Establish a relationship of trust and respect with clients

Agree a counselling contract to determine what will be covered in sessions (including confidentiality issues)

Encourage clients to talk about issues they feel they cannot normally share with others

Actively listen to client concerns and empathise with their position

Accept without bias the issues raised by clients

Help clients towards a deeper understanding of their concerns

Challenge any inconsistencies in what clients say or do

Help clients to make decisions and choices regarding possible ways forward

Refer clients to other sources of help, as appropriate

Attend supervision and training courses

Undertake personal therapy (mandatory for accreditation)