If you think that clients expect you to be the consummate practitioner, who has to know it all, you will get in your own way at an unsustainable level!
I have found that, in my nearly 20 years as counsellor, only a handful of clients have asked me about my qualifications, specialisations or experience. The vast majority of clients don’t care.
As I said: we get in our own way. We demand more from ourselves as counsellors than what clients request from us. We feel we have to be entirely up-to-date with the latest and the greatest, and know all there is to know about the counselling modality and the mental health concern we’re working with. For many counsellors, this shows in practice. They come across as hesitant, doubtful, and unsure of themselves.
Generally, clients’ desires are simple: they want someone to listen, to be there for them, and to help them work through their issues. In short: they want help from a fellow human being. And the fact that you have studied to be a counsellor, and therefore know more than they do about that, is often more than enough.
Trust your foundations. If you have studied counselling, you are equipped to talk with people. All the other bits and pieces are interesting and complementary, but not necessary. The more you can “rest” in your foundational capability, the better your sessions will go. Without the need for more qualifications or knowledge.
Marc de Bruin is an ACA Level 4 counsellor, clinical supervisor (for both PACFA and ACA), university tutor, and former barrister-solicitor with over 20 years’ experience in counselling, supervision, and professional development. He is the founder of Counselling Supervision and Simplifying Life.
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