Counselling Tutor Podcast about contracting in counselling, the skill of silence and theory talk about the core conditions of Carl Rogers. 

In this the first podcast episode of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, Ken and Rory speak about contracting as a counsellor. The theory section looks at the Core Conditions of Carl Rogers and in the skills section of the podcast Ken introduces the skill of silence.

The counselling contract

As counsellors we are expected to contract with our clients before therapy begins. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recognises contracting in the counselling relationship as part of client autonomy offering respect for the client’s right to be self-governing.

Rory and Ken explore what contracting is and why we need it at the beginning of the therapeutic journey. They look at how legislation effects what might be covered in a therapeutic contract and how the four corner rule applies to us as counsellors.

The Core Conditions of Carl Rogers

Rory explores the core conditions including looking at the real origin of the term "core conditions".

The facilitative conditions are outlined and compared against the "hidden conditions" or "counsellors conditions". Each of the core conditions is examined individually giving an overview of what part empathy, unconditional positive regard (ups) and congruence play in the counselling relationship. Rory shrines a light on the "hidden conditions". He gives an explanation of how psychological contact, the client being incongruent and the client perceiving, at least at some level, the presence of empathy and upr from the counsellor, influences the counselling relationship.

Use of Silence in Counselling

Silence is a counselling skill that may be challenging for some students of counselling. Ken Kelly delves deep into the meaning of silence and how the skill can be used effectively in the counsellor client relationship. Ken explores how the use and benefits of silence may differ for the counsellor and client. Silence is directly linked to the counsellor having unconditional positive regard for the client. It allows the client to set the pace of the session whilst trusting that they will find their own way without the counsellor needed to lead or guide.