Contracting & Ending a First Counselling Session

This is a role play of a first counselling session, concentrating on contracting, finding a tentative focus for the work and ending the session. It is aimed at Level 3 and Diploma counselling students. Jheni & I teach on CPCAB counselling courses. If you have any comments we would be delighted to hear from you.

[ChrisSkoyles]

This is the best example of a first counselling session I've found so far. As a Level 3 student currently working on an assignment question about the stages of a session, I've found this video invaluable, thank you. :)

[toota]

that's the essence of counselling. Listening, reflecting and helping the client say their thoughts so that they can hear them and also feel lighter by letting any negatives thoughts out.

[amyleighthomas]

I'm first year level 4 and this recording has been a godsend for me. Very well structured and the best I have seen on YouTube. Thank you!

[kenkibelel]

Tremendous Professionalism yet compassionate

[bellaella]

This is really good. Very helpful for a student like myself studying counselling and psychotherapy. My biggest fear is not knowing what to say or saying the “wrong” thing but this really helps a lot. Please more videos like this

[Maxzene]

Imagine if having David Bowie as a therapist

[genefreak]

Just started councelling myself and this appears word for word like my first session.... But my God... DAVID BOWIE LIVES as an Irish councellor!! 😁

[acejohnpaulapolinario]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:07 *👋 Introduction and Contracting*
- Initial meeting between Jenny and Donald for counseling about a breakup.
- Donald explains the structure of the counseling session and ethical guidelines.
01:01 *🔒 Ethical Framework and Confidentiality*
- Donald assures Jenny about the confidentiality of the sessions.
- Exceptions to confidentiality discussed: harm risk and legal duty regarding children.
- Mention of counselor supervision and its confidentiality under the ethical framework.
04:00 *💔 Jenny's Relationship Struggles*
- Jenny shares her struggles in a 25-year marriage.
- Feeling disconnected from her son and contemplating leaving.
- Conflicted emotions about the decision to stay or leave.
06:24 *🤔 Exploring Counseling's Potential*
- Jenny discusses the potential benefits of counseling.
- Expresses a desire for a space to explore her decisions and feelings.
- Acknowledges the difficulty of expressing her desire for separation.
09:46 *🤯 Overwhelmed by Big Questions*
- Donald highlights the significant questions Jenny is grappling with.
- Jenny's internal conflict about societal expectations and her personal needs.
- Fear and uncertainty about what life might be like after making a decision.
10:20 *⏰ Conclusion of First Session*
- Summary of the topics covered in the session.
- Donald suggests the possibility of taking up the offered 12 counseling sessions.
- Jenny expresses a willingness to proceed with the sessions.
11:39 *🔄 Reflecting on Session Progress*
- Donald proposes pausing midway through the sessions for reflection.
- Offers flexibility for Jenny to move at her own pace.
- Jenny appreciates the idea of having time to explore and reflect.
13:30 *🗓️ Scheduling Future Sessions*
- Discussion about scheduling future sessions on Thursdays at 2:00.
- Jenny feels lighter and sees the counseling as a new opportunity.
- Expresses relief in finding a space to discuss her concerns.

Made with HARPA AI

[katiebranchflower]

" sounds very lonely" I didn't hear that … not surprised she was surprised with that feeling he identified.

[charlieponting]

Loved this practical demonstration of so many things that cannot be adequately put into words.

[RockDove]

Donal has such a wonderfully calm and reassuring way; gentle and sensitive to the helpee.

[velenirasorewadakuwaqa]

its helps me to know how to go about the early stage of counseling-a counselling student Fiji

[brandyj.]

I feel relaxed just listening to his accent! ;-) Excellent and helpful video.

[yigityektakukul]

please continue to do type of this video series. because they help us for improving to counseling skills.sorry i cant speak english very well i hope i choosed the right words.have a nice day

[JahaziahP]

Thank you Donal, you teachings have been invaluable throughout my learning journey! This video is laced with many gems!
YOUR Supervision student D 🎉🎉!

[Itsallgonnabeok]

Thank you for making and sharing this. Has really helped with my studies :) the best example of an introduction I can find! Felt very real

[maggsw]

Yes, I agree with the comments that this, is best I've come across regarding the 'opening' to a counselling session. Pls do some some more videos on clarifying, paraphrasing and summarising.

[mrs.p]

Tomorrow I have to present a demo of counseling in front of my whole colleague and my subject teacher, I found this video really helpful. I will try to use all the skills as shown in the video, and share my experience of being in counselor role, in front of whole mass.

[RetroGuy_]

Mr O'Reilly, this isn't meant as an insult, but from this angle, you resemble the late David Bowie. Excellent video, thank you for sharing.

[PaulBaird]

The body language difference is very interesting. The counselor is generally passive giving the client plenty of room to use expressive hand movements.