Chapter 2: Establishing A Helping Relationship

Question 1

What is the role of boundaries in the helping relationship?

Answer 1

Clarify the helping relationship so that both a helper and helpee know what to you expect from the relationship

Boundaries outline what is acceptable in the relationship

So the helpee can make an informed choice about whether or not to enter into the relationship and how much to disclose in the session itself

Boundaries create a secure framework for the helping work which makes it possible for the helper to build a close, even intimate, relationship with the helpee which is based on trust and respect without the constraints associated with friend’s

Question 2

These kind of boundaries create and support the framework for the helping session itself

Answer 2

Professional boundaries

Question 3

These kind of boundaries are our own personal limits. You can think of them almost as the rules which we live by in relation to other people and the world in general. Exist to keep us safe and protected and inform people about what is acceptable to us and what is not

Answer 3

Personal boundaries

Question 4

What can boundaries do in the helping relationship?

Answer 4

In the helping relationship, confidentiality helps to build trust, which is essential for an honest and respectful relationship. A helpee needs to be able to talk openly and reflect on what they are saying in order to better understand themselves and their situation and then to begin to explore different ways of coping in managing their lives.

Important thing is that the helpee needs to know exactly what the confidentiality boundary is and what limits there are before the helping session begins

Question 5

What do time boundaries provide in the helping relationship?

Answer 5

Communicates to the helpee how much time belongs to them. Allows them to make choices around how they will use the session and what and how much to discuss and disclose. Offers consistency and reliability

Question 6

Another element to consider in helping is the _______ or place where the helping work takes place.

Answer 6

Setting

Well not a boundary in itself, having an appropriate setting can enable appropriate boundaries to be established and maintained. You should consider privacy, interruptions, seating, proximity, furniture etc.

Should also reflect on what is an appropriate space between the counsellor and client.

Question 7

Why are endings important in helping work?

Answer 7

Endings can be difficult and painful. It is important to ensure the helpee is safe and able to go back into the world after a helping session ends. If not ended well, the client could be left feeling vulnerable or it could trigger painful feelings of loss and abandonment

Question 8

What are four ways to end a session?

Answer 8

Give the client a few minutes warning before the time runs out

Use the skills of summarizing to draw together the threads of the session and to show that you have heard and understood

Try not to introduce a new topic or ask a certain question that is likely to require an in-depth answer near the end of a session

Check that the helpee is OK before they leave the room