THEORY TO PRACTICE CASE STUDY

Theory to Practice Case Study



DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING

LEVEL 4

THEORY TO PRACTICE CASE STUDY

In this case study I will share the process of relationship from start to end with my very first client Graham. I chose this client because being in a counselling room was a first for the both of us and the development and depth of our relationship was the beginning of my journey as a counsellor and therefore holds huge sentimental value.

Graham is a 45 year old man who came to Open Doors seeking a counsellor as he was having problems with anxiety. When Graham came for the first session I was so nervous and there were so many questions running through my mind, 'have I covered the contract properly, does this man believe I am capable of building a relationship with him because firstly I am so much younger and what do I know about life and secondly I am ONLY a student counsellor, not even qualified.'

As being nervous for my first counselling session, I preferred employing Carl Rodgers' theory which basically revolves around the client where therapists do not have to be authoritarian and impose his command and solutions on to the patients but the theory of Rogers is more client centered with an abiding respect for the clients. Moreover, under this approach I do not have to put much effort in analyzing and evaluating the condition but this approach is more about counselling through the reflection process and actualization tendency (Pescitelli, 1996). The clients are made realized to discover their own personal abilities through this therapy where therapist makes reflection of whatever the client says through mirroring back. In this way, the patient realizes his own self with the little assistance of therapist where the therapist throws the same question on the client where the client stops. For instance, if client says, I have a problem with intimacy here therapist needs to reply, I see, you have a problem with intimacy. This is how client would share more about his thoughts.

I was congruent and told him that it was my very first counselling session and he didn't seem to mind which was evident because as soon as I asked the reason for him wanting counselling he burst into tears and cried throughout the whole session, at the end he came towards me shook my hand and said thank you with so much gratitude he left me feeling overwhelmed. It felt so surreal sitting in front of a grown man who was so emotional, I felt slightly helpless. I had this urge of wanting to comfort him, ask the reason for his unhappiness but I give him his space, it was too early into the relationship for any form of physical contact. Despite the emotional release there was a sense of comfort in the room and in reflection I had given Graham exactly what he needed in that first session.

Carl Rodgers stated that the relationship between client and counsellor, providing ...