The framework: theory

There is a myth that counsellors are born, not made; either they can do it naturally or they can't. Another myth maintains that all human problems are amenable to simple common sense; there is no need for a special category of therapeutic agents. Counselling, however, is neither magical nor mundane. The myths do not take account of the hard work of preparation behind the actual therapeutic hours, the competence in theory and technique which invisibly disciplines the counsellor's work. A counsellor has to establish a relationship which is firmly based in the reality of the everyday world but yet suspends reality enough so the client can explore himself and take emotional risks in a way he has never before dared. Within that relationship she listens to her client's communications and assimilates the messages to discover something new and illuminating. How she establishes that relationship and understands the communications depends on her theory - her ideas about how people develop and how things can go so awry that the individual ends up seeking help.