Page 10 - Part A

Counselling Skills

Key Fact: British Values

The counsellor’s role is not to change the client but to help the
client to change – the client has begun this process of change
by seeking counselling in the first place. Counsellors may come
across clients with differing opinions. This falls into one of the
key values in Britain.

In Britain, we live in a democracy. In a democracy, people show
tolerance and respect for opinions that differ from their own and rely
on rational discussion, debate and evidence to win arguments over
decision making. This is a key value to remember, as counsellors
may one day find themselves in a situation where opinions differ.

Key Fact

For the counsellor, or anyone who uses counselling skills, having
unconditional positive regard for someone means suspending any
judgements about them or their behaviour. Normally, we tend to
judge others according to our own beliefs and values.

2. Genuineness

Genuineness is also called congruence. Like unconditional positive regard,
genuineness is also an attitude that can be developed as a skill. It is perhaps the
most important basic skill for the counsellor because, often, clients can tell whether
the counsellor is genuine or not. They can tell if the counsellor is just ‘going through
the motions’, in which case they are not likely to be forthcoming with issues
of concern.

If the counsellor is perceived not to be genuine, the client will lack trust in both the
counsellor and the counselling relationship. A relationship in which the client cannot
explore issues and make progress will not develop.

Genuineness comes from a desire to help the client find the solutions to their
problems, it is not solving the problems for them. It is strongly linked to having
unconditional positive regard. It means that the counsellor has to be authentic
and not put on a façade.

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