Page 49 - Part A
P. 49
Counselling Skills
Other descriptions might be:
• Like turning on a light
• A ‘eureka’ moment of inspiration when you realise something for the
first time
• Coming out of a fog into clear light.
Examples of such situations could include a person’s understanding of their
own sexuality or insight into a relationship problem, or perhaps a realisation
about their parentage.
The arrival of insight has to be managed carefully by the counsellor. Sometimes
insight can result in a great sense of relief. On the other hand, if arrived at too
early, it may produce pain and distress as it dawns on the person what has been
happening to them.
In order to avoid this, the skilled psychodynamic counsellor tries to enable the client
to approach insight one step at a time, as they develop the mental strength to cope
with the realisation about what is going to be revealed. Although the counsellor may
guide this process, the client will only achieve insight/catharsis when they are ready
to do so, however difficult and painful that may be.
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