1. Create a Welcoming Environment:

- Ensure that your counselling room or office is comfortable, private, and free from distractions.

- Offer your client a comfortable seat and provide refreshments if appropriate.

2. Be Punctual and Professional:

- Start the session on time and let your client know if there will be any delays.

- Dress appropriately and maintain a professional demeanor.

3. Introduce Yourself:

- Introduce yourself and explain your role as the counsellor.

- Share any relevant qualifications or experience that might help build trust.

4. Active Listening:

- Give your full attention to the client, maintain eye contact, and use active listening techniques to show that you are engaged.

5. Empathy and Respect:

- Demonstrate empathy by acknowledging their feelings and experiences without judgment.

- Show respect for their values and beliefs, even if they differ from yours.

6. Build Rapport:

- Find common ground and try to connect with the client on a personal level.

- Share appropriate personal anecdotes or experiences that might help build trust.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy:

- Assure your client of the confidentiality of their sessions.

- Explain any limits to confidentiality, such as mandatory reporting requirements.

8. Open-Ended Questions:

- Use open-ended questions to encourage the client to talk about their concerns in their own words.

- Avoid leading or closed-ended questions that limit their responses.

9. Non-Verbal Communication:

- Maintain appropriate non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, that convey warmth and trustworthiness.

10. Set Realistic Expectations:

- Clarify the purpose and goals of the counselling sessions and discuss what the client can expect from the process.

11. Respect Client's Pace:

- Allow your client to pace the conversation and don't rush them to share more than they are comfortable with.

12. Be Responsive:

- Address your client's concerns and questions directly and provide feedback when appropriate.

13. Be Supportive:

- Offer encouragement and support without making promises or giving advice that is beyond your scope of practice.

14. Provide Emotional Safety:

- Establish boundaries to ensure safety, both physical and emotional, for both yourself and the client.

15. End the Session Gracefully:

- Summarize the main points discussed and agree on any action steps before concluding the session.

- Inform the client in advance when the session is about to end.

By following these tips and genuinely striving to create a safe and understanding space, you can help your client feel at ease and more open to sharing their concerns during a face-to-face counselling session.